What is product longevity?

As part of the current discourse around the circular economy, product longevity has become imperative for all types of businesses. This provides an answer to the ecological emergency as well as the growing interest of consumers and public decision-makers in this area. Procurement departments then have no choice but to integrate product longevity into their strategies to guarantee the sustainable growth of their organisation.

Product longevity means a longer product life, referring to a product’s durability and how long it will last over time. To achieve said longevity, a product needs to stay resistant, effective and repairable over the long term.

However, this notion of longevity also echoes sustainable development, defined by the Brundtland Commission of the United Nations as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.

In this sense, product longevity goes far beyond the idea of lifespan, quality, or even efficiency. This approach involves minimising the impact of these goods on the environment and society, taking into account their entire life cycle: Their design, but also their manufacture, use, and end of life.

In this respect, eco-design is the starting point for product longevity. This first step consists of reducing the use of raw materials and saving the energy that would be necessary to transform the product while preserving its added value.

Product longevity is based on three main pillars:

• Environmental sustainability: The efficient use of resources, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and waste, etc.
• Social sustainability: Respect for human rights, health and safety of employees, ethical business practices, etc.
• Economic sustainability: The purchase/sale price and associated costs, in other words, long-term financial viability.

The level of sustainability of a product directly influences its development process as well as its rate of production, use and renewal. This reality raises as many economic as ecological issues for organisations.

How to integrate product longevity into your procurement?

To integrate product longevity into their long-term strategy, procurement departments must work with the various stakeholders in the company.

Onboarding suppliers

The main lever for action is with suppliers. Each company must integrate product longevity into its sourcing, tendering and supplier evaluation processes. The idea is to identify the most mature players in the field and get others on board with this positive momentum.

To do this, product longevity criteria must be set, benchmark standards (EcoVadis, ISO 26000…) used to choose partners, and regular audits carried out to assess their practices. In addition to strengthening partnerships with suppliers who share similar values, this provides companies with tools to increase transparency within their supply chain.

Training and informing internally

The procurement of durable goods and services requires having the appropriate knowledge and information available. This is why it is important to train and inform procurement teams, as well as stakeholders, on durable practices to integrate into their decision-making processes.

For this, buyers must make sure they work with suppliers who have this data and share it widely. This can range from displaying a label of excellence (such as the European Ecolabel or the FSC1 or PEFC2 labels) to implementing an elaborate rating system to assess the environmental footprint of products and compare them within the same category.

Ultimately, these levers create the necessary conditions to engage all the stakeholders, durably transform procurement practices and promote a culture focused on product longevity within companies.

The importance of product longevity

By combining performance and sustainability, the procurement of durable goods and services offers strategic advantages for companies.

Reducing risks

First of all, product longevity enables companies to comply with increasingly strict environmental regulations. This helps reduce legal, operational, financial and reputational risks.

Improving brand image

This approach also improves brand image. A company that takes into account product longevity demonstrates its concrete commitment to sustainable development. This attracts and builds loyalty with customers who care about the impact of their consumption on the environment and society.

Boosting competitiveness

Lastly, committing to product longevity stimulates innovation. This momentum allows companies to:

• Differentiate themselves in the market;
• Conquer new consumer segments;
• Increase their competitiveness.

Such an approach can even benefit an entire sector, through the emergence of new, sustainable solutions and practices.

How does Manutan EXPERT embody product longevity?

Manutan EXPERT is a private label created by the Manutan group. Thanks to its market expertise and solid supplier network, Manutan has built its own brand to meet the needs of every private and public organisation. It offers the best solutions for sustainable equipment and supplies at the best price. Manutan EXPERT currently relies on three main pillars.

Quality first

Our Manutan EXPERT products are designed to last over time and preserve the environment. This is why they come with an up-to-10-year guarantee (except consumables). Our brand also works with reliable suppliers, all of whom have committed to respecting its ethical procurement charter.

Always available

Our Manutan EXPERT product range has been carefully selected by our experts, covering all of Manutan’s product categories. Of this large offering, many of our products are in stock, ready to be shipped quickly.

The best price

Manutan’s private label offers a real alternative in the market, providing the best value for money.

Product longevity is no longer a choice but a necessity for companies seeking to thrive in a rapidly changing world. For decision makers, this means rethinking their procurement strategies through the lens of sustainable development. This approach, which mobilises all stakeholders, means long-term positive impact on the environment, society and overall profitability of companies. This is how product longevity becomes an essential pillar of the sustainable business model.