Durability Index: When Will It Apply to IT Equipment?

A tool for consumers: where does the durability index stand in France?

The durability index is a tool designed to fight planned obsolescence, a shared challenge in the digital sector, particularly with a view to sustainable IT. It complements the repairability index launched in 2021 by adding criteria such as estimated lifespan, warranty, ease of disassembly and access to spare parts.

In practice, France has already introduced this index for televisions and then for washing machines, and in 2025 it is extending it to twelve categories, including e-bikes, microwaves and air conditioners. The scheme aims to inform consumers and encourage more durable products.

The benefit is twofold: a durable device actually costs less per use, and its durability reduces its environmental and economic impact. Durability therefore becomes a strong argument, not only an environmental one but a financial one too.

However, the index remains limited: it does not yet cover IT equipment (computers, smartphones or printers), even though these devices are at the heart of companies' digital transformation.

IT equipment: why a durability index is becoming essential

Digital equipment is the most exposed to software obsolescence, non-replaceable batteries and inaccessible parts. Yet manufacturing it uses scarce resources and generates a large carbon footprint.

In addition, proactive maintenance can extend the lifespan of workstations by several years, cutting their carbon footprint in half according to ADEME (the French Agency for Ecological Transition).

A durability index adapted to IT equipment would provide:

- an objective basis for responsible purchasing;
- an incentive for manufacturers to design more repairable and modular products;
- momentum for players such as Leasetic, whose Loopix offering already provides tailored refurbishment;
- a transparent framework for showcasing companies' CSR initiatives.

Refurbishment covers a range of practices such as reconditioning, repair and reuse. These actions fit perfectly into sustainable life cycle management of IT fleets.

Finally, Europe is introducing regulations, particularly around the Right to Repair, to hold manufacturers to account. But until an IT index is formally adopted, pioneering companies need to rely on solutions such as IT maintenance and professional refurbished equipment.

Call on Leasetic experts to get more value from your IT equipment

At Leasetic, we believe that economic performance and environmental impact must go hand in hand. With our offerings in professional refurbishment (Loopix), fleet management, proactive maintenance and asset recovery, we help you build truly sustainable IT. While we wait for a durability index for IT equipment, our expertise anticipates the challenges, optimizes costs and strengthens your CSR strategy.

Contact our experts today for personalized support and turn your IT fleet into a real driver of eco-performance.