Policy advice on strategies against obsolescence and for product life-time extension
The aim of the study is to create a sound data basis for assessing product obsolescence and trends in product lifespan and develop strategies against obsolescence. The analysis confirms that the first useful service-life of most of the product groups has decreased in recent years. The results also show that electrical and electronic equipment is being replaced for many reasons. Material, functional, psychological and economic forms of obsolescence interact and create a highly complex pattern. The following objectives were pursued: (1) Collection of statistical data and analysis of trends on technical life- and use-times of electrical and electronic equipment; (2) Systematic description of the causes of obsolescence in electrical and electronic equipment; (3) Conducting case studies for three product groups in order to collect more data and identify measures to achieve extended lifespans or a reliable service life for the selected product groups; (4) Comparative life-cycle assessment and life cycle costing in three product groups for products with shorter or longer lifespans; (5) Identification of cross-cutting strategies and instruments against obsolescence and for increasing product lifespans as well as use times and reaching a reliable minimum product lifespan.
The strategies proposed in this study to counter obsolescence are intended to remedy the information asymmetries between manufacturers and consumers concerning expected product life-times and usage intensities. The proposed strategies, above all, are intended to oblige manufacturers and the political establishment to increase transparency concerning expected product life-times and to stipulate minimum durability and quality requirements for products, parts and components. On the other hand, consumers too are called on to use products for as long as possible in efforts to preserve resources and the environment. Strategies to counter obsolescence accordingly cannot be implemented overnight. Rather, they should be seen as a duty for society as a whole through cooperation between policy makers, manufacturers, the scientific community and consumers.
