The appointment places one of Europe’s leading circular technology executives at the head of an industry body seeking stronger standards, fairer regulation and a more influential voice in Brussels.
Patrick Höijer, Chief Executive Officer of Foxway, has been elected Chairman of the Board of the European Refurbishment Association, EUREFAS, as the organisation prepares to intensify its engagement with European policymakers.
The appointment gives Foxway a prominent role in discussions that could help determine the future of technology refurbishment and reuse across Europe. For the company, it represents an opportunity to contribute directly to the policies, standards and market conditions shaping the transition towards a more circular technology economy.
EUREFAS brings together European companies involved in refurbishing and returning technology to productive use. The association promotes common quality standards, campaigns for fair and harmonised legislation and provides a collective industry voice in discussions with European Union policymakers.
“I am honoured by the trust placed in me and look forward to taking on the role as Chair of EUREFAS,” Höijer said.
He described the association as an important force for uniting the refurbishment industry and ensuring that reuse is represented by a strong and consistent voice across Europe.
Working with the EUREFAS Board, its members and other industry stakeholders, Höijer intends to advance circular policies that serve the association’s membership, establish shared standards that strengthen confidence in refurbished technology and help make circular technology a natural first choice for businesses and consumers.
A stronger voice for Europe’s refurbishment sector
The leadership change comes at an important point for the European circular technology market.
Refurbishment businesses are becoming increasingly important to Europe’s efforts to extend product lifecycles, preserve valuable materials and reduce electronic waste. However, the sector continues to operate across different national rules, quality expectations and market conditions.
EUREFAS is seeking to address those challenges by encouraging greater consistency across Europe and ensuring that the experience of refurbishment and reuse companies is reflected in future regulation.
During Höijer’s term, the association plans to strengthen its dialogue with EU policymakers. Its priorities will include improving the competitiveness of refurbished products, establishing fair regulatory conditions and contributing to the implementation of the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation.
EUREFAS will also continue working towards the introduction of a Europe-wide quality label for refurbished technology. Such a label is intended to strengthen trust among corporate buyers and consumers by providing greater consistency in how refurbished products are assessed and presented.
Foxway builds on its founding role
Foxway is a founding member of EUREFAS and has been actively involved with the association since its establishment.
Höijer’s election as Chairman strengthens the company’s ability to contribute its industry experience to the development of the European circular technology market. It also places Foxway at the centre of efforts to create regulatory and commercial conditions in which refurbished products can compete more effectively with newly manufactured equipment.
The appointment reflects the growing significance of refurbishment and reuse within Europe’s technology industry. What was once viewed primarily as an alternative route for used equipment is increasingly becoming a strategic market built around resource efficiency, product longevity, data security and measurable environmental benefits.
Under Höijer’s chairmanship, EUREFAS will seek to turn that growing recognition into practical policies, credible common standards and stronger market confidence throughout Europe.