The Fourth Edition of the “Top 100 Sustainable Marketplaces Report”: Recommerce Market Gains Traction

Cross-Border Commerce Europe Unveils the Fourth Edition of the “Top 100 Sustainable Marketplaces Report”: Recommerce Market Gains Traction

Brussels – 7 November 2024. Cross-Border Commerce Europe, the authoritative platform driving e-commerce in Europe, has released the much-anticipated fourth edition of its “TOP 100 Cross-Border Sustainable Marketplaces Europe” report. The study reveals a booming recommerce landscape, with marketplaces playing a pivotal role in this growth. This surge reflects a rising commitment to sustainability and circular economy models. A study conducted by CBCommerce with the support of FedEx Express and Poste Italiane. 

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The recommerce market in Europe is thriving, with a 20.8% growth in Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV) between 2023 and 2024, reaching €102.6 billion. This follows an average growth rate of 24.6% between 2020 and 2024. Marketplaces, accounting for 72.3% of this GMV, are driving this growth. The sector is projected to expand by 15.2% in 2025, reflecting a rising commitment to sustainability and circular economy models. The fourth edition of the “TOP 100 Cross-Border Sustainable Marketplaces Europe” report highlights this transformative trend, underscoring the future of eco-conscious commerce.

Many of these marketplaces are embedding sustainability into their core operations, adopting circular economy models, minimizing waste, and aligning with the EU’s Green Deal and Circular Economy Action Plan. Leading players like Vinted, TheRealReal, MPB, and Back Market are gaining strength annually. The top 100 cross-border recommerce marketplaces stand out with a remarkable €63 billion turnover, reflecting a 19.1% growth. This growth is projected to continue, with recommerce expected to represent 12.6% of the total online European GMV by 2025, more than twice its market size in 2020 (5.7%).

The TOP 10 Marketplaces in this report are:

1. Vinted
2. OLX
3. LiveAuctioneers
4. MPB
5. AutoScout24
6. eBay
7. Fashionphile
8. Back Market
9. BrickLink
10. TheRealReal

Focusing on C2C and B2C business models, this report meticulously excludes travel, services, adult content, and betting sectors. The ranking process differentiates pure marketplaces from hybrid platforms, assessing those operating in at least two European countries. A comprehensive eRank score was derived from factors such as cross-border sales, SEO performance, geographic reach, and website traffic. Sustainability emerged as a critical factor in refining these rankings, evaluated through 12 key performance indicators assessing certifications, circular economy practices, and environmental impacts.

Significantly, Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) was adjusted according to each marketplace’s sustainability efforts, with Vinted earning full GMV for its 100% sustainable practices, while Amazon’s score was proportionately reduced. The report also provides in-depth competitive analyses and multi-year trends, illuminating each company’s focus on cross-border growth and sustainability initiatives.

In addition to the overall rankings, the report also creates top lists for major industries such as fashion & beauty, consumer electronics, and multiple categories. It further categorizes marketplaces by different business models, including classified ads, auction and customization ( POD print-on-demand), and rental.

Carine Moitier, founder of CBCommerce.eu, remarked, “This report illustrates that recommerce marketplaces are not only responding to consumer demand for convenience; they are leading the charge towards a sustainable future. By integrating circular economy models and aligning with initiatives like the EU’s Green Deal, these marketplaces are redefining e-commerce in Europe. As the market matures, sustainable practices will become integral to the future landscape, offering innovative solutions that benefit both sellers and eco-conscious consumers.”

Recommerce Revolution: How Digital Passports Are Shaping the Future of Fashion and Beauty

The fashion and beauty sectors are experiencing a seismic shift, with the recommerce market poised to represent a substantial 6.9% of the industry by 2025, a significant increase from just 4.29% in 2020. This transformative growth reflects an evolving consumer mindset that prioritizes sustainability and circular economy principles. As eco-conscious shopping becomes a priority, brands are compelled to innovate their business models to align with these values.

At the forefront of this evolution is the adoption of digital passports—unique identifiers that enhance product transparency and foster consumer trust. Utilizing technologies like QR codes and NFC tags, these digital passports provide vital information about materials, manufacturing processes, and sustainability credentials. This innovation not only combats counterfeiting but also empowers consumers to make informed purchasing decisions, paving the way for a more sustainable fashion ecosystem.

