ABSTRACT
A circular economy offers the potential for resources to be used more sustainably. While the concept is primarily associated with recycling, there are added benefits to be gained from slowing cycles of resource use through longer product lifetimes. Noting a growth of political and academic interest in the topic, this chapter considers the significance of product longevity for environmental sustainability, consumers and industry, and the implications for design. Findings from recent research on consumers’ expectations of product lifetimes are summarized and their maintenance and disposal behaviour explored. The feasibility of product lifetime labelling is assessed, together with other policy options for encouraging increased product longevity. Industry has historically been blamed for planned obsolescence and criticism of companies operating with traditional ‘linear’ business models continues. Alternative business models that could enable companies to increase their products’ lifetimes while remaining competitive are identified. Finally, the potential role of designers in this emerging debate is considered.
