Electronics "Repairability Index" for India: A sustainable and consumer reliable framework for controlling e-waste generation

Electronic waste (e-waste) is a pressing global challenge, with waste generation exceeding five times that of waste collection and recycling. However, electronic product repairability has a significant potential to transform linear economy into circular economy, control e-waste generation, enhance the circular economy matrix, and boost the total cost of ownership. This study introduces a novel Repairability Index framework tailored for India’s electronics market, extending beyond the French Repairability Index by integrating India-specific factors such as multilingual documentation, informal sector dynamics, and price sensitivity. Anchored in circular economy theory, the framework evaluates products across five categories (Technical Capability, Serviceability, Supporting Artifacts, Spare Parts, and Survivability) using a weighted scoring system. The framework’s automation via an API model enhances scalability, while comparative analysis positions it within a Global E-Waste Risk Management Framework adaptable to other developing economies. By fostering sustainable design, empowering consumers, and reducing e-waste, this study offers a transformative tool for India’s electronics sector, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3, 8, 11, 12, 14, and 15, with broader implications for global circular economy transitions. This nuanced and versatile management approach emphasizes reusability, re-salability, and sustainability to promote innovation in the product design, adoption, and upscaling of diverse repair activities. It enables evidence-based decision-making in the design of tradeoffs between durability and repairability. This will strengthen circular economy as upstream players upon following this framework can upgrade their manufacturing strategy and Business Model to achieve a higher “Repairability index,” reduce electronic waste, and empower downstream players to make more informed purchasing decisions based on product durability, maintainability and sustainability considerations.