Improving product repairability indexes by considering real user experience

UK households throw away 155,000 tonnes of unwanted electricals each year, nearly half of which could be repaired or reused, with high professional repair cost being one of the key barriers to product repair. However, both regulations and repairability indexes focus on professional repairs rather than user self-repair.Product repairability regulations should consider and promote end-user self-repair. Product repairability indexes should include user-centred factors and distinguish between professional repairs and end-user repairs. This will incentivise manufacturers to design products that enable end-user repair and encourage end-users to make more sustainable purchasing decisions.