Planned Obsolescence Explained: A Roadblock to Sustainability

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In an age of rapid innovation and endless product cycles, many consumers are asking the same question: Why don’t things last like they used to? From smartphones that slow down with every update to appliances that break right after the warranty ends, it’s no coincidence. Behind many of these experiences lies a deliberate business practice known as planned obsolescence. While this strategy can boost corporate profits, it also comes at the expense of environmental sustainability, consumer trust, and long-term value. In this article, we’ll explore how planned obsolescence works, where it shows up, and what can be done to fight it.

What Is Planned Obsolescence?

Planned obsolescence, also known as built-in or premature obsolescence, is the deliberate design of products with an artificially limited useful life. This includes tactics like using fragile materials, limiting repairability, ceasing software updates, or even actively sabotaging older product functionality. These strategies ensure that items become obsolete or non-functional after a set period or usage threshold, compelling consumers to purchase replacements. The overarching goal is to increase sales frequency, maintaining manufacturer profitability at the cost of product longevity and consumer autonomy.

Why Planned Obsolescence Became a Business Strategy

Planned obsolescence gained traction as a strategy to sustain demand in saturated markets. As product categories matured and innovations slowed, companies realized that highly durable goods limited future sales potential. By controlling product life cycles, businesses created continuous revenue streams and forced recurring purchases. This is particularly common in markets with limited competition, where dominant players can influence design norms and consumer expectations. Fast design-to-market cycles, originally enabled by industrial innovation, were increasingly used to support obsolescence rather than durability.

Real-World Examples of Planned Obsolescence

From phones to fashion to printers, planned obsolescence touches many corners of our everyday lives. Below are real-world examples where manufacturers have faced criticism—or even legal action—for intentionally limiting product lifespan.

Apple and Smartphone Lifespans

Apple has faced multiple lawsuits over allegations of planned obsolescence, particularly regarding iPhones. Notably, Apple agreed to pay up to $500 million to settle a U.S. lawsuit accusing it of quietly slowing down older iPhones as new models were released, a practice known as “Batterygate”. In Europe, lawsuits have also been filed against Apple for similar practices, arguing that software updates deliberately degraded device performance to push users toward new purchases.

The Phoebus Cartel and the Lightbulb Conspiracy

The Phoebus cartel, formed in 1924 by major lightbulb manufacturers like Osram, Philips, and General Electric, is a classic case of planned obsolescence. The cartel standardized the lifespan of incandescent bulbs to 1,000 hours-down from the previous 1,500 to 2,500 hours-to boost sales. Manufacturers were fined if their bulbs exceeded this limit, ensuring a steady demand for replacements.

Fast Fashion and Disposable Clothing

Fast fashion brands design clothes to be discarded after only a few uses, using low-quality materials and promoting rapidly changing trends. This results in both physical obsolescence (garments falling apart quickly) and psychological obsolescence (consumers feeling out of style even if clothes are still wearable). The average fast fashion item is worn only seven times before being discarded, contributing to millions of tons of textile waste annually.

Printer Companies and Cartridge Lockouts

Printer manufacturers, such as HP and Canon, have implemented programmed obsolescence by using smart chips in ink cartridges that prevent use after a certain period or page count, even if ink remains. HP, for instance, has blocked both third-party and its own cartridges once they reach an expiration date, forcing consumers to buy new cartridges or printers. Lawsuits have challenged these practices, but they remain widespread in the industry.

Smart TVs and Software Support Lifespan

Many smart TVs and other connected devices become obsolete when manufacturers discontinue software updates and support, even if the hardware remains functional. This systemic obsolescence forces consumers to upgrade to newer models to access the latest features or security patches, contributing to electronic waste.

Is Planned Obsolescence Legal in the US and Canada?

Planned obsolescence is not directly outlawed in most parts of the US and Canada. However, Québec has set a precedent with Bill 29, passed in 2023, which prohibits intentional product obsolescence and promotes repairability. Elsewhere, consumers must rely on general product liability or fraud statutes, which are difficult to apply unless harm or defect is proven.

Can You Sue for Planned Obsolescence?

While lawsuits have been filed against manufacturers—such as the class action against Apple—most regions lack legal frameworks for such claims. New legislation, especially from regions like Québec, could shape future consumer rights around durability and product transparency.

Environmental and Economic Impact

Planned obsolescence doesn’t just affect individual consumers—it has broad consequences for our planet and our wallets. The following sections look at the environmental toll and economic inefficiencies caused by throwaway culture.

Waste Generation from Short-Lived Products

Planned obsolescence contributes significantly to global waste, especially in electronics and textiles. Products discarded after limited use fill landfills and overwhelm waste management systems. Fast fashion alone contributes over 18 million tonnes of clothing waste annually.

Resource Depletion and E-Waste Crisis

The frequent replacement cycle accelerates resource extraction—particularly rare earth minerals for electronics—while expanding the e-waste crisis. Much of this waste contains toxic materials, creating environmental and health hazards.

The Economic Cost to Consumers and Cities

Consumers incur recurring costs replacing poorly made products, while municipalities bear the burden of processing ever-growing waste streams. This system shifts financial gains to manufacturers, undermining both local repair industries and long-term consumer value.

Sustainability and Fighting Planned Obsolescence

Despite its widespread use, planned obsolescence is not inevitable. Consumers, governments, and companies alike are beginning to push back with strategies that promote durability, repairability, and long-term value. Here’s how the fight is taking shape.

The Right to Repair Movement

The Right to Repair movement advocates for consumer access to repair tools, parts, and manuals. This movement seeks to extend product life cycles, reduce waste, and push back against monopolistic repair practices. Legislation in the EU and various US states reflects growing momentum in support of repairability rights.

Designing for Durability and Repairability

Durable product design includes selecting robust materials (like stainless steel), enabling easy repairs through modular parts, and maintaining backward compatibility. These strategies allow older components to function within newer systems—preserving value and minimizing waste. Products like Swiss Army knives and Saddleback Leather goods exemplify over-engineering for longevity.

Choosing Sustainable Products: What to Look For

Consumers can support sustainability by:
• Researching suppliers’ ethical practices
• Seeking labels like Energy Star or Fair Trade
• Avoiding disposable products in favor of reusable alternatives
• Prioritizing recyclable materials like metals
• Supporting brands that provide parts, repairs, and extended warranties

How Infrastructure Products Embody Durability

Infrastructure products such as bollards are often designed for maximum durability, using materials like concrete and stainless steel that withstand impacts, weather, and wear. These products require minimal maintenance and have long service lives, serving as examples of sustainable design principles in practice. Regular inspections and the use of corrosion-resistant materials further extend their lifespan.

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