Press releases - APPLIA

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AI Continent Action Plan: what role for home appliances

Image Source: EC - Audiovisual Service Today the European Commission presented its Artificial Intelligence (AI) Continent Action Plan, a comprehensive strategy outlining key actions to make Europe a leading continent in Artificial Intelligence. APPLiA, representing top European home appliance manufacturers, issued the following statement in reaction. What EU Manufacturers want: The home appliance industry supports the EU's ambition for AI leadership but emphasises the need for p ...

Press Releases 09 April 2025

EU Steel and Metals Action Plan will fall short if downstream industries are left behind

Photo Source: EC - Audiovisual Service Today the European Commission presented the Steel and Metals Action Plan. The Plan outlines priority measures to protect European steel production, a sector deemed strategically vital for regaining Europe's competitive edge. APPLiA, representing top European home appliance manufacturers, issued the following statement in reaction. Paolo Falcioni, APPLiA Director General: “Steel is undeniably a critical input for industries like home appliances, where ...

Press Releases 19 March 2025

APPLiA’s initial reactions to the Clean Industrial Deal

Source: EC - Audiovisual Service Today the European Commission presented its flagship Clean Industrial Deal, a pillar of the EU’s executive competitiveness plan for the coming years. APPLiA, representing top European home appliance manufacturers, issued the following statement in reaction. APPLiA Director General Paolo Falcioni said: “The Clean Industrial Deal offers the EU a crucial opportunity to redefine industrial success by fostering a thriving, competitive industrial ecosystem ...

Press Releases 26 February 2025

E-commerce: stronger accountability as a driver to combat illegal sales

Brussels, 5 February 2025 – The EU Commission is publishing today its strategy to address the challenges posed by e-commerce platforms to promote fair trade practices and compliance with EU laws. APPLiA, The European Home Appliance Manufacturers Association, calls on the EU to adopt stronger accountability measures for online marketplaces and address existing legislative loopholes which allow non-compliant and unsafe products to enter the European market. This also includes ensuring that onlin ...

Press Releases 05 February 2025

EU Competitiveness Compass: necessary conditions for a successful implementation

Photo Source: EC - Audiovisual Service Brussels, 29 January 2025 – Today, the European Commission unveiled its flagship Competitiveness Compass, outlining a renewed approach to EU competition policy. The Compass focuses on artificial intelligence, decarbonisation, the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), the Single Market, and simplification as key strategies to boost Europe’s competitiveness. APPLiA Director General Paolo Falcioni said: Europe’s future competitiveness depends ...

Press Releases 29 January 2025

Green Claims trilogues: the first test for von der Leyen’s simplification revolution

Brussels, 28 January 2025 – Today marks the start of the inter-institutional negotiations on the Green Claims Directive. APPLiA has been a strong supporter of the overall objective of the Directive to address greenwashing, protect consumers and the environment. However, its effective implementation will depend on the establishment of a practical framework to simplify procedures and reduce regulatory burden on businesses. APPLiA Director General Paolo Falcioni said: Contrary to Von der Leyen� ...

Press Releases 28 January 2025

Our priorities for the 2025 Polish presidency of the Council

As of January 1, 2025, Poland has taken over the presidency of the Council of the European Union, outlining its priorities for the upcoming six months. While these priorities are ambitious, they remain subject to adjustment following the European Commission’s work plan release on February 11. Several key areas on the agenda will have a direct impact on the home appliance sector. We call on the Council and Parliament to secure the future of this strategic industry, recognizing its essential rol ...

Press Releases 21 January 2025

European Parliament confirms new College of Commissioners

Today in Strasbourg, MEPs voted to endorse the new College of European Commissioners paving the way for President Ursula von der Leyen to begin her second term on 1 December. APPLiA, the European association representing home appliance manufacturers in Europe, welcomes the new Commission and its commitment to strengthening European competitiveness and prosperity. Paolo Falcioni, Director General of APPLiA (he/him): “The focus on competitiveness aligns with the vision outlined in the Dra ...

