A new right to repair law will come into force in the UK by summer 2021, ministers announced today.
Companies will legally have to make spare parts available to consumers for the first time. This means appliances like fridges, washing machines and TVs should last longer and be cheaper to run.
The aim is to stop electrical items becoming obsolete, therefore reducing the need for new materials.
By extending the lifespan of products by up to 10 years, they will come with higher energy efficiency standards, which is estimated to save consumers an average of £75 (€87.50) a year on bills.
Perhaps most importantly, the law stipulates that repair manuals must also be available so repairs can be done safely.
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Extender Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a cornerstone in the shift towards a circular economy and is set to be a major legislative focus in 2021. Such laws set guidelines that require manufacturers to maintain responsibility for their products throughout their life cycles, from the factory to the landfill. Under this umbrella is Right-To-Repair a category of laws that require manufacturers of consumer electronics and other goods to build their products in a way that allows customers to repair their products without having to go through the manufacturer. While saving consumers money, Right-to-Repair laws aim to make consumer goods last longer and cut down on waste by eliminating planned obsolescence.
The right to repair: Europe wants a revolution in how electronics are produced and repaired
Campaigners ask to include more appliances into the legislation
It’s time to give that old TV or refrigerator a second opportunity, at least that’s what officials in the European Union (EU) believe. The bloc has introduced a new rule through which companies that sell some consumer electronic goods will need to ensure that those appliances can be repaired for up to 10 years – seeking to reduce the large amount of electronic waste that’s produced every year.
Image credit: Flickr / Curtis Palmer
The move is part of the EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan, with the objective of reducing the consumption footprint and doubling the circular material use rate. Instead of products that break down fast and can’t be reused, repaired, or recycled, green products will be the new norm across the member countries of the bloc.