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New energy label for smartphones: Buy sustainably and save!
From June 20, 2023, EU smartphones and tablets must carry an energy label that provides information about sustainability and efficiency.
New energy label for smartphones: Buy sustainably and save!
From June 20, 2023, smartphones and tablets launched in the EU must be equipped with a new energy label. This label is intended to help consumers make informed and sustainable purchasing decisions. It contains detailed information about various aspects of the devices, including repairability and durability, as well as information about energy efficiency, battery life and resistance to dust and moisture, such as zvw reports.
The new energy label is comparable to the energy label already used for household appliances. Energy efficiency is displayed on a color-coded scale from A to G, with A representing the best efficiency and G the least. A black arrow also shows the exact energy efficiency class. The required information on the label also includes the battery life after a full charge, as well as the robustness of the device and the number of possible charging cycles, such as Consumer advice center explained.
Details on assessment and repairability
Important evaluation criteria that can be found on the new energy label include the repairability index. This shows to what extent a device can be repaired; A stands for easily repairable, while E indicates that it is difficult to impossible to repair. The costs for spare parts and repairs are not included in the evaluation. The goal is to enable a better comparison of smartphones and tablets, with sustainability aspects playing a central role.
In addition, manufacturers are expected to take seriously the requirements to create longer-lasting products and therefore meet eco-design requirements. This includes developing longer-lasting batteries and ensuring availability of software updates for at least five years, as well as repair instructions and replacement parts for up to seven years after purchase. These measures are intended to extend the life of digital devices and therefore generate less waste, as stated in the information from zvw and Consumer advice center can be found.
Sustainable development and EU action plan
All of these requirements are part of the EU Circular Economy Action Plan, which was developed as part of the Green Deal. The long-term goal is to better conserve natural resources and improve circularity. The measures taken aim to increase the lifespan of digital devices and thus reduce the ecological footprint. Products that last longer help reduce electronic waste, which is an important aspect in the fight against climate change.