Product lifetime extension (PLE) is the postponement or reversal of the obsolescence of a product through deliberate intervention. This can be done by designing more durable products so that consumers can use them for a longer time, by extending their use through maintenance and upgrades, and by recovering broken products through repair, refurbishment or remanufacturing.

This survey aims to collect information on relevant policies that countries have in place, or aspire to, for addressing product lifetime extension. Policies and regulations have a key role to play in addressing PLE by stimulating the transition of businesses and consumers towards a circular economy.

This survey will contribute to a mapping exercise of PLE policy and regulatory actions around the world, which is being developed by the United Nations Environment Programme under the umbrella of the One Planet network Consumer Information Programme. We are particularly interested in policies that aim to engage the consumers in order to extend product lifetimes in developing countries.

Your knowledge is extremely valuable to us. Please do share with us what is happening in your country (or other countries that you are familiar with) on the topic! Your participation (name/organisation) will be acknowledged in the final product.  

Please note, if you want to share information on more than one country, we kindly ask you to please fill in the survey for each country separately. Alternatively, you can also e-mail further information to us if that is preferable.

Should you have any questions or want to share further information please get in touch with Fernanda at Fernanda.gimenes@un.org.