ABSTRACT
In order to select products with life-spans that are environmentally optimal and appropriate for their requirements, shoppers need to be adequately informed about the design life of their prospective purchases. This chapter assesses the quality of information about product life-spans currently available in retail environments, based on the findings of an exploratory research study It draws upon data from observational visits to retail outlets and telephone interviews with trade associations and manufacturers. The fieldwork revealed few specific examples of life-span labelling but uncovered a variety of means by which consumers might predict the durability of products: life-span labels and other environmental claims, guarantees and warranties, quality marks, and labels concerning installation and care. A review of consumer access to information on the design life of products for 10 types of product was undertaken and an assessment made of the potential value of life-span labels. The study concluded that the quality of information on product life-spans currently accessible to consumers is inadequate and proposed an increase in life-span labelling.
