Planned Obsolescence

​Planned Obsolescence

Obsolescence is when a something becomes obsolete (no longer needed)

• Reasons for obsolescence

  • Is no longer useful

  • is out of date

  • has broken parts that cannot be replaced

  • cannot be used by current technology

  • Is replaced by another product

• Also known as "inbuilt obsolescence"

  • Often driven by cost cutting

  • Manufacturers have a vested interest

​Benefits and issues with planned obsolescence

​	​Benefits	​issues
​For consumers	​Products are cheap Products are easily replaced Consumers can feel up to date Products can be more efficient and labour saving	Products don't last​ Products cannot be repaired, or difficult to repair Replacement costs are high Can be 'out of date' quickly
​For producers	​More products sold Business can keep evolving Staff can be up-skilled	​Need to invest in re-skilling and new technology Constant attention to product development
​Associated environmental, economic and worldview issues	​Increased employment and wealth for community Increased levels of hygiene through use of disposables, i.e. medical Many products make life easier	​Increase in waste - more rubbish in landfill Contributes to pollution of the air water and land Uses up resources Requires huge amounts of energy

​Planned obsolescence

• Functional obsolescence

• Technical obsolescence

• Style obsolescence

​There are three ways in which a product can become obsolete:

Multiple Select

Obsolescence is.....

• Has broken parts that cannot be replaced

• is no longer useful

• Cannot be used with the current technology

• is out of date

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​What is the Impact of planned obsolescence on sustainability

1. Find two examples of products for each of the types of obsolescence and explain why they are obsolete or will become obsolete. Be sure to acknowledge IP

2. Outline the one benefit of each product for the consumer and the producer

3. What are some world view issues relevant for these products