An empirical survey on the obsolescence of appliances in German households

What happens in this observed lifecycle is different in detail for the various appliances: More expensive products seem to last longer. Repairing products seems not to prolong the lifespan. Small appliances, such as kettles and hand mixers, are rarely repaired and are discarded, even if still functioning. Washing-machines and laptops are not always discarded, even if they are defective. Washing-machine lifespan depends - more than any other of the observed products - on the purchase price and usage frequency. Consumers' mind-set seems to be a limiting factor for the actual lifespan of technical appliances. It appears that lifespan cannot exceed consumers' expectations. Moreover, consumers are the link in the chain to extend the product lifecycle, because the reuse and deferred disposal can only be solved with their support. Obsolescence is not only an issue that should be addressed to the manufacturer, but also as a responsibility to the consumer.