Rather than updating and replacing technology, there is growing interest in products that are designed to be long-lasting and easily repaired or upgraded. The onus may not be solely on consumers, however, as manufacturers have made it challenging to fix items, which feeds into our throwaway culture. Newer devices include laptops, phones, and even vacuum cleaners, and they are designed with dismantling and upgrading in mind. While some of these products can carry a higher price tag initially, European Union legislation could drive larger brands to follow suit in the near future.
One example of a manufacturer embracing this approach to design is Framework. The company produces one of the most customisable, upgradable and fixable laptops on the market, with a modular internal design that enables users to replace each of the main components themselves. The devices come with QR codes for information on specific replacement components. A Laptop 13 starts at £849, but a more powerful Laptop 16 featuring a graphics module is being developed geared towards gamers.
Shift is a German brand which develops smartphones designed with sustainability in mind. The company uses resource-conserving materials in the manufacturing process and even has a scheme whereby customers who return severely damaged phones for recycling receive a refund. Shift’s products are designed with modular components and batteries that can be replaced without specialist tools, with repair videos available online. The company comes with the assurance of prioritising ethical working conditions and fair pay with Carsten and Samuel Waldeck at the helm.
Finally, the Bristol-based business Lupe offers a recyclable cordless vacuum cleaner, which costs £599 on its website, with removable and replaceable parts. The company is able to take the vacuum cleaner apart easily, meaning that if spare parts are needed, only that component needs replacing. The team of innovators behind Lupe worked in research and development for Dyson before starting their own venture to improve the cleaning industry.
With consumers becoming increasingly aware of the environmental impact of throwaway culture, the development of products that are designed to last is a step in a more sustainable direction. While the price tag of some bespoke tech may be higher, it is hoped that burgeoning interest and EU legislation will encourage larger brands to incorporate environmentally friendly and more financially sustainable design elements into their products
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