Design to Last

Design to Last

Why the manufacturers of Electronic & Electric items/stuff/equipment/tools etc. need to follow this principle to remain sustainable, Eco-friendly to support the Concept of Circular Economy and SDGs?

(Part 1 of 3)

{Sustainability, Environment Protection and Healing Climate Change}

The principle of “Design to Last” is critical in transforming the electronics and electrical (E&E) industry into a more sustainable, circular, and eco-conscious ecosystem. Here's a detailed breakdown of why manufacturers of E&E products should embrace this principle to align with the Circular Economy and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

🔧 What is “Design to Last”?

Design to Last refers to creating products that are:

• Durable over a longer period,
• Repairable, upgradable, and modular, and
• Reusable or recyclable at end-of-life.

In simple terms, instead of designing for obsolescence, it’s about designing for longevity and lifecycle efficiency.

🔁 Link with Circular Economy

The Circular Economy model emphasizes:

• Minimizing waste,
• Maximizing resource efficiency, and
• Extending the lifecycle of products.

Design to Last is one of the foundational design principles of the circular economy because it:

• Reduces material extraction and energy use over time,
• Encourages repair, reuse, and second-life applications,
• Minimizes e-waste generation.

🌎 Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

⚙️ Why the E&E Industry Must Embrace “Design to Last”

1. 🗑️ E-Waste Crisis

India alone generated over 1.6 million tonnes of e-waste in 2021, with only a small percentage processed through authorized recyclers. Short product lifespans and rapid obsolescence are major culprits.

Design to Last = Less Frequent Disposal = Less E-Waste

2. 💡 Product Obsolescence Hurts Brand Reputation

Consumers are becoming more conscious. Companies practicing planned obsolescence (i.e., short-lived designs) are often called out for unsustainable behavior.

Adopting Design to Last:

• Builds trust with customers,
• Aligns with ESG goals, and
• Improves brand image in domestic and global markets.

3. 💰 Economic Benefits for Manufacturers

• Lower Warranty Claims: Durable products lead to fewer returns and replacements.
• Second-Life Market: Refurbishing and resale markets open new revenue streams.
• After-Sales Services: Encourages repair and part replacement models, adding lifetime customer value.

4. 🔩 Modularity = Circular Design

Modular designs (like Fairphone or Framework laptops) make repair, refurbishment, and upgrades easier — helping keep the product in use longer.

Imagine a mixer-grinder or electric drill where the motor or switch is replaceable without needing to discard the whole unit.

5. ⚖️ Policy Pressure & Global Compliance

• Right to Repair regulations are gaining traction globally (e.g., EU, US, India’s draft e-waste policy).
• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) norms require manufacturers to manage the lifecycle of their products.

Design to Last helps businesses comply cost-effectively with such evolving regulations.

✅ How Manufacturers Can Implement “Design to Last”

✍️ Summary

'Design to Last' is more than a design philosophy — it's a business imperative, an environmental necessity, and a social responsibility. By incorporating durability, repairability, and modularity in product design, manufacturers of electronic and electric goods can:

• Support circular economy goals,
• Contribute meaningfully to multiple SDGs, and
• Stay future-ready in a sustainability-focused global market.

🧠 Conclusion: Is it Worth It?

✅ Yes, absolutely.
While initial R&D and design costs may be higher, the long-term benefits — including compliance, consumer trust, reduced waste, and new revenue channels — far outweigh them.

Manufacturers who ignore this shift may not just lose relevance — they may face regulatory pushback and reputational risk.

Reference: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2123899

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