In an article published in the journal Resources, Conservation and Recycling, SIFO researchers Lisbeth Løvbak Berg and Marie Hebrok explore the narratives surrounding product longevity. Based on interviews conducted as part of the Lasting project, the authors demonstrate how these narratives differ between consumers and businesses. Among businesses, the dominant narratives focus on physical and emotional durability, while consumers emphasize managing consumption volumes and adaptation to various use contexts and life events.
While both groups recognize the importance of physical durability, there is a disconnect regarding how emotional attachment between the user and the product can be fostered, as well as the significance of production volumes. Business narratives that emphasize product longevity can overshadow the crucial need to reduce production volumes.
Although consumers’ overarching narratives promote sustainability, the smaller narratives reveal practical challenges. Therefore, efforts towards sustainability should consider the ‘life durability’ of products when designing strategies and interventions aimed at extending product lifespans. This approach can help products adapt to various use contexts and life events in addition to being physically durable. Furthermore, it is important that future efforts, including policy development, directly target reducing production volumes.
The complete article is available here.
Reference: Løvbak Berg, L., & Hebrok, M. (2024). Holding on or letting go: Conflicting narratives of product longevity. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 210, 107834. DOI:10.1016/j.resconrec.2024.107834