The Association of Manufacturers of Domestic Appliances (Amdea) is urging the Government and other policymakers to put the appliance sector at the heart of plans to achieve the UK’s Net Zero targets.
The trade body called for more support from policymakers to ensure the continuity of supply of innovative and sustainable new products came as it unveiled its Roadmap to deliver the UK’s Sustainable Appliance Future at a House of Commons reception.
The 20-point manifesto was presented to MPs from all parties and stakeholders. Amdea Chair, Teresa Arbuckle and CEO, Paul Hide were joined by representatives of leading appliance manufacturers and senior civil servants.
The three main areas of the manifesto include transitioning to a Net Zero Circular Economy, continuing the free flow of appliances across borders and safeguarding consumers.
Within Amdea’s report, one key recommendation is that policy makers introduce incentives to encourage households to repair or refurbish, to extend the lifespan of their existing appliances, in preference to replacing. One solution would be to encourage more repairs through VAT reductions on spare parts and labour costs. Amdea is also calling on Government to give grants to help householders benefit from the significant energy, water and cost savings delivered by modern eco-efficient appliances.
Paul Hide (pictured), CEO of Amdea says: “We encourage Government to work ever closer with the appliance industry to design workable regulations and legislation that can achieve our mutual goals of providing safe, efficient and technologically advanced machines at reasonable prices for UK consumers.
“Modern appliances can reduce the energy and water consumption by up to half of that of older appliances. A more flexible Green Home Grants scheme would go a long way to help householders who need to replace appliances to choose those that can reduce their energy and water bills. The appliance industry continues to innovate to become ever more sustainable and contribute to the circular economy. We are keen to work even closer with Government to ensure that householders are incentivised to maximise the lifespan of their current appliances, to support a sustainable circular economy. As well as encouraging them to purchase new appliances that are the most energy and water efficient for their available budget.”
Amdea’s Roadmap also covers the following points:
- A recommendation that the Government takes a fresh approach to protecting consumers through effective and robust policing of online marketplaces selling appliances and parts, so that online purchases are as safe as purchases made on the high street.
- Safeguarding the ongoing availability of world-class energy and water saving products at affordable prices for UK consumers, through internationally compatible UK regulations.
- Ensuring that eco-technology can fulfil its potential via Government collaboration with industry to provide consumers with accurate information on how to achieve cost, energy and water savings, as currently promoted through Amdea’s Know Watt’s What campaign which highlights ways in which householders can maximise the efficiency of their appliances.
- Clear and simple consumer information labelling on appliances, avoiding unnecessary duplication or information overload. The current energy and water efficiency labels are already well-understood and give a straightforward guide to consumers on the efficiency of their appliances.