Key Problems

Global e-waste is projected to reach 75 million tonnes by 2030. Only 17% is properly recycled. Australia ranks fifth in e-waste production. Around 53% of Australians are unaware of e-waste collection facilities.

How might we create accountability for manufacturers that brings awareness to consumers on the durability and environmental impact of their small appliances through a repairability label index?

Solution Discovery

We examined three distinct precedents: the repairability index introduced in France, the practices of iFixit, and healthy eating label systems in Australia. In December 2022, New York passed the world's first electronics Right to Repair law. Interviews revealed the cost of repair was often more than the item's value, and people were not aware of the consequences of e-waste.

The Concept: Repairability Index

A consumer-facing rating system that communicates how easy a product is to repair, directly at the point of purchase. The index includes a repairability score, required tools and complexity level, availability of spare parts, and expected product lifespan.

Calculation Method

The repairability index is calculated by rating sub-criteria from both consumer and manufacturer perspectives on a scale of 1 to 6. Consumer sub-criteria are weighted at 0.5 each. Manufacturer sub-criteria are weighted at 0.25 each.

Digital Platform

The index also features a website partnered with iFixit, offering step-by-step repair instructions, certified repair shop locations, and safe disposal information across Melbourne.

Reflection

Waste is not just an environmental issue. It is a design decision. Systems are driven by incentives, not intentions. Transparency can shift behaviour at scale.