1. No category

Discussion Report:
EU Ecolabel for Washing
Machines
Date September 2009
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Project summary
The purpose of this pilot project is to link the work of the Eco-design of Energy-using Products (EuP)
Directive, with the development of EU Ecolabel criteria. The idea behind this initiative is that with both
policy instruments requiring a similar information base for their operation, the EuP evidence base can
be utilised to develop EU Ecolabel criteria. This would mean that resources would be used more
effectively, as work will not be duplicated.
In using the EuP evidence base for Washing Machines this project aims to develop streamlined
Ecolabel criteria for this product group. Streamlined criteria will focus on the main environmental
impacts EuP products have, and will also cover the environmental impacts not identified in EuP study,
but have been highlighted elsewhere as having a significant environmental impact.
This piece of work is already well underway for the product groups identified below, where the relevant
EuP evidence base has been used to help inform ecolabel proposals.
• Personal computers and computer monitors
• Laptops
• Lighting
• Refrigeration
A key finding to date is that whilst the EuP preparatory reports contain useful data to inform ecolabel
criteria proposals, they do not contain all of the data in the necessary format to develop a complete
and rounded set of ecolabel proposals.
In the context of washing machines, there is EuP information on sales by appliance category, as well
as information on the range of energy efficiencies, but what is not included is an overlay of market
data on these ranges of energy efficiencies. It is the combination of this data that would allow an
assessment of how much of a market place could meet a certain ecolabel criterion. This example
applies similarly to other environmental issues.
In the development of this discussion paper for Washing Machines the EuP preparatory studies Lot 14
information was used, as well as the draft Ecodesign Regulation for Washing Machines and the latest
CECED data (for which we gratefully acknowledge CECED’s kind assistance).
The timescales for the development of the criteria sets is as follows:
• September 2009 - distribute discussion paper
• 16th October 2009 - Ad Hoc Working Group meeting to discuss draft proposals
Further information about the work is available from [email protected]
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Table of contents
1
2
Introduction
5
1.1
5
EuP Directive and preparatory studies
Product Definition
7
2.1
EuP Preparatory Study Definitions
7
2.2
ISO Standard Definition
7
2.3
Energy Label and Ecolabel Definition
8
2.4
Proposed Definition
9
3
Test Standards
10
4
The Market for Washing Machines
12
4.1
Current Policies and Measures
12
4.2
Market Overview
13
4.3
Production and sales
14
4.4
Future technologies
16
Proposed Ecolabel Criteria
18
5.1
Energy efficiency
18
5.2
Washing performance
21
5.3
Drying efficiency
22
5.4
Water consumption
23
5.5
Noise
25
5.6
Flame Retardants and Heavy Metals
26
5.7
Prevention of excess use of detergent
27
5.8
Appliance design
28
5.9
User instructions
29
5.10
Lifetime extension
30
5.11
Information appearing on the ecolabel
30
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Summary
Based on the evidence in the EuP preparatory study for washing machines, the following changes to
the existing ecolabel criteria are proposed.
Present requirement
Energy Efficiency <= 0.17 kWh/kg
Proposal
Retain as ≤0.17
kWh/kg
Water consumption <=12 litres/kg
<8.4 litres/kg
Spin drying efficiency Class A or B
Retain as is
Washing performance Class A or B
Class A only
Noise (56 dB(A) during washing and
76dB(A) during spinning)
Prevention of excess use of detergent
Retain
Appliance design
Retain
User Instructions
Retain
Eco-design (including flame retardants and
heavy metals) Follow similar criterion as
for TVs
Life time extension – 2 year warranty and
spare parts available for 12 years after
production ceases
Information appearing on the ecolabel
Retain
4
Retain
Retain
Retain
Rationale
Based on the 2007 CECED database
there has been no technical change
warranting a change to the current
energy consumption criterion
Average consumption in 2007 is 9.8
litres/kg. The proposed limit is
achievable by 41.9% of products.
Percentage of products with Class A
remains too small at just over 10%
Nearly 95% of products achieve Class
A
Small survey of washing machines on
the market suggests this remains valid
Important design element that should
be retained
Not all washing machines have
energy and water saving programmes
and this should be encouraged
Important that consumers use the
product appropriately to secure good
eco-performance
Also covered by WEEE and RoHS
Directives now
For some aspects, production is
important. This requirement
addresses those.
