Leasing: A Step Toward Producer Responsibility

Traditionally manufacturer’s profits depend on increasing the number of goods produced and sold — leaving little incentive for product designers to consider environmental effects. What could happen if manufacturers began leasing their products instead of selling them? Designers and manufacturers have begun considering the costs and environmental impacts of leasing products, as well as the concept of “servicizing” — selling the function of a product rather than the product itself.

This report examines the practice of leasing products and how it can affect product ownership, management at the end of a product’s life, and product design for a variety of companies and products. It explores how design for leased products presents opportunities for reuse, remanufacturing, and recycling. The report includes case studies on office equipment, carpeting, and cleaning equipment. A special section is devoted to computer leasing.