Extending Product Lifetime: Prospects and Opportunities

Abstract

Examines methods to extend the product lifetime of everyday items. Stresses the importance of attempting to extend product lifetimes – e.g. as a solution to waste management and environmental pollution. Analyses the results of a survey conducted in the Hague‐Delft‐Rotterdam area amongst consumers who recently replaced one of the following products – washing machine, refrigerator, TV furniture or car. Outlines six main areas in the study: Consumer characteristics; Usage situation characteristics; Purchase situation characteristics; Product characteristics; Replacement motives; Product retention times. Concludes that with careful thought, products could be reconditioned instead of discarded – the functioning of second‐hand markets would be stimulated, and the practical lifetime of products would be extended.