Repairability: EU Commission fights disposable devices

Better to fix than to throw away: Refrigerators, washing machines, televisions and other equipment must be designed from 2021 so that they can make it easier to refloat. The European Commission has for the first time adopted such specifications for manufacturers in order to better protect the environment and the climate. Environmental organizations and consumer advocates cheer, especially since this could also save the wallet.

Craftsmen have been complaining for a long time that repairs become more complicated. For example, some cases can not be opened. Or a whole module has to be replaced immediately if a small switch breaks down. Critics also speculate over and over again, some manufacturers put it on the fact that devices after a certain time give up the spirit - the "planned obsolescence".

According to the new EU rules, devices should be built in such a way that they can easily be repaired and recycled at the end of their lifetime. These include cooling appliances, washing machines, dishwashers, electronic displays, light sources, power supplies, electric motors and welding torches, as the EU Commission announced.

Spare parts for at least seven years

The core of the new regulations is the obligation for manufacturers to offer spare parts for seven to ten years after sale and to deliver them within 15 working days. Artisans must be provided with information about the device. In addition, "spare parts must be exchangeable with commonly available tools without permanently damaging the device in question". The new rules also include requirements for water saving for washing machines and dishwashers.

The framework for the new regulations is the long-standing Ecodesign Directive. They should come into force in 2021, unless the EU Parliament or one of the member states contradicts. Then there is also a new label for the energy consumption of electrical appliances.

Both together could bring enormous savings, according to the EU Commission. For example, the Union's annual electricity consumption is expected to decrease by 167 billion kilowatt hours by 2030 - about the same as Denmark's annual demand. That means about 46 million tons less carbon dioxide. Consumers should save an average of 150 euros per year.

20 billion euros savings for consumers

The Federal Government for the Environment and Nature Conservation (BUND) mentions somewhat different figures - the environmental association expects 140 billion kilowatt less electricity and 20 billion euro savings in electricity bills. However, the environmentalists tend to agree with the Brussels authority: these decisions are groundbreaking, an important turning point in the production and use of electronic devices. "The EU pulls the plug for power guzzlers and planned obsolescence," said BUND expert Caroline Gebauer.

The EU consumer association BEUC praised: "It is crucial that we put the current disposable trend in the bin, because he wastes natural resources and pulls the money out of the consumer." But BEUC notes critically that three weeks of waiting for spare parts in a broken washing machine for families are a test of patience. The association also complains that parts and building instructions are offered only to professional craftsmen and not private individuals who grab themselves to the screwdriver.

Repair should be worthwhile again

The Stiftung Warentest reported after a test in 2018 that repair offers by the professional on certain devices are not worthwhile - at least not for the household budget. Was mentioned the example of a vacuum cleaner, in which a cable was broken. The repair should have cost 120 euros, more than a new device. The owner was then cost-effectively help in a repair café.

According to the foundation, however, the preparation is mostly worthwhile for the environment: "Ecologically, the disposable strategy is a disaster." Warentest projected for a dishwasher: "A device, which is repaired four times in 15 years, save about a quarter of a new purchase energy and other resources."

The BUND sees the same. A longer life cycle saves energy in manufacturing, distribution, use and disposal. "Extending the life of washing machines by just five years would save the EU as many emissions as taking half a million cars off the road," the environmental association said.