The lifecycle of household appliances is increasingly shaped by the tension between circular economy regulations in
Europe and market-driven durability strategies in the United States. This paper examines how product design
philosophies and business models differ between these two markets and how profitability is balanced with product
longevity. The objective of this research is to compare European and U.S. approaches to durability, repairability, and
lifecycle management in household appliances. The research also aims to identify how regulatory frameworks and
market incentives influence product strategy. The study applies a mixed-methods approach, combining literature
review, on-site analysis of household appliances, and empirical analysis of the Open Repair Data dataset provided by
the Open Repair Alliance. The paper compares contrasting approaches across both regions. European product design
is increasingly shaped by modular architectures and long-term serviceability requirements, while the U.S. market
appears more fragmented, with both durability-focused premium products and cost-driven, non-repairable massmarket
solutions. In addition, the study examines how business models differ, particularly regarding service-based
approaches and product turnover. The study contributes to the understanding of how regulation, product design, and
business models interact in shaping product longevity and provides insights for policymakers, manufacturers, and
sustainability researchers seeking to balance profitability with long-term product sustainability.