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

Brussels – 18 December 2025. Cross-Border Commerce Europe, the authoritative platform driving e-commerce in Europe, has released the much-anticipated fifth edition of its “TOP 100 Cross-Border Sustainable Marketplaces Europe” report. The study reveals a booming re-commerce 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. 

The growth of recommerce—an increasingly vital segment of the e-commerce landscape—has been nothing short of explosive. Between 2024 and 2025, the Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV) generated by e-commerce grew by a remarkable 18%, reaching €121 billion in 2025. Of this, marketplaces now account for 74%, capturing €90 billion of the total re-commerce GMV. Marketplaces play a critical role in shaping the re-commerce sector, a role even more pronounced than their contribution to the broader cross-border e-commerce market, where they represent 70% of GMV.

Looking ahead, the re-commerce market is set for continued expansion. This growth highlights the rising importance of marketplaces, particularly in re-commerce and cross-border trade, where they act as crucial drivers of sustainable commerce. By 2026, it’s expected that re-commerce will account for 14% of total online GMV in Europe, solidifying its role in the region’s e-commerce landscape.

The TOP 10 Marketplaces in this report are:

1. Back Market
2. Etsy
3. OLX Group
4. Refurbed
5. eBay
6. MPB
7. Vestiaire Collective
8. Sellpy
9. CeX
10. Collector Square

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 Back Market 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 diy, home & garden, fashion & beauty, consumer electronics, and multiple categories.

Carine Moitier, founder of CBCommerce.eu, remarked, “This report shows that re-commerce marketplaces are no longer just meeting consumer expectations for convenience—they are driving a new wave of innovation toward a more sustainable future. With advanced circular economy models, AI-powered resale infrastructure, and alignment with initiatives such as the EU’s Green Deal, these platforms are reshaping the evolution of e-commerce across Europe. As the sector continues to mature, sustainable and tech-enabled practices will become foundational, delivering smarter, more efficient solutions that benefit both sellers and increasingly eco-conscious consumers.”

As we move into 2026, re-commerce is emerging as a central pillar of European e-commerce, driven by evolving consumer behaviors and a growing emphasis on sustainability. Recent data indicates that 85% of consumers regularly engage in buying or selling secondhand items, signaling the mainstream adoption of re-commerce.

Leading marketplaces such as Back Market, Etsy, Refurbed, and OLX are leveraging advanced technologies—AI-driven personalization, augmented reality, and smart logistics—to enhance user experiences and streamline resale transactions. Sustainability and circularity remain top priorities for consumers, who increasingly favor brands and platforms that offer transparency and high-quality pre-owned goods. Subscription models and curated secondhand collections are also gaining traction, enabling more meaningful, durable, and eco-conscious purchasing.

With strong growth, increasing consumer participation, and technological innovation at its core, the re-commerce sector is no longer an emerging trend—it has become a long-term transformation in how Europeans shop, consume, and engage with sustainability. Businesses that embrace digital tools, sustainable practices, and consumer-centric innovation will be best positioned to thrive in this evolving landscape.

In particular, the fashion and beauty sectors, along with the broader European e-commerce landscape, are undergoing a profound transformation. The re-commerce market is projected to represent 7.4%, 7.8% of the fashion and beauty industry by 2026, up from just 6.9% in 2025, while Europe’s overall re-commerce sector continues to expand rapidly, achieving double-digit growth rates and firmly entering the mainstream. This momentum reflects an evolving consumer mindset that increasingly prioritizes sustainability, circular economy principles, and digital transparency. As eco-conscious shopping becomes a priority, brands and marketplaces are innovating their models to align with these values.

At the forefront of this evolution is the adoption of digital product passports—unique identifiers that enhance transparency, traceability, and consumer trust. Using technologies such as QR codes, NFC tags, and blockchain-enabled tracking, these passports provide detailed insights into materials, manufacturing processes, and sustainability credentials. Beyond combating counterfeiting, they empower consumers to make informed purchasing decisions, fostering a more circular, sustainable fashion and beauty ecosystem.

“I would like to extend my thanks to our market research team and our partners, FedEx Express and Poste Italiane, for this fifth 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.