A new study from Fraunhofer Austria, commissioned by refurbed, Ireland’s leading online market place for refurbished goods, shows that the way people buy, use and dispose of their smartphones is quietly costing them hundreds – and in some cases thousands – of euro more than it needs to.
The research, which models the full six-year lifecycle of an average smartphone in Europe with a new retail price of €575, finds that consumers can cut the total cost of owning a phone by between 25% and 76% simply by changing how long they hold onto the device, whether they trade it in and how they dispose of it at end of life.
The findings land at a moment of rapid change in the Irish mobile market. According to ComReg’s 2025 Mobile Consumer Experience Survey, the second-hand phone market in Ireland has more than doubled since 2022, from 6% of purchases to 13% in 2025. Yet three in five Irish phones in use today are still two years old or less – pointing to a churn cycle that is costing consumers unnecessarily.
The €2,574 question: how you use a phone matters more than what you paid for it
The Fraunhofer study modelled three scenarios for the same average European smartphone usage:
Circular use: the phone is bought new, used for three years, traded in and refurbished, used for another three years, then properly recycled. Total six-year cost: €959 (€876 purchase + €83 environmental costs), producing 83kg of CO₂ and consuming 38g of critical raw materials.
Average European use: the phone is used for three years, then left in a drawer, and eventually ends up in household waste. Total six-year cost: €1,294 (€1,150 purchase + €144 environmental), producing 161kg of CO₂ and consuming 115g of critical raw materials.
Linear “throwaway” use: the phone is replaced every year; older devices sit unused or are sent to illegal recycling in the Global South. Total six-year cost: €3,834 (€3,450 purchase + €384 environmental), producing 684kg of CO₂ and consuming 346g of critical raw materials.
Compared with circular use, the average European approach costs nearly 35% more, produces twice the emissions, and consumes almost three times the critical raw materials. The linear model costs four times more than circular, with eight times the emissions and nine times the raw material consumption.
The pressure on critical raw materials – cobalt, copper, magnesium, palladium and others that Europe overwhelmingly imports – rises sharply across the three models: from 38g in circular use, to 115g in average use, to 346g in linear use per device.
“The Fraunhofer data puts a number on something Irish consumers already sense,” says Kilian Kaminski, Co-Founder of refurbed. “Through usage behaviour alone – reselling, keeping a phone longer, or disposing of it properly – consumers can save at least €274 and up to €2,574 per device over six years. That is real money at a time when Irish consumers are more and more worried about their personal finances. For iPhone users, the savings potential is significantly higher.”
Ireland’s drawer problem
The study’s findings have particular resonance in Ireland, where the Central Statistics Office found that seven in ten internet users said their most recently disposed-of mobile phone is still sitting at home. Just 9% brought it to an e-waste collection or recycling centre. The pattern is generational: 24% of 16–29 year olds sold or gave away their old phone, compared with just 5% of those aged 75 and over.
“It was important for us to calculate results at the product level rather than for specific consumer groups, to avoid unnecessary consumer blaming,” says study author Paul Rudorf. “Every product must first be produced, which already entails costs and environmental impact. What happens after production makes the decisive difference. Our data shows that usage type, duration and disposal have a significantly greater impact on both consumer costs and the environment.”
The full Fraunhofer Austria white paper is available on request.
The Age-Friendly AI training programme, Ireland’s National Artificial Intelligence Literacy Initiative for Older Adults, was officially launched at Johnston Central Library in the Farnham Centre in Cavan on Monday. The programme is delivered by researchers from Technological University Dublin and the ADAPT Research Ireland Centre. Funded by Research Ireland, the initiative will roll out in public libraries across Ireland throughout 2026 in partnership with Libraries Ireland, managed by the Local Government Management Agency.
Age-Friendly AI was developed in partnership with older adults and leading ageing-focused organisations across Ireland. This training programme follows a year-long public dialogue exploring their hopes, concerns and expectations regarding artificial intelligence (AI) and its role in everyday life. Accompanying resources and training materials for librarians and other educators will support lifelong learning in their communities.
