I don’t know if you noticed, but the Right to Repair Directive was adopted almost unanimously by the European Parliament. It gives us Europeans the right to repair products instead of replacing them. Just as in the good old days.
This should be pretty obvious, but it really isn’t. The circular economy, sustainable consumption, and sensible use of natural resources are all winners here. It’s somewhat sad that we have lived for so long in a world of planned obsolescence – and several companies have been caught engaging in this kind of foolishness.
Planned obsolescence essentially affects all design; the product’s lifespan is always a key issue on the designers’ table. Additionally, this category can also include disposable products that could be more durable – such as batteries or razors.
Here are a few glaring examples of planned obsolescence:
- Software updates for smartphones that deliberately slow down older phones. I’ve bought a new Samsung myself because it became really slow to use after an update. The slowing of apps was justified by battery life, but you can find plenty of opinions on the “real reason” with a simple Google search.
- Electronic devices have been found with deliberate weaknesses that cause defects after a certain time and are difficult to repair. This is often backed by consumer research: machines are made just durable enough to maintain an image of quality. However, in most cases, it’s about overall design: with current price and demand levels, for example, a washing machine is designed to last less than 10 years, whereas in the 1950s, it could be designed to last 50 years. It’s hard to say whether to blame this on consumers, companies, or legislation. But now the legislation is changing, which is good. Electronic waste has been the fastest-growing waste stream in recent years. Currently, only about 15% is recycled, which is very little.
- Remember cobblers? Nowadays, repairing shoes and bags is no longer usual because it’s more expensive than buying new ones, and materials are not designed to be repairable. We also have clothes, that can’t even withstand the first wash. Producing textiles requires a lot of natural resources, so treating them as disposable products is pretty awful.
So finally we arrive to the Right to Repair directive and its key points:
- Repair obligation: Products must be repairable. Devices can no longer be made in a way that their repair is impossible due to software or design. So likely, all of us DIY enthusiasts will soon be able to open up any device. This helps to optimize resource use, reduce waste, and encourage longer use and reuse of products. Of course, I have had different experiences with opening devices myself, but maybe the profession of real repairers will start growing at some point.
- Warranty period: Instead of replacing with new ones, during the warranty period, the consumer can demand repairs. Warranty periods have also been extended, which also extends the time frame for planned obsolescence. Additionally, consumers will be encouraged to repair their devices even after the warranty period.
- Replacement with refurbished products: The directive requires that consumers can repair the product they bought instead of replacing it under warranty.
- Information about repair locations: Consumers must be given information on where they can have their products repaired – Article 7 of the directive requires Finland to create a national online service where one can find contact information for repair shops and sellers of refurbished devices in their area. The idea is good in itself; we are eagerly waiting to see how countries implement it and the costs of these implementations. I might not have put the responsibility on states to create online platforms but rather used tax incentives + sanctions or other actions more suitable for the state’s role in this regard… But it could work out well.
Next, the directive will go to the Council of the European Union for approval. After that, member states will have 24 months to incorporate it into their national legislation. I predict that there might be issues with devices coming from countries like China, as the directive also applies to products manufactured outside the EU. Importers and authorized representatives will be responsible for this. Similarly, the entire spare parts business will undergo changes. I also predict that prices will rise, but hopefully, in the long term, the price-quality ratio will improve.
On our Ostavastuullisesti -website, Swappie and Taitonetti , as well as clothing repair and maintenance services like Voglia, , have been pioneers in this field for a long time and will likely win in the market when the directive comes into force – and it certainly looks like it will. At least electronics, household appliances, and partly also vehicles will become more durable in the literal sense!
This year, we are again organizing the Most Sustainable Product competition in Finland. The aim of the competition is to make product sustainability and consumer pressure more concrete. The winners will receive nationwide advertising visibility from JCDecaux, worth €50,000. The winners will be selected by the Sustainability Panel and consumers voting on the ostavastuullisesti.fi website. Apply here for €790 per product (special price) or ask for more information.