Press Releases 27 November 2024

APPLiA presents its energy-saving campaign at International Energy Efficiency Conference in Japan

This week, APPLiA flew to Japan where it was selected to present its successful energy-saving campaign at the 12th International Conference on Energy Efficiency in Domestic Appliances and Lighting (EEDAL). The "Kill Your Bill" campaign was originally launched in October 2022, in response to the rising energy costs faced by households across Europe. By means of over 50 energy saving tips applicable to a wide range of products, the initiative contributed to help consumers lower their energy consu ...

Press Releases 08 October 2024

A new look for APPLiA’s Energy Label website

Our newly re-designed Energy Label website is out! The platform, available in 16 languages, features improved navigation features, product-by-product information, and interactive queries. Three years ago the EU introduced new energy labels for household appliances. The update came into effect on March 1st 2021 strengthening EU’s commitment to sustainability and informed consumer choices. The initiative has proven to be a powerful tool in guiding consumer decisions, with the Special Eurobar ...

Press Releases 25 September 2024

Mr. Draghi hits the right buttons

Photo Source: EC - Audiovisual Service Brussels, 10 September 2024 - Welcoming the much-anticipated report on the future of the EU’s competitiveness, released yesterday by Professor Mario Draghi, APPLiA endorses the difficult, yet necessary road to improve European competitiveness. A year ago, the European Commission mandated Former Italian Prime Minister and head of the European Central Bank, Mario Draghi, to prepare a report on the future of Europe's competitiveness. As the EU Commission e ...

Press Releases 10 September 2024

AI and lifestyles: a good match

Brussels, 9 September 2024 – APPLiA’s Director General, Paolo Falcioni was a keynote speaker of the EXPERT TALKS at IFA Global Markets today, to share the home appliance manufacturers vision for the future of the European industry and underlining the home appliance sector’s pivotal role to achieve a climate-neutral, fair, and prosperous Europe by 2030. The home appliance industry stands as a cornerstone of the European economy. In 2023 alone, this vibrant sector encompassed approximately ...

Press Releases 09 September 2024

Industry Competitiveness in the Green transition era

APPLiA, the voice of the home appliance industry in Europe, today expresses its strong support for the new Strategic Agenda for the EU adopted by the European Council. The Association thanks the Council for outlining a clear vision that aligns with APPLiA's core priorities, including accelerating the green transition, fostering a competitive and resilient single market, and empowering consumers. “The Strategic Agenda represents a significant step forward in addressing Europe's complex challen ...

Press Releases 28 June 2024

Hungary’s Environmental Agenda: An Interview with Anikó Raisz

As July approaches, Hungary prepares to take over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from Belgium. In an exclusive interview with Paolo Falcioni, APPLiA’s Director General, Dr. Anikó Raisz, Secretary of State for Environment and Circular Economy at Hungary Ministry of Energy, outlined the nation's priorities for its term. “Balance” is the keyword During APPLiA's 2024 General Assembly in the heart of Budapest, Paolo Falcioni sat down with Anikó Raisz to reflect on Hunga ...

Press Releases 17 June 2024

European Parliament at the finish line on key environmental legislation impacting home appliances

In its final plenary session before the upcoming EU Elections, the European Parliament has formally adopted four significant legislative texts for the home appliance sector: The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR); The Right to Repair Directive; The Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation; The Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive. For the home appliance industry, this legislative package signifies a transformative shift towards more sustainable practices and gre ...

Press Releases 24 April 2024

Revitalising Europe's Single Market: Enrico Letta's blueprint for a long-term economic prosperity

APPLiA, the European Association representing the home appliance industry, applauds Enrico Letta's comprehensive report on the Single Market. "We congratulate Mr. Letta for his insightful analysis of the Single Market's challenges and opportunities," says Paolo Falcioni, Director General of APPLiA. "His emphasis on 'maximum harmonisation' in European legislation and favouring Regulations over Directives resonates strongly with our industry." APPLiA particularly welcomes Mr. Letta's call on Mem ...

