# E-Waste-Reducing USB Keys Back Market & Google are Making Compatible Older Laptops Relevant Again By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2026-03-10 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/back-market-and-google References: [prnewswire](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/back-market-and-google-launch-chromeos-flex-usb-pilot-to-keep-existing-laptops-in-use-longer-302703227.html)  Premium [refurbished technology marketplace](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/samsung-certified-renewed) [Back Market](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/backmarket) and [Google](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/repairable-chromebook) are partnering to offer ChromeOS Flex as part of a limited USB pilot program to revive aging laptops, and help them stay not only relevant but secure. This partnership sees Back Market offering ChromeOS Flex USB keys so that sellers, buyers, schools and small businesses have a simple way to install a secure, cloud-first operating system on compatible devices—millions of which are approaching the end of their supported operating systems. "Extending the life of existing technology is one of the most immediate ways to reduce e-waste," said Thibaud Hug de Larauze, CEO and co-founder of Back Market. "When companies like Google collaborate on practical solutions, it reflects that innovation doesn't have to mean constant replacement, it can also mean making what we already have work better and longer." ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 7.7/10 - Popularity: 77% | Activity: 87% | Freshness: 66% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Portable-os Installers:** Portable OS installers enable inexpensive reimaging of legacy laptops via USB, creating possibilities for scalable device rejuvenation models that reduce new-PC demand. - **Refurbishment-as-a-service:** Refurbishment-as-a-service models can convert one-off device resale into ongoing lifecycle contracts, shifting revenue toward recurring maintenance and value-extension. - **Cloud-first Legacy Support:** Cloud-first support for aging hardware allows continued security and app compatibility without hardware replacements, opening pathways for software-centric longevity services. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **K-12 and Higher-education:** Educational institutions stand to extend budget-constrained computing fleets through USB-based OS refreshes, prioritizing device longevity over frequent procurements. - **Small-business IT Services:** Small-business IT providers may consolidate USB OS provisioning with managed services, altering cost structures and support offerings for SMB clients. - **Electronics Resale Marketplaces:** Resale platforms that bundle certified OS reimaging and security assurances can elevate pre-owned device value and buyer confidence, reshaping secondary-market dynamics. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [E-Waste Portable Game Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/steam-deck-motherboard-case.md) - [10-Port USB-C Chargers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/10port-charger.md) - [Adaptable Tech Hardware](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hone-pro.md) - [User-Repairable E-Ink Tablets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/a5-x2-manta.md) - [Water-Soluble E-Waste Solutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aquafade.md) - [E-Waste Take-Back Boxes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tech-take-back-box.md) - [Paper-Made Dissolvable E-Waste](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pape.md) - [Household Recycling Pickup Services](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modern-milkman-collections-service.md) - [Biodegradable Storage Drives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/soft-drive1.md)