Product life extension behaviours for electrical appliances in UK households: Can consumer education help extend product life amid the cost-of-living crisis?

Abstract

This paper investigates consumer education as an effective intervention for adoption of product life extension behaviours by consumers of domestic appliances in the UK. Product life extension behaviours, including maintenance and repair, keep electrical appliances in use for as long as possible, ultimately supporting a circular economy by slowing the flow of materials. The study aims to demonstrate the influence communication-based interventions can have on consumer behaviour. The study was carried out in three phases over a 3-month period with seven households in Southwark Borough in London, forming an in-depth understanding of daily routines involving domestic appliance interactions. The results of the study suggest that consumer adoption of product life extension behaviours can be influenced by education. The study proposes that industry addresses the intention-action gap with improved and targeted design and delivery of education that motivates and empowers consumers to perform product life extension behaviours on their domestic appliances.