What is planned obsolescence? Its risks and benefits

These scenarios are typical of planned obsolescence. For some, it is a production strategy used by major brands, while for others, it is an intentional action. This practice involves manufacturing electronic devices to specific quality standards that restrict their lifespan, whether through the use of less durable materials, components and installations with a predetermined life span, or through technological and software barriers that force users to replace them constantly. Let’s explore this strategy, its impact on society and the planet, and the alternatives for addressing it. 

What is planned obsolescence? Brands versus consumers

Planned obsolescence aims to ensure that everyday electrical devices, such as mobile phones, computers, refrigerators, washing machines, microwaves, and other appliances, stop functioning after a set period, without any external damage or intervention. This strategy encourages the purchase of another device (with the same or enhanced features) to replace it.

Is this beneficial or harmful? From the consumer's point of view, this "intentional action" by brands is perceived to only benefit the brands themselves. This, in turn, negatively impacts the user's finances due to constant spending and poses a threat to the environment by increasing electronic waste and pollution.

Types of planned obsolescence

Manufacturers use different types of obsolescence to intentionally limit the functional lifespan of their devices:

Technical obsolescence: This occurs when a product stops working due to wear and tear on its key components. It is increasingly common for cheaper products made from recycled or sustainable materials to come onto the market, but they do not tend to be as long-lasting.

Software obsolescence: This happens when operating system updates become incompatible with a device, forcing users to acquire a newer model that is compatible with the latest update.

Perceived obsolescence: This occurs when the product a product remains functional, but changing trends or new technologies make it seem outdated.  Younger people and loyalists of specific tech brands are often the primary targets of this type of obsolescence.

Origin of planned obsolescence

One of the most historic cases cited as the origin of planned obsolescence in electric energy is the Phoebus cartel, an agreement among nine light bulb manufacturers, including brands such as Osram, Philips, and General Electric, signed on 23 December 1924 and lasting until 1939.

Representatives of Europe's leading electricity companies agreed to standardise bulb lifespans in a document. They had to last just 1,000 hours rather than the 1,500 or 2,000, which were common at the time, in order to boost sales.

Other narratives date the true rise of planned obsolescence to the period after World War II. The idea of promoting consumer goods as an economic driver gained traction in the 20th century, coinciding with the growth of the consumer goods market and advancements in technology.

Products most affected by planned obsolescence

The products most commonly affected by planned obsolescence are:

Mobile phones and tablets: Planned obsolescence often involves updates that slow devices down, prevent older models from accessing new features, and the use of non-replaceable batteries.

Household appliances: Washing machines, refrigerators, and microwaves often rely on parts or components designed to fail after a set period, and these typically have no available spare parts on the market.

Power tools: Some drills and saws include components that cannot be easily repaired or replaced.

Entertainment gadgets: Game consoles, headphones, and televisions are often rendered obsolete by frequent technological advancements or the constant need for software updates, similar to mobile phones.

Advantages and disadvantages of planned obsolescence

Many people believe that the benefits of this practice are primarily for factories and brands. However, others look beyond revenue and business gains:

1. It drives innovation: The frequent renewal of gadgets and equipment encourages the development of new technologies and design improvements.
2. More job opportunities: As demand for products rises, an economic cycle is created, driving the need for new jobs in sectors such as manufacturing, sales, and logistics to produce, promote, and distribute these devices.
3. Price competition: The mass production of devices using cheaper, reused, or disposable materials makes products more accessible, often resulting in lower prices and allowing a larger number of people to afford them.

However, the potential risks and disadvantages of this practice may outweigh its benefits from the perspective of society:

• Environmental impact: Frequently replacing appliances and gadgets generates tonnes of electronic waste, which poses a significant threat to the environment.

• Wasted resources: The manufacturing of products with increasingly short lifespans results in inefficient consumption of materials, resources, and energy.

• Cost to the consumer: Being forced to purchase new devices more frequently impacts users' personal finances.

• Encourages consumerism: Planned obsolescence encourages a culture of "frantic" consumption, discouraging repair and reuse.

How do we combat planned obsolescence?

Promoting the right to repair by ensuring access to spare parts and repair manuals, encouraging responsible consumption by choosing products with extended warranties and brands committed to durability, and advocating for reuse and recycling by donating or selling devices instead of discarding them, are perhaps the most natural options to counter the rise of planned obsolescence.

The circular economy is a good option when products reach the end of their lifespan: recycling equipment and components manufacturing new products with them helps close the loop and minimises the environmental impact of production. 

There are also current business initiatives focused on modular designs and more sustainable products for manufacturing devices.

Planned obsolescence has been under legal scrutiny for several years now. Some countries have begun to implement laws requiring manufacturers to design more durable products with replaceable parts. The European Parliament has approved the "Right to Repair" Directive, whose aim is to ensure that products can be repaired without unnecessary barriers after their warranty has expired, as required by the Organisation of Consumers and Users (OCU).

Currently, there is no law in Spain that specifically governs planned obsolescence; only Royal Decree 110/2015 regarding electrical and electronic appliances, which requires manufacturers to create products designed for prolonged lifespans, but does not penalise the practice of planned obsolescence.

Royal Decree 58/1988, relating to the repair of appliances, also contributes to this issue by mandating that all technical services must provide spare parts for at least seven years following the purchase of a device. 

In short, planned obsolescence is a phenomenon with both positive and negative aspects. While it has driven economic growth and technological innovation, it has also contributed to environmental problems and posed financial risks for consumers.

To achieve balance, stricter regulations may be necessary, along with efforts to make repairs affordable, ensuring that spare parts are accessible, and educate consumers on  sustainable consumption. This will enable technology to coexist harmoniously with sustainability and efficiency.