The Long View: Exploring Product Lifetime Extension

The aim of this study is to provide recommendations on the opportunities available to consumers, private sector and especially governments, of developed and developing economies, to address product lifetime extension. Seven products representing different lifetime expectancies by consumers for their optimal replacement moments and actual lifetimes in selected countries are analysed: washing machines, refrigerators, TVs, mobile phones, laptops and clothing. The report provides three policy perspectives, two for developed and one for developing countries, for designing measures to address product lifetime extension.