endurables

Endurables is a term used in sustainability and product design to describe durable goods designed for long life, repairability, and upgradability. The concept contrasts with disposables and single-use or rapidly obsolescent products. While not a formal industry standard, endurables are advocated by designers, policymakers, and repair advocates as a framework for reducing waste and resource use.

Key characteristics include modular construction, standardized interfaces, extensive spare parts availability, repair manuals, accessible repair services, and robust warranties. Endurables emphasize lifecycle thinking, with attention to energy use, materials recovery, and end-of-life options. They often rely on service models, refurbishment, and remanufacturing rather than simple replacement.

Examples and applications: consumer electronics with modular components and replacement parts; appliances with common parts; clothing and footwear designed for repair; tools and equipment with repair-friendly design. There are also policy movements, such as right-to-repair laws, and industry coalitions promoting repairability scores.

Reception and challenges: Critics argue higher upfront costs, potential for planned obsolescence if not designed well, and economic pressures favoring shorter replacement cycles. Implementing endurables requires investment in repair infrastructure, supply chains for spare parts, and regulatory alignment. Proponents expect reduced waste, lower total cost of ownership over time, and resilience against supply disruptions.