New EU energy label: evaluate smartphones and tablets sustainably!

New EU energy label: evaluate smartphones and tablets sustainably!

From Friday things get serious for all technology fans! Smartphones and tablets newly launched in the EU will receive a brand new energy label. Loud Radio Euskirchen This label is intended not only to make energy consumption visible, but also to help assess the durability and repairability of the devices. When purchasing, consumers can now more easily consider which pieces of equipment can really score points in the long term.

The energy label provides information about various aspects that influence the value and sustainability of a product. These include energy efficiency, battery life, and protection against dust and moisture. It also clearly shows how robust the device is in the event of a fall. “It’s time we paid more attention to more than just the price when buying,” notes a consumer advocate. The European Commission supports this line of thinking: The aim of the label is to promote more informed and sustainable purchasing decisions.

What does the new label bring?

The new energy label is structured similarly to the well-known energy label for household appliances and is presented on a color-coded scale from A to G. A stands for the best efficiency while G means the least. The energy efficiency class of the respective product is also recorded in a black arrow so that the consumer has an immediate overview. The repairability index, which shows how easily repairs can be carried out on a device, is also completely new. The following applies here: A means “easily repairable”, while E stands for “difficult to impossible to repair”.

In addition, the battery life after a full charge and the number of possible charges are displayed, and an assessment of the robustness is included in the label. Manufacturers are now also obliged to guarantee the availability of repair instructions and spare parts for up to seven years after purchase. This benefits us all because it allows us to consciously choose longer-lasting and repairable devices.

Easy comparability and sustainability

These new regulations come as part of the EU's Circular Economy Action Plan as part of the Green Deal. The Ecodesign Regulation for Sustainable Products will also cover other categories such as clothing, furniture and tires. The goal is clear: less waste, conservation of natural resources and better circularity of products. Although it is still unclear whether the increased repairability will lead to cost reductions for consumers, since the prices for replacement parts are ultimately set by manufacturers.

In summary, the new regulations not only ensure better comparability, but also help us to pay more attention to sustainability when purchasing. Anyone who is happy about being able to do something for the environment with their next cell phone upgrade will be well prepared with the new energy label!