Many of us have probably already noticed: from March 2021, new EU energy labels (Energy Label) are mandatory for household appliances and other equipment, with revised energy efficiency classes.
To support citizens and consumers, ENEA has produced a free guide, downloadable online, which informs consumers about the characteristics and energy consumption of each model of household appliance placed on the EU market. The guide explains in detail the energy labels that will characterise domestic, professional and commercial appliances, their electricity consumption and the running costs associated with the various energy efficiency classes. Inside are highlighted the elements to better understand the symbols and numbers shown on the different product labels and guide the consumer towards more informed choices.
Why have the labels been changed?
The introduction of energy labels became necessary due to the popularity of products with very good performance in terms of energy consumption, capable of exceeding the energy efficiency scale and requiring the use of "extended" classes such as A++ -40%.
The European Union has revised and optimised energy labels, making them more understandable. The new labels cover domestic refrigerators and freezers, washing machines and washer-dryers, dishwashers, TVs and displays, and light sources. For all other categories such as air conditioners, dryers and hoovers, the new label is due to be introduced in 2022.
What information is included in the new energy label?
In the new energy label there is a return to the A to G classification. The "+" has been removed, making it easier to understand. This decision has led to a remapping of the classes, which at first glance may seem like a downgrading of the product. A household appliance that was previously classified as A+++could find itself in class C in the new version, even though its consumption and efficiency are the same. The only thing that has changed is the classification, which has become stricter for greater clarity and comparability between products.
The new label is immediately recognisable by the presence of a QR Code in the top right-hand corner. The QR Code allows consumers to access additional information with their smartphones. This information is entered into the EPREL (European Product Database for Energy Labelling) database by the manufacturers themselves.
The QR Codeallows consumers to access additional information via their smartphone.
What is EPREL
EPREL (European Product Database for Energy Labelling) is the European register of electronic labels managed by the European Commission. It contains data on the energy performance of all those products that are subject to energy efficiency legislation.
The aim of EPREL is to ensure transparency on energy efficiency standards within the EU member countries and to facilitate manufacturers in the census of products according to the European legislation 2017/2018 Article 4.
The European Product Database for Energy Labellingis managed by the European Commission.
Manufacturers/importers must make available through the database:
Is your company prepared to handle the new energy labels?
The model to be used for data exchange (from Supplier to database) has been published in its latest version at the following link which you can access after registering.
It is easy to see that the main problem for a company is not uploading data to a portal, but having all the data at hand, easily retrievable, correct, updatable.
If you would like more advice and to get to know our product data management software, please download the brochures or contact us directly. eTEAM is an integrated system for the centralised strategic management of the information and data in the product data sheet and ensures:
The eTEAMis an integrated system for the centralised strategic management of the information and data in the product data sheet and ensures:
The eTEAMis an integrated system for the centralised management of the information and data in the product data sheet and ensures
eTEAM collects product data either from internal sources (purchasing and marketing department) or from external suppliers (agencies), centralising the information and defining roles and management levels.
A system that provides integration with the management system, which can be used to manage the product.
A system that provides integration with the management system, the possibility of enriching data and control over the entire process of:
