28 January 2026 – The first VAR & IT Recycling Facility in the UK with 100% UK operations has achieved two BSI Kitemarks for their work to refurbish and remanufacture IT equipment, supporting the circular economy and reducing hardware’s impact on the environment.
Converge Technology Solutions has met the requirements the BSI Kitemark for Remanufacturing of Computing Hardware, BSI confirmed this week. The Kitemark is an independent, third-party certification that verifies that refurbished or remanufactured IT equipment meets stringent quality, safety, and performance standards. It bridges the gap between used and new, providing assurance that a remanufactured product is as reliable as a new one, supporting the circular economy.
The company has also achieved the BSI Kitemark for Refurbishment of Computing Hardware, validating quality and sustainability for public sector buyers. This certification verifies that refurbished or remanufactured IT equipment, such as laptops, desktops, and servers, meets high standards of quality, performance, and reliability, rather than just being cleaned and resold.
Both Kitemark certifications are based on the BS 8887 series of standards, which provide guidance and requirements for designing products in a way that supports their manufacture, assembly, disassembly and end-of-life processing. This is often referred to by the acronym MADE (Manufacture, Assembly, Disassembly, End-of-Life). The series’ overall aim is to help designers and manufacturers build sustainability and circularity into products, for example by making them easier to disassemble, remanufacture, reuse or recycle.
Research has found that remanufactured laptops produce just 6.34% of CO2 emissions compared to a new one . Converge’s dual achievement validates the lifecycle leader’s UK-based 360° lifecycle management, which involves supplying new devices, securely collecting unwanted equipment, and returning remanufactured/refurbished devices to customers as new.
Converge’s certification journey combined rigorous audits with operational investments, including UV laser keyboard reprinting, vinyl restoration, battery replacement, and component upgrades, supported by stronger warranty and fast return to base service. The company processes ~36,000 units per month at its Stafford HQ, with secure, camera-tracked collections in the UK and Europe, and UK-sourced materials where possible. Components are recycled or repurposed through ethical channels.
Shahm Barhom, Managing Director, Product Certification, BSI said “Achieving both the BSI Kitemark for Remanufacturing and Refurbishment of Computing Hardware is a notable achievement that highlights Converge Technology Solutions’ commitment to quality and sustainability. As the first UK VAR and IT recycling facility with fully UK-based operations to hold both Kitemark certifications, Converge is setting a strong benchmark for the sector and providing public sector buyers with confidence in refurbished and remanufactured products.”
Alex Cavanagh, Commercial Manager – IT Recycling at Converge Technology Solutions said: “The remanufacture standard pushes you to deliver a product as good as new. The BSI Kitemark is a household name, it provides trust in what we do. BSI made a complex process simple. Clear timelines, black and white standards, and approachable auditors kept us on track.”
For further information on the BSI Kitemark for the Remanufacturing of Computing Hardware and the BSI Kitemark for the Refurbishment of Computing Hardware, visit https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/products-and-services/assessment-and-certification/product-testing-certification/quality-assurance-in-remanufactured-and-reconditioned-products/
