Planned obsolescence, the villain of the circular economy

Planned obsolescence, that is, the practice of designing products with a limited useful life, can be considered a villain of the circular economy. The circular economy seeks to minimize waste and promote sustainability through reuse, recycling and consumption reduction. However, planned obsolescence goes against these principles by encouraging the constant replacement of products, generating an unsustainable consumption cycle.

First, planned obsolescence leads to an increase in the disposal of still functional products, which results in a waste of natural and energy resources used in their production. When products are designed to fail prematurely, consumers are often forced to replace them even when there is no real need, generating an unnecessary buildup of waste.

In addition, planned obsolescence impairs the ability to repair and extend the useful life of products. By making it difficult or even impossible to replace parts or repair items, companies encourage consumers to purchase new products, resulting in a continuous consumption cycle. This impedes the transition to a more sustainable model, in which products are used for as long as possible.

Another negative impact of planned obsolescence is the constant demand for raw materials and energy to produce new products. This practice increases pressure on natural resources, which are often scarce, and contributes to environmental degradation. Rather than promoting reuse and recycling, planned obsolescence encourages continuous resource extraction, compromising the viability of the circular economy.

Finally, planned obsolescence also negatively affects consumers financially. By being forced to purchase new products frequently, they have a higher long-term cost and may struggle financially to keep up with the demand for replacements. This creates a cycle of consumption that prioritizes corporate profit over the economic well-being of individuals.