Omnibus IV: APPLiA proposal for a digital energy label

The current paper-based EU Energy Label system for home appliances is shockingly wasteful. Millions of labels are printed annually, the vast majority ending up in the bin, costing both manufacturers and the environment dearly.

APPLiA, the voice of home appliance manufacturers in Europe, urges policymakers to embrace a forward-thinking solution: digital energy labels.

While every appliance must have a physical label by law, its real-world use is minimal. Retailers display just one label per model, and consumers often only see the label after buying. With online shopping booming, this paper label is increasingly irrelevant at the point of decision.

Consider the numbers: roughly 100 million labeled appliances enter the EU market yearly, costing the sector at least €20 million. With only an estimated 1 in 500 labels used as intended, the effective cost per useful label skyrockets to €100. This financial burden is compounded by the massive environmental impact of printing and discarding so much coloured paper.

The irony is that all this label information already exists in the European Product Registry for Energy Labelling (EPREL) database. Digital energy labels offer a logical end to this wasteful paradox, providing information that is:

• Always accessible: Consumers could easily access the energy label information online, via QR codes on the product or packaging, or directly on retailer websites, empowering them before making a purchase, regardless of where they shop.
• Fully compliant: Digital labels can be designed to display all the legally required information in a clear and user-friendly manner, ensuring full compliance with EU regulations.
• Printable when needed: For the small percentage of consumers who still prefer a physical copy, the digital label could be easily printable on demand, eliminating mass unnecessary printing.

In today's digital world, APPLiA believes digital labeling perfectly matches how consumers seek information.

The upcoming Omnibus package on small-mid caps and paper reduction is a prime opportunity for policymakers to recognise digital labels as a valid, modern upgrade. Embracing this digital shift will significantly cut paper waste, save money, and ensure consumers get the energy information they need, precisely when they need it.