Press Releases 18 April 2024

APPLiA launches report on latest home appliance industry trends

The home appliance industry in Europe continues its journey toward greater sustainability and innovation. The report examines the latest production, sustainability and market trends from the home appliance sector and provides an overview of the policy developments around the industry in 2022-2023. Key findings: Material use during production has dropped Average water and energy consumption of washing machines and dishwashers significantly decreased While the amount of electrical and ...

Press Releases 08 April 2024

Energy efficiency in action

Brussels, 19 December 2023 - A Joint Declaration on energy efficiency financing and a European Energy Efficiency Financing Coalition has been signed today by the EU Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson, and the Energy Ministers of all 27 EU Member States. The Joint Declaration emphasises the need to attract private investment for energy efficiency and to create a sustainable funding structure for energy efficiency investments. EU Countries to implement additional measures for energy efficiency ...

Press Releases 19 December 2023

COP28 deal: what it takes to make it real

Brussels, 15 December 2023 - The United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) has recently concluded with an agreement that marks the "beginning of the end" of the fossil fuel era. The deal aims to establish a rapid, fair, and equitable transition, supported by significant cuts in emissions and increased financing. Now, it’s time for Member States to stimulate the market accordingly. A goal has been set On Wednesday, nearly 200 countries convened in Dubai and reached a consen ...

Press Releases 15 December 2023

EU AI Act: all we wanted to achieve?

Brussels, 12 December 2023 - EU policymakers reached a provisional agreement on the Artificial Intelligence Act. With it, Europe becomes the very first continent to set clear rules for the use of AI. Whilst it is key for the EU not to miss this global race, many open questions remain. Particularly, home appliances risk being labelled as high-risk due to a bureaucratic loophole. APPLiA Director General, Paolo Falcioni said: “We have a deal, but is that all we wanted to achieve? Our ...

Press Releases 12 December 2023

Large home appliances at risk of becoming a collateral damage of new EU packaging rules

Brussels, 7 December 2023 - With no research or study conducted around the purpose of their packaging, large home appliances risk becoming a collateral damage of Europe’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). With its vote on 22 November, the European Parliament sent a strong signal recognising the protective and exceptional nature of fragile, heavy large home appliance packaging and supporting that a life cycle assessment is run to check if reuse is the most sustainable option. Mem ...

Press Releases 07 December 2023

New energy efficiency rules on household tumble dryers help consumers save €2.8 bn

The European Commission presented new Energy Labelling and Ecodesign rules for household tumble dryers looking to reduce energy consumption and increase product repairability. New Ecodesign measures and a new Energy Label will apply on all units placed on the market from 1 July 2025. As from the same date, only household tumble dryers based on heat pump technology will be available for sale. In 2021, the EU launched a new energy label for a first round of electrical and electronic applications ...

Press Releases 23 November 2023

The APPLiA Manifesto to a fair and sustainable Europe 2024-2029

The European Union is at a crossroads. Citizens are struggling to cope with high energy prices and the economy is suffering an unprecedented geopolitical crisis, putting at stake Europe's capacity to invest and innovate. ...

Press Releases 13 November 2023

APPLiA opens new representative office in Luxembourg

Brussels, 31 October 2023 - Earlier this month, APPLiA established its new representative office in Luxembourg. The new site adds to the already existing network of 26 National Associations active across Europe. The expanded presence of APPLiA in Luxembourg will strengthen the home appliance industry ecosystem and representation in the region, and foster the advocacy work carried out by the Association. The new branch office will serve as a bureau de representation and will be direc ...

Press Releases 31 October 2023

The 8 things Europe should know before introducing reusable packaging

Brussels, 26 October 2023 - With a plenary vote foreseen for 20 November, Europe’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is nearing the final negotiating stages in the Parliament. Its core proposal to introduce reusable packaging however is yet to pass a reality check to assess whether or not it comes at a more sustainable price for the environment. Our use-case scenarios reveal estimated increases in resources and emissions costs, as well as inefficiencies in storage and trans ...

Press Releases 26 October 2023

F-gas provisional agreement to push European consumers back to fossil fuels

Brussels, 5 October 2023 - After lengthy and turbulent negotiations, EU co-legislators came to a provisional agreement today on a comprehensive ban of F-gases. The phase-out will apply from as early as 2027 for some product applications, wiping off the market cutting-edge clean technologies including heat pumps, and leaving consumers with less efficient options. The measure put forward by the European Parliament mandates the industry to invest millions of euros in developing new pro ...

