[et_pb_section fb_built=\u201d1\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.18.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px|||||\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_row admin_label=\u201dIntro et liste 1\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.23.1\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d6px|||||\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.18.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/longtimelabel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Greencliams.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dExtending product lifecycle and reducing environmental impact\u201d title_text=\u201dGreenclaims\u201d align=\u201dcenter\u201d admin_label=\u201dImage\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.4\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_margin=\u201d|||14px||\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.4\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_text_color=\u201d#009541\u2033 header_2_font=\u201d|800|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#009541\u2033 header_3_font=\u201d|800|||||||\u201d custom_padding=\u201d||0px|||\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n
Extending the lifecycle of products is an essential strategy for reducing their ecological footprint. By extending their lifespan, the environmental impacts associated with their production and disposal are more evenly distributed, thereby reducing annual carbon emissions. This approach is part of a circular economy and also helps to preserve natural resources while reducing waste. [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=\u201dH2 et H3 + H4 en bullet point\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.3\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d2px|||||\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.23.1\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.4\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_text_color=\u201d#009541\u2033 header_2_font=\u201d|800|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#009541\u2033 header_3_font=\u201d|800|||||||\u201d header_3_text_color=\u201d#5CC4E7\u2033 custom_padding=\u201d||0px|||\u201d custom_css_free_form=\u201dselector ul {padding: 1px 1px;}||selector ul {margin: 1px 1px;}\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n Extending the lifespan of products, as demonstrated by ADEME studies, reduces environmental impacts by up to 25% by dividing up their carbon footprint over a longer period of use. These studies also show a significant reduction in natural resources, such as rare metals, leading to more rational management of resources and waste. By analysing the entire life cycle, they confirm that reliability and reparability play an essential role in the ecological Transition. <\/span><\/p>\n Extending the lifespan of products allows the environmental impacts caused by their production and disposal to be reduced over a longer period of use. Here are the main elements quantified in ADEME studies <\/span><\/p>\n ADEME study 2019 \u2013 Modelling and environmental assessment of consumer products and consumer goods: <\/i><\/b><\/p>\n This study shows that extending the average lifespan of consumer goods by 50% can reduce total emissions by <\/span>10% to 25%<\/b>, depending on the type of product.<\/span><\/p>\n Example for a smartphone:<\/span><\/p>\n ADEME 2020 study \u2013 Environmental and economic assessment of extending the lifespan of electrical and electronic equipment at household level: <\/i><\/b><\/p>\n The production processes represent on average <\/span>60% to 90% of the environmental impact<\/b> of EEE (depending on the product category).<\/span><\/p>\n If the lifespan is extended from 10 to 15 years, the emissions linked to production and end-of-life are spread over a longer period, resulting in a<\/span> 25% reduction in annual impacts<\/b> compared with a washing machine replaced after 10 years. This reasoning is valid for the vast majority of products. <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=\u201dH2 et H3 + H4 en bullet point\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.23.1\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d2px|||||\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.23.1\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.4\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_text_color=\u201d#009541\u2033 header_2_font=\u201d|800|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#009541\u2033 header_3_font=\u201d|800|||||||\u201d header_3_text_color=\u201d#5CC4E7\u2033 header_5_text_color=\u201d#494949\u2033 custom_margin=\u201d||6px|||\u201d custom_padding=\u201d||0px|||\u201d custom_css_free_form=\u201dselector ul {padding: 1px 1px;}||selector ul {margin: 1px 1px;}\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n The production of these products requires the extraction of many resources, particularly rare metals and other materials with a high environmental impact for EEE. Extending their lifespan helps to reduce the demand for resources, particularly for products with a lot of electronics. <\/span><\/p>\n For example, according to ADEME 2020, the production of a smartphone requires : <\/span><\/p>\n By increasing the lifespan of smartphones from 2 to 4 years, we can reduce by half the need for rare metals, thereby limiting the impact of mining (soil pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, destruction of