Once a signifier of luxury or novelty, custom products and services are now within reach of the everyday consumer, thanks to the rise of artificial intelligence, algorithm-led platforms, and the COVID-era digitisation boom. Today, everyone wants to be the main character of their brand experience.

With people upgrading their tech every couple of years, e-waste is becoming a big problem, pushing people to seek out used and refurbished pieces – but can you trust the quality? Back Market is an online marketplace that makes buying refurbished cool, reliable, and eco-conscious.

As the pandemic keeps people at home, the way we use our phones is changing. But shifts were happening pre-COVID-19, as tech moved away from novelty and into everyday life. Is design alone enough when it comes to creating aspirational items? And how are ethical values impacting the tech space?

A number of jewellery brands are using gold from e-waste in their pieces, opting to recycle precious metals from discarded phones. Luxury shoppers are increasingly focused on sustainability, and high-end brands are responding by selecting materials from unconventional sources.

With new gadgets regularly entering our lives, abandoned tech is piling up in homes; the average American household has $264 worth of unwanted devices. Why do people struggle to get rid of their old smartphones and tablets? And how can tech brands encourage more eco-friendly disposal habits?