The Unified Water Label Association (UWLA) has launched a manifesto to mark Water Saving Week 2024 (May 13-17).
UWLA has worked with the European bathroom industry to develop a smart tool to demonstrate the water and energy efficiency of a product.
The manifesto is the association’s latest push to garner industry support and has been designed to outline UWLA’s aims, illustrating how the Unified Water Label is driving forward change, and supporting government objectives to use water efficiently.
A positioning paper supports the manifesto with evidence on how the Unified Water Label has already influenced market transition, and its position as a trusted smart tool within the KBB sector.
UWLA managing director, Yvonne Orgill, has for years been highlighting how the demand on water systems is increasing as the population grows. Speaking about the manifesto, Orgill said: “If we are to make positive and meaningful changes then we must address the misunderstanding and misinformation in the marketplace. Our manifesto sets out the huge steps forward and positive actions taken by the KBB industry, and the role that the Unified Water Label has played.
“The Unified Water Label has been developed by industry for industry and is well liked by consumers. It is a simple, credible, effective labelling scheme for water using bathroom products and kitchen taps, which is gaining visibility every day.
The Unified Water Label is recognised by international standards such as ISO31600, a fact that Orgill says “presents governments with a market ready solution, that negates the need to develop another label, at great expense, that would not be harmonious across Europe.”
Orgill believes that products alone cannot “change hearts and minds” and restricting choice could have the opposite impact on water efficiency. She said: “Our commitment to a focused communication and education programme to influence understanding and change consumer behaviour, also sets the Unified Water Label apart.
“We will be using this manifesto to support our lobbying programme, working with all parties to achieve our common aim of reducing water and energy consumption, for the benefit of the planet.”
Recently, Orgill also urged companies to get behind World Water Day. Additionally, she appeared in a recent episode of The kbbreview Podcast to discuss what retailers need to know about the new water label.