A longer life-time for products

INTRODUCTION

It seems we have to replace consumer products more and more frequently. Often it is cheaper and easier for consumers to buy a new product than to repair it or replace parts. There is little incentive to prolong the life of a product through repair, nor to re-use or recycle it. It is ever more apparent that resources are becoming scarcer and in the future this can cause serious problems for the environment and the economy. This Greens/EFA conference therefore aims to examine the win-win benefits of a longer product lifetime, for consumers, businesses, society and the environment.

PROGRAMME

15:00-15:30
Welcome and Introduction
Serge Latouche, Economist and University Professor, specialist of planned obsolescence 15:30-16:30
Panel 1: Economic, social and environmental benefits of a longer life-time for products Moderated by Thierry Libaert, University Professor and Member of the EESC

1. Benefits for consumers
   Sylvia Maurer, Head of sustainability and safety, BEUC 
2. Social benefits
   Lilian Ojeda, Policy Officer, RREUSE 
3. Environmental benefits
   Jocelyn Blériot, Executive Officer, Ellen MacArthur Foundation 
4. Economic benefits
   Tbc

16:30-17:30
Panel 2: Appropriate actions to promote a longer life-time for products Moderated by Thierry Libaert, University Professor and Member of the EESC

1. National examples
   Claude Turmes, Member of the European Parliament 
2. A success story
   Bas Van Abel, CEO and founder of Fairphone 
3. Legal perspective
   Bob Schmitz, European Affairs Advisor, The Consumers Union of Luxembourg 
4. European added-value
   Ferenc Pekar, Policy Officer, Circular Economy and Eco-innovation Unit of DG ENV

17:30-18:30
Conclusions and debate _____________________

Registration and practical information

• For registration and accreditation please provide your name, date of birth, type and number of ID and nationality to igor.soltes-office@ep.europa.eu
• Simultaneous interpretation will be provided in English, French and German