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Montreal, October 22, 2024 - The lifespan of our products is getting increasingly shorter. In order to reverse this trend, which is harmful for household finances and for environmental protection, Équiterre has released a new report demonstrating the importance of a durability index for Canada.
Équiterre is calling on the Canadian government to require a durability index to be displayed for certain products, such as household appliances and electronic devices.
“Consumers need information to make informed purchase decisions, particularly in the current context. We’re proposing a common sense solution that can help save people money and avoid waste,” says Amélie Côté, Équiterre’s Analyst in Reduction at the source.
“The products that our grandparents bought lasted for decades. It makes no sense that with all the technological advances, companies don’t make durable products in this day and age. At a minimum, a durability index would provide consumers with information to compare options, and help ensure that their purchase will turn out to be a reliable investment,” she adds, noting that the introduction of such an index would remove several of the obstacles identified by consumers in a 2022 study on access to repair.
What might this durability index look like?
According to Équiterre, it should not be difficult for retailers to display clear information on the durability of the products they sell. Durability levels would be determined with different key players and be calculated by an independent body.
A grade would be awarded to each product, from 1 to 10 or from A to E. The grade would be color-coded to make it easy to identify;
The durability index would also provide information on specific criteria, such as product reliability, repairability and upgradeability;
Additional information on these criteria could be accessed by scanning a QR code or inquiring at the counter.
“Picture yourself in a long aisle full of washing machines and dryers. With a durability index, you could make your selection based on the product’s lifespan or on how easy it could be repaired. Consumers need this information,” explains Amélie Côté.
Consumers are ready
The results of a recent survey show that Canadians are very interested in product reliability and durability, which trails only price when it comes to purchase criteria.
Of the Canadians surveyed, 73% said that displaying information on reliability would influence their purchasing decisions.
“It’s already being done in other countries, and Canadians are ready for it. It would be good for our budgets, our local economies, our small and medium sized repair businesses, and the environment. So what are we waiting for?” concludes Amélie Côté.
A few quick facts:
A previous study by Équiterre showed that products break on average 2.6 years after purchase.
In 2021, the typical Canadian household spent $2,177 on the purchase of household appliances and electronics.
In 2021, France made it mandatory to display a repairability index for certain household appliances and electronics, and will be introducing a durability index for televisions and washing machines in 2025.
Following France’s lead, Belgium, Spain, the United Kingdom and Taiwan are in the process of putting in place this type of index. Legislation to create a repairability index was introduced in New York State in 2023.
About :
Équiterre has received funding from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s Contributions Program for Non-profit Consumer and Voluntary Organizations. The views expressed in this report are not necessarily those of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada or of the Government of Canada.
Équiterre's offices are located on Indigenous lands that have not been ceded by treaty, which we now call Montreal and Quebec City. We recognize that Indigenous peoples have protected their territories since immemorial times and have used their traditional knowledge to guard the lands and waters. We are grateful to live on these lands and are committed to continuing our efforts to protect them. Read more »
