association: Comment A new generation of eco-friendly appliance regulation
AMDEA chief executive Douglas Herbison runs the rule over the new Ecodesign and Energy Labelling Regulations and asks what it means for the industry
D
omestic appliances have been seen as essential household possessions for well over half a century.
The early designs were basic and very
energy hungry whereas modern appliances have sophisticated electronics that offer enhanced performance while also using less energy more efficiently. From the 1990s energy labels have encouraged consumers to seek out more energy-efficient models and the more recent Ecodesign Regulations have set various minimum criteria for appliances to meet. The next generation of Ecodesign and
Energy Labelling Regulations for large white goods have now been written. The final drafts for refrigeration appliances were agreed by politicians in December, with those for dishwashers and washing machines scheduled for committees in January. They are all expected to take effect from March 2021, and information is already being entered into the new database that will
eventually contain details of all energy-using products sold in Europe. As well as more demanding limits
on energy use, the new Regulations impose requirements in respect of other environmental aspects. These are part of the EU’s circular economy policies to ensure more efficient use of raw materials, a more sustainable approach to consumer durables, and reduced volumes of waste. Unlike ICT products, domestic appliances do not tend to be replaced every time a new model appears. In fact for many people they are distress purchases, only noticed when they break down, often after decades of hard wear. So yes, the new Regulations are imposing time limits for spare parts to be kept available. But perhaps the most important change is that there will be legal requirements for certain content in instruction booklets. Manufacturers already explain how and when consumers should clean
appliances, and if there are any maintenance requirements. The new Regulations will also require consumers to be advised of the adverse effects of not carrying out these instructions, not least the possible impact on the operational lifetime of their appliances. This is quite significant since it
acknowledges that the consumer also has a role to play. AMDEA sees this a critical shift in policy
approach, not only in respect of performance but, more importantly, in relation to safety. Our latest consumer research, commissioned ahead of this year’s Register My Appliance Day, sought information about the age and care of appliances in people’s homes. We asked when households had bought their appliances and where they keep them, plus whether they follow any instructions for cleaning and maintenance. And, of course, whether they register with the manufacturer for any safety alerts.
Challenges and opportunities for retail
Retra CEO Howard Saycell looks back at Christmas trading, and forward to what 2019 might hold for retailers
T
he recent Christmas retail trading results did not make for happy reading. Woeful performance
from most of the of the big boys and a continued swing from bricks and mortar sales to online was the main theme across the board. Next was not untypical. Store sales down by 9.2%, online up by 15.2%. To be fair it was a mixed bag of results and some, like for example Aldi, had a record Christmas. We are already starting to see casualties emerging and as I write as HMV has once again gone into administration. The results for the Retra membership are, once again, quite mixed. During the January period I do always ask members how they have fared during “the season”. I’m pleased to say that most have reported a good or acceptable level of sales, although some do admit at a cost to their margin. With the ongoing political chaos, I doubt that until there either is or isn’t a deal, retail will remain challenging.
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www.innovativeelectricalretailing.co.uk So, on to 2019 and what does it hold
for us as a nation, our businesses and us as individuals? My guess is pretty much as good as yours. I do however have faith that whatever the outcome of the political machinations we as an industry will continue to prosper. We have a product which the consumer needs, and in some cases craves.
When somebody’s washing machine
breaks, I doubt they will say “we’ll have to do without for now”. They may replace the machine with a cheaper one or perhaps rent one, but they won’t want to live without one. This may be classed as a “distress purchase” but it will mean a sale for someone. Moreover, there are always people out
there that want the very latest technology. You only have to look at the interest that CES generates all over the world to see that the consumer’s enthusiasm for new gadgets remains unabated. The key to success will remain what it already has
been for many years; “remain relevant both to your consumer and your market”. This has stood many Retra members in good stead for many years and will continue to do so. Yes, you need to innovate and be continually improving what you do and how you do it, but nonetheless, the principles of fair pricing and customer service remain the cornerstone of the independent electrical retailer. Lastly, don’t forget the Retra Conference
2019. Its being held in Coventry. We’ve listened to our members and have taken it north of London. It’s a one-day event and packed with great speakers, focusing on “our” industry. The event takes place on Tuesday 26th March at The Hilton by Double Tree Hotel. This is three days before we actually Brexit, or not as the case may be. So what better time to meet as an industry and look at what the future holds for us all.Full HD LED Smart TV and masses of leading appliances and unforgettable experience days.”
February / March 2019
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