habitats, etc.). <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.4\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_text_color=\u201d#009541\u2033 header_2_font=\u201d|800|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#009541\u2033 header_3_font=\u201d|800|||||||\u201d header_3_text_color=\u201d#5CC4E7\u2033 header_5_text_color=\u201d#494949\u2033 custom_padding=\u201d||0px|||\u201d custom_css_free_form=\u201dselector ul {padding: 1px 1px;}||selector ul {margin: 1px 1px;}\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n Durable, repairable products generate less waste in the long term. <\/span><\/p>\n Key data: <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.4\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#009541\u2033 header_3_text_color=\u201d#5CC4E7\u2033 global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d header_text_color__hover_enabled=\u201don|desktop\u201d]<\/p>\n The studies carried out to assess the impact of extending the life of products are based on a methodical approach and well-defined assumptions. They aim to analyse the entire life cycle of electrical and electronic equipment, from production to end-of-life, in order to understand the environmental and economic effects. <\/span><\/p>\n The environmental impact of a product is assessed over its entire life cycle (LCA), including the key steps:<\/span><\/p>\n ADEME\u2019s scope of study focuses on a limited range of products that are very common in households and have a high environmental impact: multimedia (television, smartphone, computer, etc.) and household appliances (washing machine, hoover, etc.).<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.4\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#009541\u2033 header_3_text_color=\u201d#5CC4E7\u2033 global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d header_text_color__hover_enabled=\u201don|desktop\u201d]<\/p>\n The conclusions on the effect of lifespan extension are based on key assumptions taken from ADEME studies, in particular:<\/span><\/p>\n \u2013 Smartphones: 2 to 3 years.<\/span><\/p>\n \u2013 Washing machines: 10 years.<\/span><\/p>\n \u2013 LED televisions: 7 years.<\/span><\/p>\n \u2013 Extension assumption: Increasing the lifespan by 50% (e.g. from 10 to 15 years for a washing machine) is realistic and achievable.<\/span><\/p>\n \u2013 This extension assumes that the product is designed to be durable and repairable (access to spare parts, solid design).<\/span><\/p>\n \u2013 Production and disposal impacts, initially concentrated over a shorter period, are spread out, reducing the average annual impact.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.4\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#009541\u2033 header_3_text_color=\u201d#5CC4E7\u2033 global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d header_text_color__hover_enabled=\u201don|desktop\u201d]<\/p>\n ADEME\u2019s data illustrates the environmental benefits of extending the lifespan of products, for example:<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Product<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n Average lifespan (years)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n Lifespan extention<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n Impact of reduction (% Kg eq CO2 global)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n savings for the consumer (\u20ac\/year of extension)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n Smartphone<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n 2<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n 4<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n 28<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n 35-96<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n Washing machines<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n 10<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n 15<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n 33<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n 15-28<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n Refrigerator<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n 10<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n 15<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n 25<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n 30-36<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n LED TV<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n 7<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n 10<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n 30<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n 23-66<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n According to ADEME, extending the lifespan of each piece of multimedia equipment (television, laptop, smartphone, printer) and household electrical appliance (washing machine, fridge, dishwasher, tumble dryer, oven, hoover, microwave) in every French household by 3 years would save 15 million tonnes of CO2 eq, or around 8.3 million cars on the road for a full year. <\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n In addition, the ADEME study, \u00c9VALUATION \u00c9CONOMIQUE DE<\/b><\/p>\n L\u2019ALLONGATION DE LA DUR\u00c9E D\u2019USAGE DE PRODUITS DE CONSOMMATION ET BIENS D\u2019\u00c9QUIPEMENT states that, in the vast majority of cases, the work has demonstrated the economic benefits of extending the useful life of products, despite the cost of repairs.