Better Than New

Royal Philips, a global leader in health technology, today announced the launch of its ‘Better Than New’ campaign to create awareness and traction for Philips’ refurbished products. The creative thinking behind the campaign focuses on the tension between ‘new equals better’ and ‘better than new’. Responding to the needs of an increasing number of consumers and building on the company’s commitment to sustainability and driving a more circular economy, Philips’ goal is to make products that can be refurbished and reused. The Philips Refurb Editions ‘Better Than New’ campaign, which has been co-created with creative agency LePub (Amsterdam, the Netherlands) and co-founders of the Italian image-only magazine TOILETPAPER (artist Maurizio Cattelan and photographer Pierpaolo Ferrari), uses the creativity engendered by a seeming conflict of ideas – new equals better versus better than new – to turn the stereotypical idea of innovation on its head.

Philips has always been at the forefront of innovation, the company’s purpose being to improve people’s health and wellbeing through meaningful innovation. As part of Philips’ response to today’s consumers’ needs and through its commitment to sustainability and driving a more circular economy, it is the goal to make products that can be refurbished and reused. The environmental impact of using refurbished products is less than buying a new product because the need for raw materials and new parts is reduced. Today’s consumers are more informed and aware of the need for sustainability than ever before and keen on finding innovative ways to live more sustainable lifestyles. And as consumer behavior shifts and changes, how people buy products and services and how brands sell them continues to evolve. Consumer surveys suggest that sustainability is playing an increasing role in how people buy – for example, 38% of consumers say they are willing to pay more for a durable product and 40% buy second-hand products. Philips believes that as well as a brand-new product there should be a brandnew choice: the option of new or refurbished. Philips Refurb Editions – products that are given a second life with guaranteed Philips quality and the same two-year guarantee as a new product – offer consumers that exciting and simple alternative. It also means less waste. With more than 39,000 refurbished products finding a new home, Philips already avoided 139 tons of e-waste in 2022.