Speaking about the launch, Minister of State with responsibility for trade promotion, artificial intelligence and digital transformation, Niamh Smyth TD said:
“As technology accelerates, we must ensure our progress is measured not just by the speed of innovation, but by its inclusivity. No citizen should be left behind in the wake of advancement. That is why the work being done through ADAPT’s Age-Friendly AI programme is so vital, it bridges the generational divide, ensuring that the rewards of AI are accessible, equitable, and empowering for everyone, regardless of age. I was delighted to work alongside the team at ADAPT to arrange for the Launch of Phase 2 of the Age-Friendly AI project held in Johnston Library, Cavan, and wish the project continued success.”
Stuart Hamilton, Head of Libraries Development for the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) said,
“Libraries Ireland is proud to support the Age Friendly AI initiative as part of our national Skills for Life programme. Libraries are trusted, welcoming spaces at the heart of every community and play a vital role in ensuring learning is inclusive and accessible as society evolves. Already this year, we have seen Age Friendly AI engagements in libraries across several counties, and over the rest of 2026, libraries across Ireland will host a national rollout of the programme. Ultimately, this is about ensuring older people are part of the conversation on AI, giving them the time, support and confidence to engage at their own pace.”
Dr Emma Clarke from the ADAPT Centre said,
“Ongoing dialogue, enabled by the #DiscussAI national conversation on Artificial Intelligence, is at the very heart of this programme. By listening to older people from the outset, we ensure that the individuals this training aims to reach are actively involved at every stage of the process. This collaborative approach ensures that the programme is relevant and resonates with the real-life experiences and needs of older adults across Ireland.”
Paula Kelly, Age-Friendly AI Lead at TU Dublin, added:
“We are delighted to be partnering with the LGMA, Libraries Ireland, under their Skills for Life programme, as well as over twenty other community partners, to bring this training to every corner of the country. The Age-Friendly AI initiative isn’t just about teaching AI technology; it’s about making sure older adults aren’t left behind as AI becomes part of our everyday products and services, from healthcare to banking to staying in touch with family.”
The launch event began with an introductory workshop on artificial intelligence (AI) delivered by Paula Kelly. Participants explored what AI is, where it appears in daily life and how it is shaping areas such as healthcare, banking and communication. The session also examined both the benefits and potential risks of AI and allowed attendees to try AI tools in a supportive, hands-on environment.
The event also featured remarks from Paula Butler, Assistant Chief Executive and Head of Local Government Strategy, Research and Communications at the Local Government Management Agency, who highlighted the role of libraries in supporting community learning and digital inclusion.
Following the formal launch, attendees tried out interactive demonstrations, including “Spirit of Radio,” a vintage radio with a modern AI twist; an “Art or AI?” exhibit that challenged participants to distinguish between human-created and AI-generated artwork; and a voice-activated smart lamp.
The Age-Friendly AI training programme will continue to roll out in libraries across Ireland throughout 2026, providing accessible, community-based opportunities for older adults to learn about and experiment with artificial intelligence technologies. No previous knowledge of AI is necessary.
For updates on upcoming workshops and programme developments, members of the public can sign up to the Age-Friendly AI newsletter.
How the “My Coupons” feature enhances the 1win casino experience
The “My Coupons” feature on the 1win Casino platform serves as a simple and convenient starting point for anyone exploring bonuses, promotional rewards, and personalized offers. It’s designed to help players easily track what benefits are currently available to them without digging through multiple menus or support pages. This section acts as a user-friendly hub that centralizes all active and potential bonuses in one place.
For those who enjoy switching between different game formats, including 1win live casino, this feature provides a quick overview of rewards that can be applied across various gaming categories. Whether a player prefers classic slots or real-time table games, the platform ensures that coupon information stays organized and accessible whenever needed.
Another advantage of “My Coupons” is its ability to show which offers are time-limited or event-based, allowing players to make better decisions about when and how to use them. Without overwhelming details, it gives users a clear picture of current opportunities and upcoming bonuses they might want to watch for. This helps maintain a smooth flow in gameplay without constant interruptions or second-guessing.
Overall, this feature reflects the platform’s emphasis on convenience and simplicity. It’s a functional introduction to how 1win structures its promotional system and guides players toward making the most of what the casino offers. While not overly detailed, it acts as a foundation for exploring more advanced bonus mechanics later on and sets the stage for a well-organized gaming experience.
