Circular is the new linear: consumers demand DIY fixes and durable design

A recent survey by Innofact for Miele shows that 70% of German consumers see the circularity of domestic appliances as crucial for the future of our environment and society. And not just as a collective concern: 60% say it matters to them personally. Let’s zoom in:

🔄 Recycled and refurbished: 73% trust the durability of domestic appliances containing recycled materials or refurbished components (65%)

💡 USPs that matter: When it comes to purchasing decisions, price (79%), durability (76%) and energy efficiency (71%) top the list

♻️ Eco-motivation: The top drivers behind circular practices are to reduce waste and conserve resources, both at 89%

🛑 Circularity hurdles: 62% worry about quality defects, and 58% think the product range is too limited

🔧 DIY repairability: 70% of respondents want the ability to repair domestic appliances themselves to save time and money

With eco-concerns rising and the right to repair spreading across product categories, it’s time for brands to adopt a 360° approach to circularity: 

Design phase
Are your products built for disassembly and longevity? Think Miele’s vacuum cleaners embracing the cradle-to-cradle model or Somer’s modular, future-proof kitchens.

Use phase
Whether offering after-care services or empowering DIY repairs, how are you helping consumers extend the life of goods they own? Take inspiration from London’s Fixing Factories, a community hub for free repairs and skills, or Yelp’s AI chatbot, bridging the gap between consumers and repair pros.