Research Highlights Product Lifespan Challenges and E-Waste Crisis

Modern electronic devices such as smartphones, laptops, and wireless earphones are increasingly difficult or uneconomical to repair, contributing significantly to global e-waste. Research into product lifespans points to planned obsolescence—a strategy where manufacturers intentionally shorten the functional life of goods—as a key driver of constant consumer replacement cycles.

Electronic devices contain rare materials, toxic substances, and flammable batteries like mercury and arsenic, which pose environmental risks when sent to landfills. Global e-waste generation reached 62 million tonnes by 2022 and is projected to rise by another 32% to reach 82 million tonnes by 2030. In Australia, electronic waste generation sits at nearly three times the global average, creating challenges for the country's net zero goals and transition to a circular economy.

Planned obsolescence manifests in both physical and behavioural ways. Manufacturers often design products with non-replaceable parts, such as wireless earphones with batteries that quickly degrade. Additionally, psychological obsolescence occurs through regular model updates, marketing campaigns, and accessories compatible only with newer product generations, which make current devices appear outdated.

Regulatory bodies have begun addressing these practices. In Europe, consumer associations previously launched a complaint against Nintendo over unresponsive controllers, leading the company to offer free repairs after intervention from the European Commission. In Australia, the Federal Court ordered Apple to pay A$9 million for misleading iPhone users regarding their repair rights following software faults.

Addressing the complex issue of product obsolescence requires coordination across product design, consumer law, competition law, and intellectual property. While Australia implemented a right to repair law focused on motor vehicles, current legislation does not extend to everyday electronic devices or require transparency regarding product reparability before purchase. In contrast, the European Union has introduced rules targeting sustainable product design, along with right-to-repair regulations and reparability scores to help consumers identify fixable electronics.

"The debate around planned obsolescence highlights a critical intersection between consumer rights, product design, and environmental sustainability. As global e-waste continues to rise toward projected targets for 2030, businesses face increasing regulatory scrutiny regarding product durability and repairability. Regulatory frameworks like those emerging in the European Union indicate a shift toward mandatory sustainability standards. For hardware manufacturers and technology companies, designing products for longevity and supporting repair ecosystems will soon become a fundamental operational requirement rather than an optional strategy." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes