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ABSTRACT
This article discusses planned obsolescence and its history, a practice that deliberately shortens the lifespan of products to boost sales. Unlike natural obsolescence due to technological progress, this obsolescence is intentional. A survey of engineering students at INSA Toulouse and ENSIL-ENSCI reveals a good understanding of planned obsolescence but confusion with natural obsolescence, as well as a lack of knowledge about French legislation. The article examines global efforts to combat this practice, noting that France and Germany are ahead with strict laws, while other regions, such as Asia and Africa, have less developed regulations.
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Read the articleAUTHORS
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Thomas ECOBICHON: Student engineer, INSA (Institut national des sciences appliquées), Toulouse, France
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Amine FREDJ: Student engineer, INSA (Institut national des sciences appliquées), Toulouse, France
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Arman HOSSEINI: Student engineer, INSA (Institut national des sciences appliquées), Toulouse, France
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Célian Hilal HAMDAN: Student engineer, INSA (Institut national des sciences appliquées), Toulouse, France - Under the direction of Claude BARONUniversity Professor, INSA Toulouse, LAAS-CNRS
INTRODUCTION
Some manufactured products are designed to be renewed or replaced prematurely in order to increase sales. One example, which has received particular media coverage, is that of ink cartridges fitted with a chip to count the number of prints; after a certain number of prints, the chip sends the computer the information that the cartridge is empty, when in fact it is not. Such practices, which are an ecological blight on the planet and a financial drain on consumers, have a name: programmed obsolescence.
The aim of this article is to introduce programmed obsolescence, examining its history, its impact and the various initiatives being taken to combat it.
First, the history of programmed obsolescence will be retraced, highlighting the differences between natural obsolescence and that intentionally induced by manufacturers. Next, the results of a survey of engineering students at INSA Toulouse and ENSIL-ENSCI will be analyzed. Finally, global efforts to combat this practice will be assessed, highlighting legislative advances in France and Germany, as well as less developed regulations in other regions, such as Asia and Africa.
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KEYWORDS
lifespan | Planned obsolescence | boosted sales | technological progress | regulations
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Programmed obsolescence
Obsolescence and planned obsolescence
Bibliography
- (1) - LÉGIFRANCE - Article L. 441-2 du code de la consommation - (2021). Consulté le 26 mai 2024, à l'adresse https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/codes/article_lc/LEGIARTI000044330817
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Regulations
(non-exhaustive list)
France
Article L. 441-2 of the French Consumer Code
Law no. 2015-992 of August 17, 2015 on energy transition for green growth (JORF no. 0189 of August 18, 2015).
Canada
An Act to amend the Copyright Act (diagnosis, maintenance and repair) (Bill C-244)
Bill...
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