‘Right to repair’ schemes will boost sustainability

Significance

Extending product life through legislative means will stem the flow of new products and bolster ‘circular economy’ initiatives, whereby materials are diverted from landfill and reused, repurposed or recycled.

Impacts

• Lower demand for new goods will slow the fast-moving consumer goods sector and force it to offer more sustainable products.
• Product quality standards will rise with environmental awareness, but many firms may have to prioritise cost over quality to stay afloat.
• Health outcomes will improve when hazardous e-waste is diverted from landfill in a circular economy model.
• Standardising parts will be near impossible for many sub-sectors to implement given the pace at which technology is developing.