Right to Repair: Year-to-Date (2024 pt. II) Update
The Right to Repair movement has seen significant legislative advancements in 2024, particularly in the U.S. and the EU. These developments aim to empower consumers, reduce electronic waste, and promote sustainable product life-cycles. This update provides a comprehensive overview of key changes and challenges in the first half of 2024, with a focus on how these new laws are shaping the future of consumer electronics and hardware product development.
U.S. Developments: Colorado’s Expansion of Right to Repair Legislation
In 2024, Colorado solidified its position as a leader in the Right to Repair movement by enacting its third major law in this area. This new legislation extends right-to-repair protections to consumer electronics, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Previously, Colorado's laws focused primarily on agricultural equipment and powered wheelchairs.
Key Highlights:
🧩 Access to Repair Resources: The law mandates that manufacturers provide necessary parts, tools, and repair documentation to consumers and independent repair shops.
🧩 Impact: This move is expected to reduce e-waste and extend the lifespan of electronic devices, setting a precedent for other states to follow.
European Developments: European Sustainability Product Regulation (ESPR)
The European Union’s focus on sustainability has led to the introduction of the European Sustainability Product Regulation (ESPR), a key component of the EU's Green Deal. Set for full implementation by 2025, the ESPR mandates that products be designed with durability, repairability, and recyclability in mind.
Key Highlights:
🧩 Requirements: Manufacturers must provide spare parts and repair manuals, aiming to drastically improve product longevity and reduce environmental impact.
🧩 Global Influence: The ESPR is expected to set a new standard for product sustainability, influencing regulations beyond the EU.
🧩 Further information: Read our more detailed insight into the impact of ESPR here
How ESPR fits into the wider context of the EU Green Deal. Credit: Ecochain
European Legislative Milestone: Right to Repair Becomes EU Law
In July 2024, the EU took a significant step by adopting the Right to Repair Directive (2024/1799), making the Right to Repair officially part of EU law.
Key Provisions:
🧩 Post-Warranty Repairs: Manufacturers are now required to repair products even after the warranty period has ended, provided the product is repairable under specified conditions.
🧩 Availability of Parts and Tools: The law mandates that spare parts, tools, and repair instructions must be available at reasonable prices and within a reasonable timeframe.
🧩 Global Benchmark: This directive is expected to set a global standard for repairability and consumer rights, with full implementation expected by 2026.
Industry Challenges: The Persistent Issue of Adhesive Glue in Electronics
Despite legislative progress, the repair industry continues to face significant challenges, particularly the widespread use of adhesive glue in consumer electronics. This practice makes repairs difficult, often causing additional damage during disassembly. Repair professionals cite glue as the primary obstacle in achieving efficient, cost-effective repairs, particularly in devices like smartphones and laptops.
Case Study: HMD Global’s Nokia Skyline – A Repair-Friendly Design
In response to these challenges, HMD Global’s Nokia Skyline smartphone offers a model for how the industry can innovate towards repairability. Unlike many of its competitors, the Nokia Skyline is designed with modular components that avoid excessive use of adhesive.
Key Highlights:
🧩 Modular Design: The phone uses screws and other fasteners that make disassembly and repair easier, extending the product's lifespan.
🧩 Industry Impact: This design aligns with Right to Repair principles, offering a sustainable alternative that could influence future product designs.
“Simply turn one screw to pop open the back cover on the HMD Skyline —a surprise to be sure, but a welcome one.” Credit: iFixit
The Right to Repair movement has made significant progress in 2024, with groundbreaking legislation in both the U.S. and the EU aimed at empowering consumers, reducing e-waste, and promoting sustainable product life-cycles. As these laws take effect, their impact on the manufacturing industry, consumer behaviour, and environmental sustainability will be closely watched.
❔How do you think these legislative changes will impact the future of product design and consumer rights? Share your thoughts in the comments below and subscribe to our newsletter for more insights on the latest developments in sustainability and regulatory compliance.❔
