Sustainability in Catering: Refurbished Equipment

Refurbished equipment saves more than money

Across the UK, foodservice operators and catering businesses are rethinking how they source and maintain their equipment. Rising costs, new regulations, and growing environmental awareness have changed how kitchens invest in the tools that keep them running. Refurbished catering equipment has stepped into the spotlight as a smart, responsible and profitable alternative.

A shift in mindset across the industry

Recent industry data reveals that almost 70% of hospitality, entertainment and leisure businesses have good working catering equipment sitting idle because it’s no longer needed. At the same time, 84% of hospitality managers say they don’t want unused appliances scrapped, yet more than half admit they’ve still sent working machines for disposal within the last five years. (Source: Foodservice Equipment Association)

This contradiction shows a clear opportunity: extend the life of equipment, cut waste, and make sustainability pay off.

Why refurbished makes sense for modern kitchens

Cost-efficiency that doesn’t cut corners

Refurbished equipment gives operators access to high-performance machinery without the high price tag. It’s ideal for small and medium sized businesses that want to manage capital expenditure while maintaining professional standards. Every Herits refurbished item undergoes a full inspection, reconditioning, and performance test to meet or exceed compliance standards. For many businesses, it’s the smarter way to buy, freeing up budget for staffing, training, or energy upgrades.

Sustainability meets practicality

Choosing refurbished equipment supports a circular economy; one where machines are repaired, reused, and repurposed instead of discarded. Every item reused keeps metal, plastics, and refrigerants out of landfill, reducing embodied carbon and conserving the resources required to build new equipment. For growing hospitality brands, it’s a tangible way to show leadership in sustainable operations.

Regulatory and environmental compliance

UK regulations for catering environments are strict for good reason. Safety and hygiene cannot be compromised. High-quality refurbished appliances can meet those same standards at a lower investment level. Many suppliers, including Herits, ensure all units are Gas Safe and electrically tested and carry compliance documentation ready for inspection. For operators facing Environmental Health audits, this delivers peace of mind with financial control.

Strong supply and resale market

The refurbished catering equipment sector has evolved into a vibrant marketplace. There is steady demand for combi ovens, refrigeration units, induction ranges, and more, all sought by businesses wanting reliable performance without the long lead times of new production. This strength benefits both buyers and sellers, creating a healthy resale ecosystem that keeps assets circulating rather than discarded.

The sustainability ripple effect

Investing in refurbished equipment does more than prevent waste. It reduces manufacturing emissions, shortens supply chains, and strengthens local economies. When equipment is sourced, repaired, and sold within the UK, the carbon footprint from international freight is also cut dramatically.

At Herits, sustainability goes hand in hand with service. Our engineers rebuild commercial kitchen equipment to precise standards, giving businesses the same reliability as new, but with a fraction of the environmental cost. The result is professional-grade machinery that extends its lifespan by years, delivering measurable environmental and financial value.

How to make refurbishment part of your business strategy

Audit what you have

Identify underused or duplicate assets that could be refurbished, sold, or reallocated to new sites.

Buy refurbished when performance matters most

Focus on durable categories like ovens, refrigeration, and warewashing, where reconditioning produces like-new results.

Ask for certification

Always request documentation confirming Gas Safe, PAT, and compliance checks.

Partner with trusted suppliers

Look for refurbishment specialists with transparent processes and warranty support.

Track savings and impact

Record cost savings, energy reductions, and waste prevented to support ESG reporting and marketing claims.

The bigger picture

Refurbished catering equipment isn’t a second-best option, it’s a forward-looking business decision. It reflects the reality that sustainability and profitability are now deeply connected. The most successful operators are those who see value not just in performance today, but in resilience tomorrow.

The UK’s catering sector is changing fast. As more kitchens embrace refurbished solutions, the industry is proving that efficiency and responsibility can work hand in hand. Every oven reused, every chiller reconditioned, every asset kept in service moves us closer to a sustainable, circular hospitality economy.

Herits supports decision-makers with practical tools that make sustainability achievable.

Explore our Equipment Scorecard, Total Cost of Ownership Calculator, and Key Considerations Guide

See how smarter choices today build stronger kitchens for the future.