Understanding what a bet coupon is and where to find it on 1win
A bet coupon on 1win is the central element that stores all the details of a wager before it is confirmed. It works like a digital slip that collects selected events, chosen odds, potential payouts, and any additional options the player sets before finalizing a bet. This tool helps users keep control over every component of their wager, making the process transparent and easy to manage. Whether a player picks a single event or builds a combined selection, the coupon automatically updates and displays all relevant information in real time.
Before placing a bet, the coupon becomes the area where every choice is reviewed. It is located in a fixed position on the interface so that players always know where to find it, regardless of what section they are browsing. This gives the betting experience a structured flow: a user explores available markets, selects outcomes, and then shifts attention to the coupon to finalize the decision. Because the 1win platform is built with intuitive navigation, locating and using the coupon becomes effortless even for newcomers.
Bet coupon structure on 1win
Location on the interface: the coupon is typically displayed on the right side of the screen on desktop and in a pop-up panel at the bottom on mobile devices
Automatic event collection: every time a user selects a match or outcome, it is instantly added to the coupon
Real-time odds tracking: updated odds appear immediately, allowing players to adjust the bet if necessary
Stake input field: a dedicated section lets players enter the amount they want to wager
Projected payout calculation: the coupon shows a dynamic estimate of the potential win based on current odds
Bet type selection: users can switch between single, express, or system options depending on how many events they added
Confirmation button: once everything is reviewed, this button finalizes the bet and submits it to the system
After reviewing the coupon and confirming the desired parameters, players can place their bet with a single click. The interface ensures that the player sees all essential details clearly before committing to the wager. This reduces mistakes and gives users confidence that their choices are correct and intentional.
Even after the bet is placed, the coupon remains a crucial part of the experience. It helps players understand how each wager is structured, revisit their selections, and develop better decision-making habits over time. By presenting all information in one clean, organized location, 1win ensures that both beginners and experienced bettors can navigate the betting process with ease and accuracy.
How to track active and completed bet coupons on 1win
Monitoring active and finished bet coupons on 1win is an essential part of understanding your betting activity and evaluating performance over time. The platform provides a clear and structured way for users to review every wager they have placed, making it easier to identify winning patterns, analyze mistakes, and maintain control over their betting history. All this information is organized in a dedicated section where coupons are divided by their current status.
Active coupons include bets that are still running — matches in progress, scheduled events, or wagers waiting for final outcomes. Completed coupons, on the other hand, display the final result of each wager. These two categories help players stay focused and avoid confusion when checking multiple bets simultaneously. Navigating between them is simple, and the system updates automatically as events conclude.
Below is a structured table that summarizes how tracking works on 1win:
Status type
What it shows
Why it matters
Active coupons
wagers that are still unresolved and awaiting event results
helps monitor ongoing bets and adjust future decisions
Completed coupons
finalized bets with outcomes marked as won, lost, or refunded
provides clear performance statistics for analysis
Event details
full list of included selections, odds, timings, and stake amount
allows users to review the structure of each bet
Payout information
actual winnings or losses based on the final result
assists in understanding return rates over time
After reviewing the table, players can quickly navigate to the coupon section and filter their history with just a few clicks. Each coupon opens into a detailed page that breaks down every part of the bet — from the stake amount to the odds at the moment of placement and the final outcome. This helps users verify all elements of their wagers and better understand how results were calculated.
A major advantage of this system is the ability to analyze past bets in depth. Finished coupons reveal how often players win certain types of bets, whether single or combined selections work better for them, and how odds fluctuations affect results. By consistently checking both active and completed coupons, users gain a clearer picture of their betting strategy and can make smarter decisions for future wagers.
Final insights on using bet coupons within the 1win casino platform
The bet coupon system at 1win provides a structured and intuitive way for players to manage their wagers from the moment they select an event to the final calculation of the result. It simplifies the betting process, gives users more control, and ensures that every step is transparent. Throughout the platform, the coupon functions as a central hub that ties together all betting actions, making it an essential tool for both beginners and experienced players.
Tracking active and completed coupons offers users a deeper understanding of their overall performance. By separating ongoing wagers from finalized ones, 1win helps players stay organized and avoid confusion when managing multiple bets at once. This approach creates a smoother betting experience and allows users to keep a clear record of their progress in real time.
