INDUSTRY UPDATE THE BMA COLUMN THE KBSA COLUMN
BMA – Awareness essential for mandatory water efficiency labelling consultation
D
efra’s 12-week consultation on introducing compulsory water labelling for fittings and water-using appliances sold across the UK will close on 25 November. The BMA cautiously welcomes the move and urges all interested parties to engage in the consultation to deliver a regulation that works for consumers, suppliers and retailers alike.
We should all be making decisions about how we can use water wisely and reduce our energy, especially given the unprecedented harsh economic conditions the country is facing. We agree that consumers should be informed about which products make homes more water and energy efficient – something the bathroom sector is wholeheartedly committed to. Water labelling is undoubtedly a step in the right direction to lower our environmental impact if it is done right. It’s worth noting that the existing Unified Water Label (UWLA) has worked hard to promote water efficiency and provided some best practices for effective labelling. More informed purchases provided with labelling, combined with efforts to change our water use behaviours like shorter showers, will be crucial to achieving government targets to reduce average personal water use from 145 litres a day to 110 litres by 2050. While we are still seeking clarity concerning a few areas of the proposal and what they mean for the sector, retailers and suppliers must be aware of their role in highlighting the label to consumers.
Under the proposals, suppliers will need to assess the water efficiency rating of their product(s) and include the label with the product and in marketing literature. Retailers must make the label visible to the customer, including on showroom room sets. Failure to comply could see retailers facing action from a national enforcement body.
The regulations to introduce mandatory labelling will be laid in 2023, with new obligations, particularly on retailers, by 2025. The BMA is collaborating with stakeholders in the supply chain before formally responding to Defra, but we aim to ensure the best outcomes for everyone and our environment.
Tom Reynolds Chief Executive of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association
For more information contact BMA on 01782 631619 or email
info@bathroom-association.org.uk
48 BKU OCTOBER 2022
More details are available from The KBSA
www.kbsa.org.uk or call 01623 818808
Never been a better time to join the Kbsa and reap the benefits of working together
K
bsa national chair Richard Hibbert says that there has never been a better time for KBB retailers to join the Kbsa, following the success of the Kitchen and Bathroom Conference which was hosted by the Kbsa last month (28 September).
The conference was attended by non Kbsa members for the first time and more retailers than ever before attended. Richard said, “After two years of lockdown enforced absence, it was great to be back and experience the benefits of coming together. The last five years has been incredible for the Kbsa, with a 60% increase in retail membership, and a fivefold increase in member’s funds, together with a move into our own office premises at the beginning of the year. “This year’s conference provided the perfect opportunity for us to celebrate these achievements, and welcome non-members to experience the strength that comes from being part of a collective voice.
“Feedback from those that attended the conference has been extremely positive, and we hope to build on its success in future years, making the Kitchen and Bathroom conference, a must attend event in the KBB calendar.
“Our theme of “Engaging Minds – Empowering Success”, was explored well by the speakers ensuring that attendees were able to take away some knowledge and actions that will benefit their businesses. “At the conference we announced that as part of our five year plan we have appointed former corporate chair of the Kbsa Malcolm Scott as Retail & Corporate Membership Director. Malcolm will ensure that we continue our strong membership recruitment drive to reach the critical mass needed to be truly representative of the industry “With the support of Quooker and their 6-figure investment we have big plans to expand the retail membership, enabling us to act as the political voice for the independent sector, and a centre of excellence for education and training.
“The future undoubtedly holds many challenges but the conference has shown that the Kbsa has a vital role in bringing together and supporting KBB retailers, to help them prosper and thrive.”
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