The European Commission announced new regulations^[1] that require companies manufacturing household appliances to make longer-lasting products and to supply spare parts for machines for up to 10 years. The regulations enshrine the “right to repair,” part of the European Union’s Ecodesign Directive,^[2] which establishes a framework to set mandatory ecological requirements for energy-using and energy-related products sold in all 28 EU member states.

The regulations^[3] currently cover the following appliances:

• Household refrigerators.

• Light sources.

• Electronic displays.

• Dishwashers.

• Washing machines and dryers.

• Motors.

• Power transformers.

• Welding equipment.

“Whether it is by fostering repairability or improving water consumption, intelligent eco-design makes us use our resources more efficiently, bringing clear economic and environmental benefits,” said Jyrki Katainen,^[4] European Commission vice-president for jobs, growth, investment and competitiveness. “Figures speak for themselves: these measures can save European households on average €150 per year and contribute to energy savings equal to annual energy consumption of Denmark by 2030. It is with concrete steps such as these that Europe as a whole is embracing the circular economy to the benefit of citizens, our environment and European businesses.”