Evaluating completed coupons becomes a valuable learning tool for anyone interested in improving their strategy. Whether analyzing odds, reviewing unsuccessful bets, or identifying patterns in winning outcomes, players gain access to all the information they need to make better decisions going forward. This analytical layer transforms betting into a more thoughtful and informed activity rather than a series of random choices.
Overall, the combination of accessible tools, clear navigation, and detailed coupon tracking makes 1win a platform that supports users at every stage of the betting process. With these features working together, players can enjoy a more confident, organized, and rewarding experience — whether they focus on sports, live events, or casino games.
You’ve probably heard that the Chinese Banking System now intends to test a digital yuan. However, what does it imply for you all and your company? China has elevated the importance of advancements in digital currencies, being the country with the world’s most populous economy. The nation’s central bank published a white document on virtual currencies in 2015, which laid the groundwork for its intentions to test a virtual yuan. If you are interested in Digital Yuan, you must visit the most recommended trading platform like AI trading app.
The National Chinese Reserve Bank has been putting a lot of effort into developing a virtual yuan that can be used in various contexts, from bridge payments to internet purchases. Therefore, it’s critical to comprehend how this electronic yuan experiment may affect you if you do commerce in China or even with Chinese companies. Learn more about the Banking System of China’s intentions and what you can do to be ready by reading on.
The Advantages of Increasing Experiments in Virtual Yuan
Consider growing the digital yuan testing to reap several advantages. The first benefit is that it enables the banking system to understand better how the electronic yuan is being used. Furthermore, extending the trials will promote broader platform use and boost consumer trust. It will aid in realizing the objective of the electronic yuan becoming a world currency. Finally, the reserve bank will be better equipped to keep pace with new technological advancements and remain one step ahead of every possible rival if the trials are expanded.
The Difficulties of Expanding Electronic Yuan Trials
When extending electronic yuan experiments, you confront several obstacles. The system has to be able to manage the increasing number of transactions, for starters. For clients to enjoy using your new scheme, you must also ensure that it’s effective and reliable.
Then there are the difficulties with regulations. To prevent your business from experiencing any issues resulting from the spread of digital yuan trials, you must ensure that you are paying following the relevant laws. Last but not least, you must ensure you have always had the resources required to support the extension of electronic yuan testing.
Examining the Reasons Behind China’s Central Company’s Growth
After examining the operation of the electronic yuan and the project’s relationship with China’s banking system, let’s attempt to explain why they would do this. First, the banking system could keep a tighter check on how currency is utilized and ensure when it’s used in methods advantageous to the nation by extending the electronic yuan experiments.
Another hypothesis is that China aims to exert more influence globally. As a result, China would have a more significant influence on the world stage and could find it simpler to realize its objectives. Therefore, there is no question that the initiative is essential, regardless of China’s reasons for extending the electronic yuan testing.
Effects of the Expanding Virtual Yuan on International Industries
Although the direct impact of the spread of the electronic yuan on international businesses has yet to be determined, it is essential to note that China isn’t the only nation developing a national digital currency (CBDC).
Therefore, if China can introduce and grow its electronic yuan experiments, it may serve as a model for other nations. And this may have a significant impact on international sectors, especially those that deal with China or depend on Chinese commerce. For instance, if more nations adopt CBDCs, conventional forms of money like cash and coins may become obsolete. Along with cross-border marketing and business, this may significantly impact the banking and insurance industries. Therefore, it’s certainly something to pay special attention to!
What the Future Holds for the Virtual Yuan Growth
We should anticipate more extensive application and acceptance of the electronic yuan in the coming years, even if the specifics are still being worked out and there isn’t an exact schedule for how soon users will completely implement it.
To incorporate electronic yuan into its systems, it collaborates with various significant businesses, like Alibaba and WeChat. Therefore, even if we are still determining the precise timing or course of events, it is evident that the electronic yuan will remain, and it will only grow in popularity over time.
Conclusion
What does this suggest about the yuan’s prospects, then? The electronic yuan may assist in increasing liquidity and simplify operations for businesses and consumers. Additionally, it may make managing the president’s expenditures more straightforward.
Numerous obstacles remain to be addressed as the monetary authority develops the electronic yuan in its early phases. The digital yuan, however, may take a significant role in the worldwide finance system if the experiments are practical.