Essential part of ecolabel
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Introduction
This discussion paper for Washing Machines is part of a pilot project to develop streamlined ecolabel
criteria for six products groups, by utilising the evidence base gathered in the Eco-design of Energy
Using Products (EuP) preparatory studies and the Ecodesign Regulation.
The discussion paper consists of five sections:
•
•
•
•
•
Section 1: introduction to the product and a brief summary of the EuP Directive and EuP
preparatory studies
Section 2: a review of product definitions
Section 3: test standards
Section 4: presents a summary of economic and market analysis from the EuP preparatory study
Section 5: ecolabel criteria proposals informed by the EuP study and other data sources
1.1
EuP Directive and preparatory studies
The directive 2005/32/EC on the Eco-design of Energy-using Products (EuP) is a framework for
setting eco-design requirements for energy using products. The aim of the Directive is to reduce the
environmental impact of energy using products. Those products that are compliant with eco-design
requirements will be ensured free movement in the EU.
The products covered so far have been chosen based on their meeting the following requirements:
•
•
•
The product represents a significant volume of sales and trade (more than 200,000 units a year
within the EC) and,
The product has a significant environmental impact(s), and
The product has significant potential for improvement without entailing excessive costs.
For the products that are chosen a preparatory study will be produced to provide the information the
Commission needs in order to determine if a EuP implementing measures are appropriate and if so,
what those measures ought to be. Each preparatory study follows a common structure to ensure key
issues such as markets, technical developments and environmental impacts are covered.
There are several similarities between the data collected for EuP in the eight sections and the
evidence base that is required to develop EU Ecolabel criteria, such as:
•
•
•
•
Product definition
Economic and market analysis
Consumer behaviour
Technical analysis of existing products
Obtaining the above data is a time consuming task, firstly to collect the data and secondly to gain
agreement of the work from stakeholder consultation. Consequently, developing a preparatory study
takes between 11 and 21 months to complete.
To investigate whether greater benefit can be extracted from its investment in EuP preparatory
studies, the Commission instigated this pilot study to determine the extent to which the EuP
preparatory study reports can be utilised to inform the development of EU Ecolabel criteria.
A key finding to date is that whilst the EuP preparatory reports contain useful data to inform ecolabel
criteria proposals, they do not contain all of the data in the necessary format to develop a complete
and rounded set of ecolabel proposals.
In the context of washing machines, there is EuP information on sales by appliance category, as well
as information on the range of energy efficiencies, but what is not included is an overlay of market
data on these ranges of energy efficiencies. It is the combination of this data that would allow an
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assessment of how much of a market place could meet a certain ecolabel criterion. This example
applies similarly to other environmental issues.
This paper discusses whether alterations are appropriate to the ecolabel criteria for washing
machines. It presents information taken from the EuP study and other sources. Readers are invited
to provide comments. Such comments will be most helpful if supporting rationale and evidence is
provided.
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Product Definition
This section presents a review of the different definitions that are currently used to define washing
machines across a number of Directives, Standards and Labels, so as to inform the definition for the
Ecolabel such that it is as inclusive as possible.
2.1
EuP Preparatory Study Definitions
Lot 14 of the European Commission EuP preparatory studies is for domestic dishwashers and
1
washing machines , also known as “wash appliances”. The product definition used for this EuP lot is
based on the Energy Labelling Directive.
The definition of “washing machines” set out in Article 1(4) of the Energy Labelling Directive
92/75/EEC is shown below in Box 1:
Box 1: Washing machine definition used in the Energy Labelling Directive 92/75/EEC
“Washing machine” means an appliance for cleaning and rinsing of textiles using water that may
also have a means of extracting excess water from the textiles.
“Automatic washing machine” means a washing machine where the load is fully treated by the
machine without the need for user intervention at any point during the programme prior to its
completion. Examples of user intervention could include manual fill (non automatic water level),
transfer of the load between a washing drum and a spin extractor drum or manual draining.
