In a dynamic general equilibrium model we explictly consider the relationship between the product attributes 'durability' and 'recyclability'. Both efficiency and sustainability aspects are taken into account. It turns out (a) that durability may be inefficient even in a perfectly competitive...

This note corrects an error in the analysis of Goering/Boyce (1999) and extends their results. In this way, it refutes the claim that the durability of rented products plays a decisive role for the second-best emission taxation under imperfect competition.

For a durable consumption good which turns into waste after consumption, the socially optimal durability increases with an increase in the marginal environmental damage. In a laissez-faire equilibrium under perfect competition, producers fail to provide an efficient product design, i.e....