Philips Shows Off As-New Refurbished Goods In Retro-Futuristic Adverts

Philips is highlighting the value of good-as-new products through its new Philips Refurb Editions, which breathe new life into old products. To emphasize this concept, the electronics company has created retro-futuristic advertisements showcasing how embracing the past can contribute to a better future.

According to Philips, 38% of customers are willing to pay for more durable goods that can withstand the test of time, while 40% opt for secondhand items. The Refurb Editions initiative involves carefully inspecting and refurbishing products that have been resold online or returned within 30 days. Hygiene-related components like shaver blades and electrical components such as chargers are replaced, and each item undergoes rigorous testing before being repacked in either original or recycled packaging.

The Better Than New campaign focuses on three products: a shaver, a hair dryer, and an epilator. Through these videos, Philips demonstrates that even though these items have had a previous life, they are still fully functional, aesthetically-pleasing, and built to endure, potentially lasting through generations—maybe even long enough to see space travel.

Philips collaborated with creative agency LePub and Italian Magazine Toiletpaper to create the campaign, delving into the company's archives to incorporate elements from its old-school print ads. By blending nostalgia with futuristic visuals, the campaign challenges consumers to reconsider their purchasing habits and embrace reused products as a sustainable alternative to new ones. Robert Metzke, Philips global head of sustainability, stated: “With the Better Than New campaign, we are encouraging people to think differently about buying new goods and showcasing how reused products can offer a lower environmental impact.”

[via Muse by Clio and LBB Online, screenshots via Philips]