Press Releases 05 October 2023

Appliances at the forefront of the newly published energy efficiency directive

Brussels, 20 September 2023 - The recast Energy Efficiency Directive has been officially published today in the EU Official Journal and will enter into force in 20 days. New, energy efficient home appliances are recognised as a cost-effective solution for Member States to unlock higher energy savings and address most vulnerable consumers. The new directive introduces a series of measures to help accelerate energy efficiency, including the “energy efficiency first” principl ...

Press Releases 20 September 2023

Parliament set to cast final vote on sustainable products, hazardous substances shortcoming

Brussels, 11 July 2023 - Tomorrow, the European Parliament is set to cast its final vote on the EU’s proposed Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) aimed at establishing a legal framework to make sustainable products the norm. With the new legislation looking to foster product circularity, Substances of Concern (SoC) should only be considered for the purpose of recycling and subsequent use of secondary raw materials. Restrictions of hazardous substances due to human health ...

Press Releases 11 July 2023

It’s crunch time for Parliament to set a framework to make sustainable products the norm

Brussels, 14 June 2023 - With the European Parliament’s environment committee (ENVI) set to cast its vote tomorrow, we are at a critical stage of the EU’s proposed Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) aimed at establishing a legal framework to make sustainable products the norm. To reap the full potential of the progress made in energy efficiency over the past decades, maintaining the well-established process and approach used by the current Ecodesign Directive remains key. ...

Press Releases 14 June 2023

APPLiA Director General elected Steering Committee member of the Coalition for Energy Savings

Brussels, 14 June 2023 - The General Assembly of the Coalition of Energy Savings elected APPLiA Director General Paolo Falcioni as a Steering Committee member for a one year term mandate. The Coalition is a European non-for profit association that advocates energy efficiency as the driving force towards a secure, competitive, sustainable and climate neutral European Union. It unites businesses, local authorities, energy agencies, energy communities and civil society organisatio ...

Press Releases 14 June 2023

Microplastic Consortium presents key findings to IEC toward a standardised measurement method

Brussels, 21 April 2023 - Today, world’s leading standardisation body International Electrotechnical Committee (IEC) met in Tokyo to discuss the key findings of the joint study conducted by APPLiA-led Microplastic Consortium to assess the release of microplastic particles and fibres in household washing processes. This meeting marks a landmark step toward the development of a reliable, repeatable, and reproducible measurement method for household washing machines. The Cons ...

Press Releases 21 April 2023

F-gas plenary vote is a major setback for heat pumps in Europe

Today’s plenary vote backing the quick phaseout of F-gas refrigerants for some applications will significantly limit the number of heat pumps available in certain market segments, pushing consumers back to fossil fuels with severe consequences for health and the planet. Brussels, 30 March 2023 - Today’s plenary vote narrowly backing the quick phaseout of F-gas refrigerants for some applications will significantly limit the number of heat pumps available in certain marke ...

Press Releases 29 March 2023

How the F-gas bans risk to DEPowerEU

Heat pumps are at the centre of the European Commission’s REPowerEU plan to ditch Europe’s dependence on fossil fuels, with a target to deploy 60 million heat pumps by 2030. The proposed bans on F-gas would not only endanger the bloc’s objective, but also jeopardise Europe’s broader climate and energy security goals. Brussels, 23 March 2023 - Heat pumps are at the centre of the European Commission’s REPowerEU plan to ditch Europe’s dependence on fossil fuels, with a target to d ...

Press Releases 23 March 2023

Promoting sustainable consumption through repair

Brussels, 22 March 2023 - The long-awaited Right to Repair initiative put forth today by the European Commission is the missing piece of the jigsaw to a consistent legislative framework for consumers and manufacturers, as Europe strives to reach its Green Deal objectives. According to a Eurobarometer survey, 77% of EU consumers would rather repair their goods than buy new ones. Promoting repair allows extending the useful lifespan of products, in full coherence with Europe’s su ...

