Ethics in Planned Obsolescence
Pro planned obsolescence
Making a product is costly. The business has many expensive overheads to get a product to market. If a product lasts a lifetime then the inflow of money will eventually stop. If a company can introduce planned obsolescence the customer can return and repurchase enabling more investment in the product development and human resources.
If a business uses planned obsolescence effectively then the customer will be trustful and remain a loyal customer. Loyal customers will keep repurchasing.
Technology in particular is evolving rapidly and customers are likely to want the updated version to make their lives easier and more enjoyable.
The customer experience and product quality is improved.
What are the pro's and con's of planned obsolescence?
Against planned obsolescence
The consumer is likely to have limited funds and to continue repurchasing can affect the economy negatively not only positively.
Inevitably the more products that are made and become obsolete, the more we throw away. Products, particularly plastic, are difficult to decompose and because of this are causing severe environmental problems. Both for the planet and for human health. For example much is dumped in the 'third-world' causing toxification. Children are often made to burn plastic or excess material to reach valuable metal underneath which they sell for food.
