Second-hand markets in Spain show a powerful trend
The second-hand market in Spain is enjoying a peak moment. It offers a practical way to reuse goods that might otherwise end up in landfills while supporting ecological goals. In 2021, regions like Andalusia, the Community of Madrid, Catalonia, and Valencia contributed to a nationwide reduction in emissions, with Spain avoiding 1,473,522 tonnes of CO2, an 18.6% rise from 2020. This momentum places the sector at the forefront of emission reductions across the country.
Evidence comes from the Environmental Impact of Second Hand 2021 report published by Thousand Announcement, a major online marketplace for used goods. The study notes that Spaniards, on average, avoided about 31.1 kilograms of CO2 per person in 2021, which is 4.7 kilograms less than the previous year, underscoring a growing awareness of sustainable consumption patterns.
Looking at regional contributions to total CO2 savings, Andalusia emerged as a leading region, followed by Madrid (154,717 tonnes), Catalonia (148,680 tonnes), and the Valencian Community (136,933 tonnes). In total, these efforts translate into 1,473,522 tonnes of CO2 avoided, a figure that equates to roughly three days of Spain’s total emissions and marks a notable increase from 2020.
The per capita savings are most pronounced in Extremadura, with 43.78 kg saved per person, followed by Andalusia at 43.68 kg, Navarra at 40.95 kg, Castilla-La Mancha at 37.92 kg, and Castilla y León at 37.75 kg, highlighting regional disparities in impact and adoption.
Circular economy
The goal of the second-hand market extends beyond cutting emissions. It extends the life cycle of products, reducing the need for new raw materials and supporting the circular economy. This shift also lowers demand for plastics and metals, further amplifying environmental benefits.
In 2021, Spain saw substantial material savings in plastics, steel, and aluminum: 94,188 tonnes of plastic, 712,040 tonnes of steel, and 62,455 tonnes of aluminum. These gains surpassed 2020 figures, with plastics up 18.27%, steel up 20.41%, and aluminum up 17.7%, reflecting a broad move toward sustainable material use and resource efficiency.
The sector also reflects changing consumption habits, particularly in the automotive field, where second-hand vehicles gained traction as a sustainable option. The study notes that the motor sector contributed significantly to CO2 and material savings, underscoring the role of used vehicles in reducing overall environmental impact.
For every second-hand car sale, the report indicates substantial savings: 2,805 kg of CO2, 193 kg of plastic, 1,319 kg of steel, and 128 kg of aluminum. In terms of larger vehicles, trucks and buses still offer significant emission reductions, each vehicle contributing about 12,245 kg of CO2 savings when traded in through second-hand channels. The data point to a delicate balance: while reused vehicles can be advantageous, care must be taken to avoid older models with higher emissions when purchasing used cars.
The home and garden category also shows meaningful gains, with 33,168 tonnes of CO2 saved in 2021. Items such as chairs, sofas, and armchairs stood out, supported by savings in plastics, steel, and aluminum, which further illustrate the material benefits of reuse in everyday furniture and household goods.
During the year, computer products contributed to CO2 savings as well: 15,679 tonnes saved, along with reductions in plastic, steel, and aluminum usage. Mobile phones emerged as a prominent contributor, saving 4,520 tonnes of CO2 through their trade and reuse cycles, highlighting the strong environmental impact of electronics reuse.
More and more used companies
The second-hand market in Spain is thriving as more online platforms join the ecosystem. Beyond familiar names like Wallapop, Vinted, Marketplace, and Milanuncios, a range of websites and apps enable people to buy and sell items that are still usable but no longer needed. Experts predict a bright future for second-hand commerce, with the sector moving beyond small, lesser-known operators toward mainstream prominence. Younger generations appear especially receptive to this model, embracing it as a credible, everyday option for consumption and finance.
As the market expands, it helps shift the focus from constant new purchases to more thoughtful, resale-driven exchanges. The broader acceptance of second-hand goods aligns with sustainability goals and supports local communities by keeping products in circulation longer. This trend signals a durable shift in consumer behavior and market structure, with the potential to reshape retail and waste management practices in the years ahead.
Endnote: For further details on the environmental impacts associated with second-hand sales, consult the Thousand Announcement report, attributed to the study on environmental impact of second-hand commerce in 2021.