Converge Technology Solutions has achieved a BSI Kitemark designed to ensure remanufactured devices are “as good as new”.
The Staffordshire-based lifecycle services outfit, which ranked 28th in Oxygen 250 2026, last week announced it has met the requirements for the BSI Kitemark for Remanufacturing of Computing Hardware.
Held by only a small handful of other firms, it is designed “bridge the gap between used and new, providing assurance that a remanufactured product is as reliable as a new one”.
At the same time, Converge has also achieved the less stringent BSI Kitemark for Refurbishment of Computing Hardware.
The BSI confirmed it is “the first UK VAR and IT recycling facility with fully UK-based operations” to hold both Kitemark certifications.
Running the rule over remanufacturing versus refurbishment
Second-user equipment is on the rise, with remanufactured laptop specialist Circular Computing bagging landmark Irish and UK public sector wins in 2024 and 2025, respectively (see here and here).
Boasting a facility in the UAE, Circular Computing was the first organisation to receive the BSI’s remanufacturing Kitemark back in 2021 (and is the only other firm to hold both the remanufacturing and refurbishment ones).
Other brands known to have since bagged the former status include Pyramid Distribution and RD-UK.
Both Kitemark certifications are based on the BS 8887 series of standards.
According to the BSI, remanufacturing refers to a deeper, factory-style process intended to return a used product to an as-new or better-than-new functional condition.
While still designed to be “rigorous”, the process around the refurbished Kitemark is specific to device condition and grade, and products may or may not carry a shorter warranty than fully remanufactured devices, according to the BSI.
Converge claims its BSI certification journey “combined rigorous audits with operational investments in UV laser keyboard reprinting, vinyl restoration, battery replacement, and component upgrades”.
“Remanufacturing (BS 8887-220) means we return the device to a state that is as good as new, including UV laser keyboard reprinting and component upgrades,” Converge said in a statement to IT Channel Oxygen.
“Refurbishment allows us to provide a verified, high standard second life for a broader range of equipment, giving public sector and enterprise buyers an independently audited ‘mark of trust’ they can’t get from standard resellers.
“Unlike others, our entire process from collection to remanufacture, happens at our Stafford HQ, significantly reducing the ‘carbon miles’ for our UK customers.”
“Converge setting a strong benchmark”
Converge also confirmed it recently became one of “only a handful” of HP Renew Certified Refurbisher partners in the UK – a badge SCC also recently attained.
It claims to process 36,000 units a month at its Stafford HQ.
“While the BSI Kitemark validates our internal processes, the HP Renew certification means HP themselves trust us to restore their hardware to factory standards,” Converge stated.
“This allows us to provide equipment that often carries a genuine HP warranty, bridging the gap between ‘used’ and ‘new’ in a way that very few others in the country can.”
“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,” stated Shahm Barhom, Managing Director, Product Certification at the BSI.
“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.”
