For years, consumers have questioned why smartphones slow down, appliances stop working prematurely, and fast-moving consumer products seem designed to be replaced rather than repaired. Now, France is continuing its global leadership in tackling “planned obsolescence” — the practice of deliberately designing products with a limited lifespan.
France first criminalised planned obsolescence under its Energy Transition for Green Growth Act in 2015, making it illegal for companies to intentionally reduce a product’s lifespan for profit. (Green Finance More recently, France has strengthened its environmental policies with repairability indexes and anti-waste legislation designed to encourage product durability, repair culture, and circular economy practices. (ecologie.gouv.fr)
As sustainability becomes increasingly urgent, these measures are attracting global attention — not just within tech and electronics, but across fashion, homeware, and consumer goods industries as well.
What Is Planned Obsolescence?
The Hidden Cost of Disposable Consumer Culture
Planned obsolescence refers to products being intentionally designed to wear out, become outdated, or lose functionality sooner than necessary. This can happen physically through low-quality materials, or digitally through software updates and compatibility limitations.
Critics argue that this business model fuels excessive consumption and contributes significantly to global waste. According to the United Nations, the world generated over 62 million tonnes of electronic waste in 2022, with less than a quarter formally recycled. (unitar.org)
While electronics are often the most visible example, the same mindset can be seen across fast fashion and trend-driven industries. Constant trend cycles, cheaply made garments, and low-quality manufacturing encourage consumers to replace products frequently rather than repair or reuse them.
This “throwaway culture” has major environmental consequences, from landfill overflow and carbon emissions to resource depletion and pollution. As consumers become more carbon-conscious, there is growing pressure on brands to prioritise longevity, transparency, and circular design.
France’s Repairability Laws Are Changing Consumer Expectations
Making Repair and Transparency More Accessible
France has introduced some of the world’s strongest “right to repair” policies. Since 2021, certain electronic products sold in France must display a repairability index score, helping consumers understand how easy a product is to repair before purchasing it. (ecologie.gouv.fr)
The scoring system considers factors such as spare part availability, product disassembly, documentation access, and repair costs. The goal is to empower consumers while encouraging manufacturers to design more durable and repairable products.
This shift is particularly important because modern consumers increasingly value sustainability and ethical consumption. People want products that last longer, create less waste, and reduce unnecessary environmental impact.
The European Union is also expanding similar legislation under its broader Circular Economy Action Plan, aiming to reduce waste and improve product sustainability across member states. (commission.europa.eu)
For consumers, this represents a major cultural shift away from disposable consumption and towards conscious ownership.
Why This Matters Beyond Electronics
Fashion and Consumer Goods Face Similar Questions
Although planned obsolescence is commonly associated with electronics, the fashion industry faces many of the same criticisms. Ultra-fast fashion brands release thousands of new products weekly, often manufactured with low durability and trend-driven marketing designed to encourage repeat purchasing.
Many garments today are worn only a handful of times before being discarded. According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the equivalent of one rubbish truck of textiles is landfilled or burned every second globally.
This creates enormous environmental strain through textile waste, water consumption, and carbon emissions. Consumers are increasingly recognising that sustainability is not just about buying “eco” products — it is also about reducing overconsumption and extending product lifespans.
Concepts such as sustainable fashion, ethical fashion, circular fashion, and vegan materials are becoming central to how younger consumers approach shopping. Repair culture, resale platforms, clothing rental, and second-hand fashion are all part of this wider movement towards more sustainable lifestyles.
The Rise of the Circular Economy
Why Durability Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage
France’s stance reflects the growing global movement towards a circular economy — a system where products are designed to be reused, repaired, refurbished, and recycled rather than discarded.
Brands that embrace durability and transparency are increasingly earning consumer trust. Companies that provide repair services, recycled materials, and take-back schemes are positioning themselves as leaders in a rapidly evolving market.
Consumers are also becoming more mindful of quality over quantity. Instead of constantly replacing products, many shoppers are investing in timeless, longer-lasting purchases that align with both their values and budgets.
This trend is particularly relevant in fashion, where conscious consumers are actively searching for carbon-conscious and ethical alternatives to fast fashion. Sustainability is no longer viewed as a niche concern — it is becoming an expectation.
As environmental awareness grows, businesses that ignore waste reduction and product longevity may face increasing reputational and regulatory pressure.
How Consumers Can Support a More Sustainable Future
Small Decisions Create Long-Term Change
Consumers have significant power to influence industries through everyday purchasing decisions. Choosing repairable products, supporting ethical fashion brands, shopping second-hand, repairing garments, and avoiding excessive trend-driven consumption can all contribute to a more sustainable future.
The conversation around planned obsolescence is ultimately about accountability. People are beginning to question whether products are truly designed to serve consumers — or simply designed to maximise repeat sales.
By prioritising durability, transparency, and circular thinking, consumers can help reduce waste while supporting businesses that align with more ethical and sustainable values.
The shift towards a greener economy will not happen overnight, but growing legislation, consumer awareness, and cultural change suggest momentum is building worldwide.
Final Thoughts
France’s action against planned obsolescence highlights an important global shift towards sustainability, transparency, and responsible production. As consumers become increasingly aware of waste, overconsumption, and environmental impact, industries across technology, fashion, and retail are being pushed to rethink how products are designed and sold.
The future of consumer culture is likely to become more circular, repair-focused, and carbon-conscious. Consumers are no longer simply asking what products cost — they are asking how long they last, how they are made, and what impact they leave behind.
At The Carbon Closet, we believe sustainable fashion and conscious consumerism go hand in hand. As a platform focused on ethical fashion, circular fashion, and carbon-conscious living, we are passionate about helping consumers discover better alternatives that prioritise quality, longevity, and sustainability for both people and the planet.