November 2025 ertonline.co.uk


NEWS EXTRA: AMDEA Dr Roz Savage MP


AMDEA drives repair, innovation and circular economy at Parliamentary reception


At a packed Parliamentary reception, AMDEA showcased the appliance industry’s drive for repairability, sustainability, and circular economy solutions.


The Association of Manufacturers of Domestic Appliances (AMDEA) showcased the UK appliance industry’s commitment to sustainability and repairability at a Parliamentary Reception in the House of Commons on 29 October. More than 100 guests, including MPs, Defra Minister Mary Creagh, senior civil servants, retailers, academics, and industry members, attended the event hosted by Dr Roz Savage MP.  personal experience and environmental advocacy: “Reducing waste and our environmental footprint is a key part of the jigsaw puzzle. It’s wonderful to see so many of you here today, each bringing your own piece of the puzzle.”


She welcomed the energy in the room and encouraged dialogue on repairable, long-lasting appliances, noting that COP30 presents an opportunity to embrace what she called “a massive outbreak of common sense” around sustainable product design. AMDEA Chair Teresa Arbuckle and CEO Stefan Hay outlined the industry’s achievements in resource  per cent of materials used in appliances are now      per cent reduction in waste, a 50 per cent decrease in energy usage, and a 14 per cent reduction in water consumption over the past decade.


“Our members are leading on repair and


refurbishment, investing in infrastructure and campaigns that encourage repair before replace,” he said, pointing to AMDEA’s popular online repairs portal that directs consumers to approved repairers and genuine spare parts.


PhD researcher Minhal Mahmood presented emerging findings from his collaboration with AMDEA and St George’s, University of London, on Safe Engineering of Smart Appliances using AR/VR Technology.


Mr Mahmood’s work explores digital twins, virtual


replicas of appliances that mirror their physical counterparts, and how these can guide consumers through safe self-repair and maintenance, reduce unnecessary engineer callouts, and optimise professional repair services. “Our research empowers consumers while maintaining safety, helping them make informed decisions on whether to repair, recycle, or replace,” he said. Ms Arbuckle highlighted the broader policy challenges facing the sector. She stressed the importance of protecting consumers from burdensome legislation and rising costs, noting that appliances with higher upfront costs can be more  Eco Button, an often-overlooked feature that reduces electricity usage, and called for more investment in skilled repair engineers to support repairability. “If VAT were removed from repairs or spare parts,


Supporting consumers and engineers Mr Hay also announced plans to launch an associate membership category in 2026, bringing together repair specialists, training providers, refurbishers, recyclers, and end-of-life operators to represent the full appliance value chain. Retailers, although not eligible for membership, were recognised as key partners in conveying sustainability messages to consumers.


repairing would become more attractive, keeping products in use longer,” she said. And urged Government alignment on regulation post-Brexit, robust enforcement against unsafe spare parts, and reforms to reduce the dual burden of packaging taxes. Mr Hay concluded: “This reception was an excellent opportunity to discuss how Government and stakeholders can help deliver a circular economy into every home faster and more effectively. We are grateful to Roz Savage MP for hosting and look forward to building partnerships that will drive this vital agenda forward.”        the UK appliance industry: through collaboration, innovation, and policy support, repairable, energy-  standard in every home, contributing to a more sustainable and circular economy.


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