Durability is the ability of a physical product to remain functional, without requiring excessive maintenance or repair, when faced with the challenges of normal operation over its design life.
Because there is no objective measure of durability for clothing, price has become an important indicator.
Requirements for product durability
Product durability is predicated by good
repairability and regenerability in conjunction with maintenance.
Every durable product must be capable of adapting to technical, technological and design developments.
[ This must be accompanied by a willingness on the part of consumers to forgo having the "very latest" version of a product.
]
In the United Kingdom, durability as a characteristic relating to the quality of goods that can be demanded by consumers was not clearly established until an amendment of the Sale of Goods Act 1979 relating to the quality standards for supplied goods in 1994.
Reliability testing verifies the resistance of a product or material to wear.
Product life spans and sustainable consumption
The lifespan of household goods is a significant factor in sustainable consumption.
Types of durability
Durability can encompass several specific physical properties of designed products, including:
Examples
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Chemically strengthened glass e.g. Superfest
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Durable medical equipment
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Durable water repellent
See also
