lipflip – Philips has introduced a forward-thinking initiative called Fixables. Aimed at giving consumers the tools to extend the life of their personal care products by enabling them to 3D print replacement parts. With this program Philips is addressing a common issue: the frustration of having to discard an entire device when a single part breaks or wears out. Instead of contributing to unnecessary waste customers can now access digital blueprints to print specific components themselves. Offering a practical and sustainable alternative.
This initiative aligns with a broader movement toward circular design and environmental responsibility. Rather than continuing the cycle of consumption and disposal, Philips is shifting focus toward repair and reuse. The Fixables program allows customers to download official part files from Printables, a 3D printing file-sharing platform run by Prusa Research. Philips has partnered with Prusa and creative agency LePub to launch and promote this effort. The first country to test the program is the Czech Republic. Which is home to Prusa Research and its large, engaged maker community. This local focus allows Philips to receive immediate feedback, refine the concept, and gradually scale the project.
Although the Fixables website currently only offers one part—a comb. Attachment for the Philips OneBlade trimmer—there are clear signs of development. Two more parts are marked “We are working on it,” and several icons. Without labels suggest even more replacements may be on the way. The platform also encourages customers to submit requests for additional parts they’d like to see added. Creating an open, community-driven development model.
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Navigating Challenges and Unlocking the Full Potential of Fixables
Despite its promise, the Fixables program faces a number of challenges that may limit its accessibility in the short term. One major limitation is the technical barrier: not all consumers own or have access to a 3D printer, and the quality of the replacement parts depends heavily on the materials used and the printer’s accuracy. For now, this could restrict the program to a niche audience—mainly hobbyists, engineers, and those within the maker community. However, Philips acknowledges this and suggests customers may be able to use 3D printing services at local libraries, universities, or maker spaces, which could help broaden access over time.
Additionally, the program’s early-stage status means its immediate environmental impact will be limited. But Fixables lays important groundwork for future growth. If successful it could help establish a model for other companies in the personal care and consumer electronics industries to follow. As more products become compatible with downloadable. Printable parts, the industry could see a shift away from mass replacement and toward long-term usability.
Philips’ willingness to explore this model suggests a genuine commitment to innovation and sustainability. By empowering users to repair rather than replace, the company is also promoting a mindset of ownership, responsibility, and care for the products we use daily. This not only benefits the planet by reducing e-waste but also supports consumers by offering a cost-effective way to maintain and enjoy their products longer.
As awareness of sustainability grows and consumer expectations shift, programs like Fixables could play a critical role in reshaping how companies design, deliver, and support their products. While it may start small, Philips Fixables represents a big step toward a more circular, consumer-empowered future.