Navigating the Future: Key Trends and Figures in the Recommerce Market

As we look toward 2025, the recommerce market is becoming an increasingly vibrant sector within e-commerce, driven by changing consumer behaviors and an intensified focus on sustainability. Recent data reveals that 85% of consumers are regularly engaging in the buying and selling of secondhand items (resale), signaling a shift that firmly positions recommerce in the mainstream.

Leading digital marketplaces, such as eBay and Vinted, are spearheading this movement, harnessing innovative technologies like AI and augmented reality to enhance user experiences and personalize shopping journeys. Sustainability remains at the forefront of consumer preferences, as many prioritize brands that embody circular economy practices and transparency. Additionally, the rise of subscription models allows consumers to receive curated selections of high-quality secondhand goods, reinforcing a shift toward meaningful, durable purchases.

In this fiercely competitive landscape, businesses that adapt to these trends and prioritize sustainability will be best positioned to thrive. For a deeper understanding of the transformative trends shaping the recommerce market, our comprehensive report offers invaluable insights and strategic guidance for navigating this evolving landscape.

“I would like to extend my thanks to our market research team and our partners, FedEx Express and Poste Italiane, for this fourth edition of the “Top 100 Sustainable Marketplaces in Europe” report. This initiative enhances transparency within the European sustainable marketplace sector and growth across the entire industry,” concludes Carine Moitier, founder of CBCommerce.EU.

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Press coverage

DACH

Onlinemarktplatz
Top 100 Nachhaltige Marktplätze Report: Der Recommerce-Markt gewinnt an Bedeutung
https://www.onlinemarktplatz.de/249795/top-100-nachhaltige-marktplaetze/

Fashion Today
Report: Die Top 100 nachhaltigen Marktplätze
https://www.fashiontoday.de/2024/11/report-die-top-100-nachhaltigen-marktplaetze/

Postbranche
Cross-Border Commerce Europe Präsentiert die Vierte Ausgabe des „Top 100 Nachhaltige Marktplätze Report“: Der Recommerce-Markt Gewinnt an Bedeutung
https://www.postbranche.de/2024/11/07/cross-border-commerce-europe-praesentiert-die-vierte-ausgabe-des-top-100-nachhaltige-marktplaetze-report-der-recommerce-markt-gewinnt-an-bedeutung/

Neuhandeln
Marktplätze: RE-Commerce wächst in Europa überdurchschnittlich stark
https://www.neuhandeln.de/beitraege/db/966574SUR.html

iBusiness
Marktplätze: RE-Commerce wächst in Europa überdurchschnittlich stark
https://www.ibusiness.de/aktuell/db/966574SUR.html
Entwicklung der größten nachhaltigen Marktplätze in Europa (2020-2024)
https://www.ibusiness.de/charts/ct/970599SUR.html

Benelux

Nieuwsbreak
Recommerce market gains ground in Europe
https://internetmarketing.nieuwsbreak.nl/headline/internetmarketing-nieuws/recommerce-markt-wint-terrein-in-europa/68401886

InHetNieuws
Recommerce market gains ground in Europe
https://www.inhetnieuws.nl/nieuws/zakelijk/recommerce-markt-wint-terrein-in-europa/13867768

Gondola
Second-hand is growing strongly online
https://www.gondola.be/nl/news/tweedehands-groeit-stevig-online
Online second-hand trade is growing
https://www.gondola.be/fr/news/le-commerce-de-seconde-main-en-ligne-est-en-pleine-croissance

Retail Detail
Second-hand platforms grow half as fast
https://www.retaildetail.be/nl/news/algemeen/tweedehandsplatformen-groeien-de-helft-sneller/
Why second-hand platforms grow 50% faster
https://www.retaildetail.eu/news/general/why-second-hand-platforms-grow-50-faster/

Wonen360
Online sales of used goods are growing
https://www.wonen360.nl/article/9676066/online-verkoop-gebruikte-goederen-groeit/

Logimerce
Second-hand e-commerce in Europe grew by 20.8%
https://www.logimerce.nl/news/5436/tweedehands-e-commerce-in-europa-met-208percent-gegroeid

International

Marketscreener
Recommerce market gains ground in Europe
https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/THE-REALREAL-INC-60546488/news/Recommerce-market-gains-ground-in-Europe-48286366/

Verslo Zinios
Didžiausios platformos Europoje: pirma, bet silpnesnė „Amazon“, įsitvirtina kinai, lietuviškoji „Vinted“
https://www.vz.lt/prekyba/2024/11/08/didziausios-platformos-europoje-pirma-bet-silpnesne-amazon-isitvirtina-kinai-lietuviskoji-vinted