Press Releases 22 March 2023

Green claims should continue as drivers for sustainable innovation

To succeed in its bid to stamp out greenwashing and help EU consumers make well-informed purchasing decisions, the proposed Substantiating Green Claims initiative unveiled today by the European Commission should avoid falling into the paradox of halting business investments in sustainability. Brussels, 22 March 2023 - To succeed in its bid to stamp out greenwashing and help EU consumers make well-informed purchasing decisions, the proposed Substantiating Green Claims initiative unvei ...

Press Releases 22 March 2023

Single Market at 30’s industrial competitiveness check needs shared sense of direction

Brussels, 16 March 2023 - The EU Single Market is the bedrock of the European economy and one of the greatest achievements of European integration. 30 years on from its foundation, regulatory barriers and obstacles to cross-border trade make its potential still far from being exhausted. The EU’s proposed long-term competitiveness strategy and 30 years of the Single Market communications, presented today by the European Commission, are a compass of Europe’s state-of-the-art ec ...

Press Releases 16 March 2023

Critical Raw Materials Act’s blowing wind of protectionism over free trade

Brussels, 16 March 2023 - As part of Europe’s renewed trade strategy, the proposed Critical Raw Materials Act presented today by the European Commission promises to advance open strategic autonomy but it does not specify where “open” ends and where “autonomy” begins. In a borderless global economy with seamlessly interdependent supply chains, bolstering international cooperation and engagement remains of vital importance. The Act should strengthen cooperation with like-minded pa ...

Press Releases 16 March 2023

Net Zero Industry Act’s clean tech list: are home appliances not clean enough?

Brussels, 16 March 2023 - The proposed Net-Zero Industry Act, unveiled today by the European Commission fails to reflect the true market reality in Europe, by treating unequally strategic net-zero solutions whose deployment would be instrumental to ramp up European production capacities for renewable energy technologies. The home appliance industry is a critical enabler of net-zero solutions to millions of European homes. Europe’s latest geopolitical tensions and experience with the energy cri ...

Press Releases 16 March 2023

Electricity Market Design’s reform should scale up the role of energy smart appliances

Brussels, 14 March 2023 - The EU’s proposed Electricity Market Design (EMD) tabled today by the European Commission offers great potential to address, in a structural way, the current energy resilience and energy affordability crisis, by stimulating the development of a market for demand-side management with opportunities for consumers to participate in it and freely manage daily consumption patterns. Energy smart appliances can give users full control, slashing bills and benefiting the entir ...

Press Releases 14 March 2023

Data Act's trade secrets protection woes risk crippling EU industry

Brussels, 8 March 2023 - As EU lawmakers and the bloc's governments get ready to close in on their final negotiations of the EU’s proposed Data Act, uncertainty about the scope and practicality of application of this complex, radical, data-sharing law risks eroding the competitiveness of the industry in Europe. The obligation to make data available shall be based on a clear definition of data generated by the use of the product. According to the proposal, manufacturers would have to desi ...

Press Releases 08 March 2023

Versuni is a new member of APPLiA

Brussels, Belgium - APPLiA welcomes on board its newest member, Versuni. Formerly known as Philips Domestic Appliances, the company became independent in September 2021 and globally unveiled its new brand identity in 2023. As a licensee of Royal Philips, Versuni will keep the Philips consumer brand, as well as Saeco, Gaggia and Philips Walita, on its products and services. Other brands including Preethi, L’OR Barista and Senseo will also remain available for consumers. New name, ...

Press Releases 23 February 2023

APPLiA kicks off industry-wide energy-saving campaign

APPLiA - Home Appliance Europe kicks off its energy-saving campaign, gathering the intelligence of global leading home appliances manufacturing companies, to encourage small, effective changes to the way consumers use their home appliances. The purpose? Spelt out in the name of the campaign, #killURbill. Alone, the so-called ‘passive cooking’ of pasta would save up to 47% of energy and CO2 emissions. Cooking with a lid on, saves up to 25% of energy. Using the dishwasher consumes ...

