BNP Paribas has inaugurated an IT refurbishment and remarketing centre in the Yvelines, France, to address electronic waste in Europe.
The facility is managed by BNP Paribas 3 Step IT, a joint venture established in 2019 between BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions—the professional equipment financing arm of BNP Paribas—and 3stepIT, a Finnish company specialising in circular technology services.
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BNP Paribas 3 Step IT CEO Carmen Ene said: “The investment in this centre underscores BNP Paribas’ commitment to advancing the circular economy in Europe, aligning with the European Union’s ambitious goals to promote circularity and sustainable resource use.
“This also marks a significant milestone for BNP Paribas 3 Step IT, reinforcing our mission to help clients maximise the value of their technology while reducing electronic waste.”
BNP Paribas 3 Step IT plans to gradually increase the processing capacity of the centre, potentially reaching up to 400,000 reprocessed IT equipment annually.
The initial target is to process 100,000 equipment by the end of this year.
BNP Paribas said this new facility enables BNP Paribas 3 Step IT to enhance its ability to deliver more efficient and sustainable IT lifecycle management services across Europe, benefiting both its clients and internal operations.
The centre will also offer a ‘buyback’ service, known as IT Asset Disposition, where businesses can send their decommissioned IT equipment for refurbishment or “responsible” recycling.
BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions CEO Neil Pein said: “This is a major step for BNP Paribas, strengthening its commitment to supporting clients in their transition to a more resource-efficient and low-carbon use of their IT assets.
“This centre also upholds a responsible employment policy, which values and supports people with disabilities, those in social reintegration, and older adults.”
BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions provides business equipment financing solutions across sectors such as agriculture, construction, and healthcare.
Last year, it advanced €16.3bn ($17.49bn) in asset finance and manages a €40.4bn leased asset portfolio.
