Only each: R third parties let smartphones repair: influence high costs and non -transparency

Only each: R third parties let smartphones repair: influence high costs and non -transparency

Sustainability of smartphones: Repair costs influence purchase decisions

A new survey by the TÜV association shows that high repair costs lead to many consumers: in the inside a defective smartphone rather than having it repaired. However, this decision has a negative impact on the environment and the wallet of consumers: inside.

The investigation showed that about one in three Germans: in the past five years had to struggle with a defective smartphone. However, only 32 percent of these had the device repaired. The remaining 68 percent decided against a repair for various reasons.

One of the main reasons for rejection of a repair are the high costs. According to the survey, 30 percent of the respondents did not repair due to the financial burden. In addition, 31 percent did not have the cell phone repaired because they thought it was no longer to be saved. Another 7 percent had not even thought of having their device repaired.

The fact that repairs for consumers are often opaque inside also contributes to the decision to buy a new smartphone instead of repairing the old. The survey shows that 15 percent of the respondents had their cell phone repaired in a specialty shop, while 10 percent had the manufacturer made the repair. Only 7 percent repaired the device on its own. Many consumers: on the inside are unsure about the possibilities and costs of a repair and are dependent on the information from the manufacturer.

This lack of transparency and the high cost risk mean that the repair of smartphones is more of an exception than the rule. The repair would be the more sustainable option compared to buying a new device. Juliane Petrich, consultant for politics and sustainability at the TÜV association, therefore emphasizes the importance of the new "right to repair" of the European Union. This should bring improvements in terms of costs, repair and availability of repair services.

The survey also shows that the frequent change of smartphones is a large environmental impact. Around 16 percent of consumers: Inside, their device exchanges after two years, while another 35 percent replace it after three to four years. Only 24 percent use your smartphone for five years or more. This fast renewal of devices leads to a high level of energy expenditure in the manufacture and increased demand for rare earths and raw materials. Most of these are not renewable and are often broken down using harmful chemicals.

To counteract this problem, the EU recently introduced the ecodesign regulation for smartphones. From mid -2025, stricter requirements for repairability, energy consumption and the longevity of devices apply. These measures are intended to reduce the waste of resources, relieve the environment and save consumers: save money inside. Juliane Petrich, however, emphasizes that effective implementation of these requirements is decisive.

To support consumers: to support the inside of the selection of repairable products, Petrich suggests the introduction of a test mark. This sign, for example called "Ready to Repair", would indicate that the repair of a device was confirmed by independent places. This would have consumers: inside a reliable orientation aid and could make their purchase decisions in the sense of sustainability.

Overall, the survey shows that high repair costs and opaque repair options Many consumers: keep inside from having their smartphones repaired. However, the sustainability of smartphones could be increased by improved transparency, accessibility and labeling of repairable products as well as stricter requirements for manufacturers.