Press Releases 26 October 2022

APPLiA launches the educational book on repair of home appliances

The shortage of skilled workers across Europe is becoming a very prominent issue. Experienced professional repairmen are retiring and younger generations have other careers in sight. With technology evolving at a fast pace, this risks leaving a big market gap to fill. At a time when societal and legislative pressure is growing on manufacturers to make repair easier for consumers, preserving the safety of the home and the people who live in it, remains a key prerogative for the industry wh ...

Press Releases 17 October 2022

Arcelik's CEO Hakan Bulgurlu elected as new President of APPLiA

Taking over the presidency from Dr. Peter H. Göetz, Executive VP of BSH Europe, Arcelik’s CEO, Hakan Bulgurlu, has been elected as the new president of APPLiA. Arcelik’s CEO, Hakan Bulgurlu, has been elected as the new president of APPLiA - Home Appliance Europe, the Brussels-based association representing home appliance manufacturers in Europe. Since 2015, Hakan Bulgurlu has been CEO of Arcelik. He is also a member of the World Economic Forum’s CEO Climate Leaders ...

Press Releases 27 June 2022

EU steel safeguard measures hamper the competitiveness and growth of the EU manufacturing industry

Member States approved the EU’s proposed updated steel import safeguards regime, envisioning an increase in the “liberalisation rate” of quotas for tariff-free steel. Yet, the measure is still insufficient to meet the sectoral demand of raw materials and ensure fair access to competitive steel. First introduced in 2018 by the European Commission, the main objective of steel safeguard measures is to prevent economic damage for EU steel producers, given the risk of trade diversio ...

Press Releases 22 June 2022

EU Parliament's ENVI Committee vote on CBAM marks one more step towards carbon leakage for downstream products

While the home appliance sector welcomes the efforts undertaken by the Committee to tackle downstream industries, the proposal, as it currently stands, lacks the necessary provisions to effectively prevent carbon leakage in downstream products and industrial delocalisation. Today, the European Parliament’s Environment (ENVI) Committee voted on the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). While the home appliance sector “welcomes the efforts undertaken by the Committee to tackle downstream ...

Press Releases 17 May 2022

Sustainable Products Initiative: towards a future-proof policy landscape driving circular appliances

The European Commission published today the long awaited Sustainable Products Initiative, ultimately aimed at making all products on the EU market more durable, reusable, repairable, recyclable and energy efficient - in a nutshell, more sustainable. The Initiative also extends the scope of circularity requirements to a broader range of goods, in the attempt of addressing the challenges related to environmental impacts and resource-use while renewing the overall European approach to product polic ...

Press Releases 30 March 2022

The home appliance industry meets EU Commissioner Breton to address main pitfalls to the future of Europe

APPLiA, on behalf of the home appliance industry in Europe, met with European Commissioner for the Internal Market, Mr Thierry Breton, to address main pitfalls to the future of Europe. The EU Single Market is the beating heart of the European Union, one of the most important forces behind its cohesion as it fuels growth, inspires innovation and yields occupation. In an effort to preserve this unique asset and address a number of arising initiatives within its composite areas, APPLiA ...

Press Releases 02 December 2021

The Consortium on Microplastics Release during Household Washing Processes kicks off work

The Consortium on Microplastics Release during Household Washing Processes brings together fourteen signatory parties ranging from washing machines, detergent and filter manufacturers, to test institutes and test material facilities. These include: APPLiA, Arcelik, BSH, AB Electrolux, Haier, Hengst SE, Henkel, LG Electronics, Miele, Samsung, Sefar, Swissatest, VDE and Whirlpool. The Consortium also collaborates ...

Press Releases 23 September 2021

iRobot Corporation is a new member of APPLiA

APPLiA is happy to welcome its new and 22nd direct member, iRobot Corporation, a leader in consumer robots. iRobot designs and builds robots that empower people to do more both inside and outside of the home. iRobot's product line, including the Roomba® robot vacuum and the Braava® family of robot mops, feature proprietary technologies and advanced concepts in cleaning, mapping and navigation. The company is committed to building an ecosystem of robots and technologies to enable the smar ...

Press Releases 30 June 2021

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