A myth for some, a real reality for others, planned obsolescence continues to generate a lot of debate and at all levels. So what exactly is this practice? What are the issues ? What are the measures taken by the legislator?
Planned obsolescence is a practice carried out by manufacturers who deliberately promote the fragility of devices. In concrete terms, this means limiting the lifespan of products with a view to boosting the replacement rate.
There are currently several definitions of planned obsolescence. According to ADEME (French Environment and Energy Management Agency), this phenomenon has two faces. On the one hand, there is psychological obsolescence, which means that the product is outdated and no longer meets the desires of users who want something more high-tech and more stylish.
On the other hand, we find functional obsolescence during which the product breaks or simply stops working. Each year in the country, only 44% of malfunctioning devices go through a repair process. In fact, manufacturers do not train their staff enough to repair their products. The system complexity of the devices makes it practically impossible to repair. Sometimes the cost of spare parts added to the price of labor is so high that it is more profitable to buy a new device.
Planned obsolescence is not without consequences, particularly on the environment . Leading to an overproduction of electronic waste, planned obsolescence generates heavy pollution and generates significant costs. There are international conventions like that of Basel which prohibit the sending of electronic waste to developing countries. And yet, this practice continues to have the wind in its sails.
In 2010, for example, 150,000 tons of this waste were sent to DCs (Developing Countries) according to the German Federal Environment Agency. The most dangerous are the toxic elements that emanate from these devices when they are disassembled. These contain, among other things, mercury and lead. And often the children (yes, yes!) and people who sort in these poor countries have no protection.
In France, planned obsolescence is sanctioned by regulations. In 2014, the National Assembly decided that this practice will henceforth be considered an offense resulting in up to 24 months in prison with a fine of up to 300,000 euros.
Practices that consist of inserting counters or chips in devices to tamper with their lifespan are among the acts punishable by the legislator.
In the past, we have already encountered the case of mobile phones whose batteries were unchangeable because they were directly welded to the body of the device. Improving consumer information is one of the actions taken by the State to combat this phenomenon.
Other actions are also undertaken here and there to curb it. Platforms for mutual aid and sharing intended for the repair of old objects are emerging, for example, on the web. Eco-design, the circular economy or functionality are also gaining momentum recently.
