PLANNED OBSOLESCENCE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Aims. In a world scenario in which environmental policies strive to guarantee sustainable development for present and future generations, states aim to limit the production of rapidly obsolescent goods (telephones, computers, household appliances, etc.) and to reduce pollution through their correct management and/or reverse current trends, necessarily involving all companies operating in the sector. This study aims to analyse the phenomenon of planned obsolescence as a limit to sustainable development and the attempts to regulate it both at a European and domestic level.!Methods. The work will start with an analysis of EU legislation. In Italy, planned obsolescence is not regulated, although various bills are under discussion in Parliament to combat the phenomenon. The latest is Bill no. 615 (Amendments to the code referred to in Legislative Decree no. 206 of 6 September 2005, and other provisions to combat the planned obsolescence of consumer goods).!Findings. On the basis of the analysis carried out, it will be verified whether current legislation protects citizens-consumers and/or whether the state should take measures to counter the planned obsolescence practices implemented by manufacturers. In the meantime, goods which rapidly become obsolescent, where they cannot be repaired and/or reused, require adequate disposal as special waste.!Limitations of the study. The approach outlined in this study is mainly theoretical; from a practical and applicative point of view, case law (Apple, Samsung and HP cases) is often conflicting and fails to provide clarification.