Term: Durability
Requirements for product durability
– Good repairability and regenerability are essential for product durability.
– Products must be capable of adapting to technical, technological, and design developments.
– Consumers need to be willing to forgo having the latest version of a product for durability.
– The Sale of Goods Act 1979 in the United Kingdom was amended in 1994 to establish durability as a characteristic demanded by consumers.
– Durability is predicated by maintenance.
Product life spans and sustainable consumption
– Longer product life spans contribute to eco-efficiency and sufficiency.
– Sustainable consumption can be achieved by slowing consumption through longer product life spans.
– Cooper (2005) proposed a model demonstrating the crucial role of product lifespans in sustainable production and consumption.
– Sustainable consumption involves reducing waste and minimizing the throwaway society.
– Availability, consumables, disposable products, durable goods, and interchangeable parts are related concepts.
Importance of product durability
– Product durability is crucial for reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
– Durability leads to longer product life spans and less frequent replacements.
– It contributes to resource efficiency and minimizes the environmental impact of manufacturing.
– The concept of product stewardship is closely linked to durability.
– A throwaway society can be counteracted by prioritizing durable goods.
Role of maintenance in product durability
– Maintenance plays a key role in ensuring product durability.
– Regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of products.
– Proper maintenance practices can prevent premature wear and tear.
– Maintenance should be considered throughout the entire product lifecycle.
– Manufacturers and consumers both have responsibilities in maintaining product durability.
References (not included in the content summary)
Durability is the ability of a physical product to remain functional, without requiring excessive maintenance or repair, when faced with the challenges of normal operation over its design lifetime. There are several measures of durability in use, including years of life, hours of use, and number of operational cycles. In economics, goods with a long usable life are referred to as durable goods.
