We’re excited to announce the publication of a groundbreaking article by Kamila Krych and Johan Berg Pettersen in the Journal of Industrial Ecology! The study, titled “Long-term lifetime trends of large appliances since their introduction in Norwegian households”, sheds new light on how the lifetimes of essential household appliances have evolved over the decades.
Using dynamic material flow analysis, the authors investigated the sales and ownership patterns of six major appliance types—fridges, freezers, washing machines, tumble dryers, dishwashers, and ovens—from 1940 to 2022 in Norway. This meticulous research challenges the widespread belief that product lifetimes are universally decreasing due to planned obsolescence or a throwaway culture.
Key Findings:
- Lifetime Decreases Are Not Universal: Washing machines and ovens experienced notable lifetime reductions (45% and 39%, respectively), primarily in the 1990s and 2000s. Other appliances showed no significant decline.
- Factors Beyond Obsolescence: The study suggests that lifetime decreases might result from complex technical, economic, and social factors, such as the adoption of built-in kitchen appliances, declining relative prices, and changing consumer habits around laundry and kitchen use.
- Policy Implications: Findings emphasize the importance of context-specific strategies for extending product lifetimes. Efforts should address not only product durability and repair incentives but also broader economic and social drivers.
This research provides a nuanced perspective on the debate over product lifetimes, offering valuable insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and sustainability advocates.
Read the article here:
Krych, K., & Pettersen, J. B. (2025) Long-term lifetime trends of large appliances since the introduction in Norwegian households. Journal of Industrial Ecology. https://doi.org/10.1111/jiec.13608