<\/b><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.4\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#009541\u2033 header_3_text_color=\u201d#5CC4E7\u2033 global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d header_text_color__hover_enabled=\u201don|desktop\u201d]<\/p>\n The conclusions on the impact of longer life expectancy are valid in a specific context, but they have certain limitations: <\/span><\/p>\n <\/p><\/span><\/li>\n Environmental gains are maximised for products whose energy efficiency is stable over time, and are less for products whose energy efficiency is improved over time.<\/span><\/p>\n Example: Replacing an old energy-guzzling refrigerator with a new model can have a lower overall environmental impact in the long term.<\/span><\/p>\n If durable products are not properly recycled, the gains associated with their longevity may be partially offset by the accumulation of electrical waste.<\/span><\/p>\n An ADEME study entitled \u2018\u00c9valuation \u00e9conomique de l\u2019allongement de la dur\u00e9e d\u2019usage de produits de consommation et biens d\u2019\u00e9quipement\u2019 (Economic evaluation of extending the lifespan of consumer products and equipment) highlights that extending the lifespan of products is beneficial in almost 95% of cases. However, it points out that this strategy can be less advantageous when older appliances use significantly more energy than newer models. However, it is important to note that for some appliances, particularly those whose energy efficiency has improved considerably in recent models, replacing an old appliance with a new one is more environmentally advantageous.<\/span><\/p>\n In fact, for appliances such as fridges or washing machines, where new models are often much more energy-efficient, replacing the old appliance may be more beneficial in terms of environmental impact. It is therefore essential to assess the environmental impact of extending the lifespan of products on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the technological advances and energy efficiency gains of new models. <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.4\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#009541\u2033 header_3_font=\u201d|700|||||||\u201d header_3_text_color=\u201d#5CC4E7\u2033 global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d header_text_color__hover_enabled=\u201don|desktop\u201d]<\/p>\n The ADEME studies mentioned are publicly available, as is the list of related sources\/references.<\/span><\/p>\n Transparency is an essential lever for encouraging consumers to make sustainable choices. <\/span><\/p>\n The LONGTIME\u00ae label stands out for its commitment to making its assessment criteria and results accessible via dedicated tools:<\/span><\/p>\n Initiatives such as the transparency page and QR codes on products: This ensures full transparency of the methodologies used to improve and evaluate environmental performance, in line with the transparency requirement in Article 5 (c) of the Green Claims Directive.<\/span><\/p>\n As part of the MEERp methodology, the Join Research Center, JRC, has developed an open-access tool <\/a><\/span><\/span>for accurately assessing the environmental effects of extending product life through reliability, reparability and upgradeability, based on a series of input data:<\/span> <\/p>\n
Find out how sustainable and repairable products can become key driving forces behind the ecological transition. <\/span><\/p>\nR\u00e9sultats d\u2019\u00e9tudes sur la durabilit\u00e9 et calculs sous-jacents<\/strong><\/h2>\n
R\u00e9duction des \u00e9missions li\u00e9es \u00e0 la production et \u00e0 la fin de vie des \u00e9quipements<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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This represents a<\/span> 28% reduction in annual emissions <\/b>by doubling the lifespan.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
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Total impact: <\/span>2.4 tonnes of CO\u2082e over<\/b> 10 years.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nReducing resource extraction<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Circular economy and waste management<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Clarification of the scope, assumptions and limitations of the studies carried out<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Scope: Life cycle analysis and environmental impacts<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Principles used<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Data for different products<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Further study of limit cases and energy consumption<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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The LONGTIME\u00ae label teams systematically assess the energy performance of the product family and its potential development over time to ensure that extending its life will be an effective strategy for reducing its environmental impact, and raise awareness of this issue among stakeholders.<\/span><\/p>\nPublication of results and transparency<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Transparency at the heart of the LONGTIME\u00ae label<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Providing information on the environmental impact of products: in particular the benefits of reparability, reliability and extended life.<\/span><\/li>\n\n
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Estimation of environmental and economic benefits using a practical tool<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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