Europeans are the largest producers of electronic waste in the world, with 16.2 kg per capita each year. This waste, insufficiently recycled, is sustained by the manufacturing of new objects that are bought, used and then thrown away when they fail, often too soon for many consumers.
For most products, manufacturing accounts for the lion’s share of its environmental impact throughout its lifecycle. Hence, it is of prime importance to make products last as long as possible before discarding them. Because citizens show strong support for increased product longevity.
of European consumers would prefer to repair their products rather than buy new ones.
However, it remains difficult for citizens to action this desire. In some countries, less than half of all faulty products are repaired.
This white paper aims to provide Policy guidance with the objective of closing this gap between ideals and reality. In a context of the challenge of the urgent climate crisis. With its new Circular Economy Action Plan, the European Union (EU) has the potential to put Europe at the forefront of durability. In this report, HOP details 20 measures that would make durable and repairable products the norm for 500 million European citizens. Thos mesures would greatly decrease our consumption’s environmental impact.
It is urgent to impose high quality and durability standards for all products sold in the European market. Ecodesign regulations need to be strengthened and widened. The EU must no longer tolerate premature obsolescence and needs to assist Member States to punish these unacceptable practices.
Because information is key to developing better consumption practices. To this end, a mandatory durability scoring system must be introduced at the EU level, as it is wished for by 92% of Europeans. A usage meter could also facilitate durability, along with new measures regarding legal guarantees.
And finally, European institutions must work on removing all obstacles to repair. It is an essential practice on every level: protecting skilled jobs, helping consumers save money, reducing waste and environmental impacts of products. Using fiscal measures and new obligations, the EU can finally establish a right to repair.
