The impact of the reparability index on purchasing decisions

The reparability index, introduced in France as part of the AGEC law (Anti-Gaspillage pour une Économie Circulaire), aims to raise consumer awareness of the importance of product reparability, and thus, more generally, its durability. By providing information on how easy it is to repair a product, this index aims to extend its lifespan and reduce electronic waste. But what impact does the index really have on consumers’ purchasing decisions? Our article looks at the studies carried out, the regulations in force, and the data available to evaluate the influence of this new indicator.

Repairability legislation in France

The reparability index was made mandatory by the AGEC law of February 10, 2020, with the aim of better informing consumers about the possibility of repairing their products before replacing them. This index is currently applied to 9 product categories ( Washing machine with porthole and top loading, smartphone, laptop, TV, lawnmower, dishwasher, vacuum cleaner, high-pressure cleaner.), and its extension is planned to include a durability index by 2024, which will also take into account product robustness and reliability.

At the same time, the REEN law of November 15, 2021 requires the inclusion of the reparability index in public procurement. From 2023, public services must take this index into account when acquiring digital products, thus reinforcing the index’s place in institutional purchasing decisions.

The impact of the reparability index.

Research shows that displaying reparability can have a direct impact on consumers’ purchasing decisions. The recent study by Lauranne de Leuze explores the role that reparability information plays in the fight against planned obsolescence. She concludes that displaying reparability has a positive influence on purchase intention, particularly among environmentally concerned consumers. In addition, Lauranne reveals that products with a good repairability rating are perceived as being of better quality, thus increasing the likelihood that they will be chosen.

The data from those studies

According to the Impact of the Repairability Index conducted by DITP, around 90% of survey participants consider the index a useful tool to help them choose more sustainable products.

Another ADEME report highlights that young consumers, particularly those aged 18 to 34, are the most sensitive to the display of reparability. Nearly 60% of this age group say that this index plays an important role in their purchasing choices, especially for products such as smartphones and laptops.

These data also show that the introduction of the index has stimulated a change in behavior among consumers concerned about the environmental impact of their purchases. The survey reveals that 40% of buyers said they had chosen a product specifically for its repairability score, reflecting a growing awareness of the importance of extending product life.

Conclusion

The reparability index represents a key tool for guiding consumer purchasing decisions towards more sustainable products. While its impact on consumer decision-making is still evolving, initial studies show a favorable trend. Additionally, the index is set to be adopted at the European level, eventually superseding the French version for the product categories it currently targets. The planned extension of the reparability index to a sustainability index, as well as its inclusion in public purchasing, should further strengthen its influence. Beyond its environmental benefits, this index could play a major role in transforming purchasing behavior towards greater responsibility.

Our new App RepairAbility and Longtime®

RepairAbility by Longtime® plays a key role in this drive to promote reparability. By providing a concrete solution to improve transparency on product repairability, RepairAbility, thanks to its application dedicated to professionals, makes it possible to assess the repairability of products in real time, in line with EN45554 standards, thus facilitating the continuous improvement of products. By offering detailed reports and simulated impacts of improvements in practices, Repairability helps manufacturers to offer more repairable products, meeting consumers’ growing expectations in terms of sustainability.

For its part, Longtime® is a label that certifies the durability and repairability of products, assuring consumers that labeled products meet strict longevity and maintenance criteria. By encouraging brands to design more durable and easily repairable products, Longtime® is perfectly aligned with the new expectations of consumers seeking environmentally-friendly and economically viable products. This label offers buyers an additional guarantee in their choices, while contributing to the fight against planned obsolescence.

Together, these two initiatives actively contribute to making reparability a social and economic value, further strengthening the impact of the reparability index on consumer decision-making. They show that by encouraging repair and valuing the longevity of products, it is possible to positively influence purchasing behavior towards greater sustainability.