Products Failing Sooner Than Expected

Products are no longer designed to last, with many barely functioning after a few years. This strategy, known as planned obsolescence, drives constant consumption and generates massive electronic waste. Globally, 62 million tonnes of e-waste were produced in 2022, with projections reaching 82 million tonnes by 2030. Toxic substances in devices pollute the environment, and design choices like glued components and software locks make repair difficult. Stronger laws and reparability scores are needed to extend product lifespans and reduce waste.

Manufacturers frequently restrict repair access by gluing components together or requiring authorised service providers, limiting consumer options. Software locks and copyrighted manuals further prevent independent fixes, forcing replacement over repair. Beyond physical design, psychological obsolescence drives upgrades through marketing that frames newer models as status symbols. The European Union has introduced reparability scores to help consumers identify fixable products, while Australia’s current right to repair legislation focuses on vehicles, leaving everyday electronics unaddressed. These systemic barriers mean many devices become disposable quickly, contributing to the growing mountain of electronic waste that threatens both human health and environmental goals.

Repair barriers extend beyond physical design. Software locks and copyrighted manuals prevent independent fixes, while manufacturers often require authorised service providers, limiting consumer choice. Marketing tactics further drive upgrades by framing newer models as status symbols, making current devices appear outdated. The European Union has introduced reparability scores to help consumers identify fixable products, yet Australia’s current right to repair framework focuses on vehicles, leaving everyday electronics unaddressed. These systemic gaps mean many products become disposable quickly, contributing to the growing mountain of electronic waste that threatens both consumer budgets and environmental goals.