How many times have we said that things used to last longer than they do now? Appliances used to last longer and could be repaired more easily than they do today. Currently, we've entered a cycle of consumption where throwaway habits prevail . Faced with this situation, the concept of planned obsolescence has emerged. Many people don't really know what planned obsolescence is or what its main objective is.
For this reason, we are going to dedicate this article to telling you what planned obsolescence is, what its characteristics, objectives and much more are. We will also explore its impact on the environment, the different ways in which it manifests itself and strategies to avoid it.
What is planned obsolescence
Planned obsolescence is a design strategy implemented by manufacturers to program the useful life of their products so that after a certain time they stop working or become ineffective, forcing the consumer to buy a new one. It is a recurring tactic in electronic products such as mobile phones, computers, household appliances, cars, and even in clothing and other everyday consumer products.
The concept revolves around designing products so that after a certain amount of use they begin to fail, wear out more quickly, or simply become obsolete, either due to incompatibility with new technologies or lack of software updates. By forcing consumers to replace them frequently, manufacturers are able to maintain a steady flow of sales and ensure economic sustainability.
Planned obsolescence has faced criticism due to its ethical, economic, and environmental implications. While in some cases it might be seen as a stimulus for technological innovation, its negative impact is profound. It generates large amounts of waste and fosters an unsustainable consumption cycle that irreversibly damages natural resources.
In fact, the speed at which electronic waste, or e-waste, accumulates has raised alarms globally. According to the UN, more than 50 million tons of this type of waste are generated every year. Therefore, and due to the growing impact of this practice, it is important to understand the different types of obsolescence, how to identify them, and what we can do to extend the lifespan of products.
Types of Planned Obsolescence and Examples
There are different ways in which a product can be designed to become obsolete. Below are the main types of planned obsolescence:
- Planned obsolescence: The product is manufactured so that it stops working after a certain number of uses or time, which forces the consumer to buy a new one. A clear example of this type is the case of light bulbs, which, according to some studies, could last many more years if not intentionally controlled.
- indirect obsolescence: A damaged product has no spare parts available or these are so expensive that repair is not advisable, forcing the consumer to buy a new product.
- Obsolete due to incompatibility: In technology products, when a software update leaves older versions out or devices unable to be updated.
- Psychological obsolescence: This type of obsolescence is based on inducing the user to perceive that their product is obsolete, even though it works perfectly. This usually occurs when new, more attractive or modern models of a product appear.
- Ecological obsolescence: The exchange of still-functional products is promoted under the premise that new models are more environmentally friendly or more energy efficient.
Some key examples include:
- Mobile batteries: Mobile phone batteries tend to start failing after a year of use, forcing the consumer to opt for a new device or face a complicated battery replacement.
- Software: Mobile operating systems are closely linked to the concept of technological obsolescence, as in many cases, updates leave older phone models that stop working properly out of support.
- Fashion: This phenomenon is common in the fashion world, where trends change frequently and collections are launched continuously. International brands launch new collections every few weeks, pushing consumers to renew their wardrobe.
Environmental impact of planned obsolescence
One of the main problems with planned obsolescence is its negative impact on the environment. The rapid obsolescence of products, especially electronics, generates a massive amount of waste, contributing to the phenomenon known as electronic waste or e-waste. This practice, in addition to generating pollution, involves intensive use of resources. The continuous manufacture of new products requires large quantities of raw materials and energy, which impacts the global ecological footprint.
The short life cycle of products is often linked to the use of non-biodegradable and difficult-to-recycle materials. According to the UN, of the millions of tons of electronic waste generated annually, only a very small percentage is properly recycled. The rest of this waste ends up in landfills or is illegally exported to developing countries, where it is processed in unhealthy conditions and without environmental control, increasing risks to public health and environmental damage.
In addition, discarded technological products contain toxic substances such as mercury, lead and cadmium, which, if not managed correctly, can filter into the soil or groundwater, causing large-scale pollution.
How to avoid or extend the shelf life of products
It is possible to curb the impact of planned obsolescence by adopting new consumption practices and making more responsible decisions:
- Opt for repairs: Extend the life of products by repairing them instead of immediately replacing the product when it breaks down.
- Reuse: Buy well-preserved second-hand products or donate those that are no longer needed but can still function properly.
- Sustainable consumption: Choose products that guarantee a long useful life or that have good repair and recycling policies.
- Demand transparency: Look for brands that prioritize durability and offer a multi-year spare parts warranty.
In Europe, legislative steps have been taken towards the right to repair. For example, all products sold in Spain from 2022 must have a three-year warranty and manufacturers are obliged to provide replacement parts for 10 years.
Ultimately, consumer choices have a direct impact on sustainability. Choosing products designed to last – and brands that respect the environment – ​​is an effective way to combat planned obsolescence and reduce our ecological footprint.