2.2
ISO Standard Definition
In the ‘Scope’ section of EN 60456:2005 (European Standard EN ISO 60456:2005 “Clothes
washing machines for household use – Methods for measuring the performance (IEC
60456:2003, modified)” a washing machine is defined as ‘appliance for cleaning and rinsing of
textiles using water which may also have a means of extracting excess water from the textiles’. EN
60456:2005 defines the different types of washing machines as shown in Box 2 below:
Box 2: Definition of different washing machine types in standard EN 60456:2005
1
http://www.ecowet-domestic.org/
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•
•
•
•
•
Agitator washing machine: washing machine in which the textiles are substantially
immersed in the washing water, the mechanical action being produced by a device
moving about or along its vertical axis with a reciprocating motion (an agitator). This
device usually extends above the maximum water level
Horizontal drum washing machine: washing machine in which the textiles are placed in
a horizontal or inclined drum and partially immersed in the washing water, the mechanical
action being produced by rotation of the drum about it s axis, the movement being either
continuous or periodically reversed
Impeller washing machine: washing machine in which the textiles are substantially
immersed in the washing water, the mechanical action being produced by a device
rotating about its axis continuously or which reverses after a number of revolutions (an
impeller). The uppermost point of this device is substantially below the minimum water
level;
Nutator washing machine: washing machine in which the textiles are placed in a vertical
axis basket and partially immersed in the washing water, the mechanical action being
produced by a nutation plate in the bottom of the basket, the movement being either
continuous or periodically with or without reversion;
Washer-dryer: washing machine which includes both a water extraction (spin) function
and also a means for drying the textiles, usually by heating and tumbling.
It should be noted that the definition of washing machine types will likely change due to the on-going
work of the IEC subcommittee 59D ‘home laundry appliances’, which will be eventually reflected in an
update to EN 60456. The proposed new definitions are reported in Box 3 here for sake of
completeness of information:
Box 3: Proposed new definition for use in IEC 60456
•
•
•
Vertical axis washing machine: washing machine in which the load is placed in a drum
which rotates around an axis which is vertical or close to vertical. For the purposes of this
international standard, vertical axis is where the angle of the axis of rotation is more than 45
degrees to horizontal. Where the drum does not rotate, the washing machine shall be
classified as a vertical axis washing machine;
Horizontal axis washing machine: washing machines in which the load is placed in a
drum which rotates around an axis which is horizontal or close to horizontal. For the
purposes of this international standard, horizontal axis is where the angle of the axis is less
than or equal to 45 degrees to horizontal;
Manual or automatic washing machine: automatic washing machines where the load is
fully treated by the machine without the need for user intervention at any point during the
programme prior to its completion. A manual washing machine is where the machine
requires user intervention at one or more points during the programme to enable the
machine to proceed to the next operation. Examples of user intervention could include
manual fill (non automatic water level), transfer of the load between a washing drum and a
spin extraction drum or manual draining.
2.3
Energy Label and Ecolabel Definition
Commission Directive 95/12/EC implements council directive 92/75/EEC with regard to the energy
labelling of household washing machines. Directive 96/89/EC amends Commission Directive 95/12/EC
The definition for washing machines in energy labelling directive 96/89/EC is presented in Box 4
below.
The same definition is adopted by the EU eco-label scheme in Commission Decision 2005/384/EC of
12 May 2005 (prolonging the criteria established in decision 2000/45/EC).
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Box 4: Washing machine definition used in the Energy Labelling Directive and 96/89/EC and the EU EcoLabel scheme
Electric mains operated household washing machines, excluding machines with no spin capability, machines with separate washing and spin drying vessels (such as twin tubs), and combined
washer-driers. Appliances that can also use other sources of energy are excluded.
2.4
Proposed Definition
We propose to retain the current eco-label definition of washing machines, presented in the Box 4
above, as it is the most comprehensive of the existing definitions.
Electric mains operated household washing machines, including machines with separate washing and
spin drying vessels (such as twin tubs), and combined washer-driers. Machines with no spin
capability and those that also use other sources of energy are excluded.
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3
Test Standards
The current test standards used for testing the performance of washing machines are shown below in
Table 1:
2
Table 1: Test standards for Washing Machine
Test Standard
name
Date in force
Description
Comments
BS EN 60456
Clothes washing
machines for
household use Methods for
measuring the
performance
2005
The test standard contains
a number of methods for
measuring the various
performance characteristics
of washing machines. The
tests that are relevant to
Government Standards are:
cleaning performance,
energy consumption, water
consumption, spin
extraction performance and
spin speed.
BS EN 50229
Electric clothes
washer-dryers for
household use –
Methods for
measuring
performance
2001
The test standard contains
a number of methods for
measuring the various
performance characteristics
of washer driers. The tests
that are relevant to
Government Standards are:
cleaning performance,
energy consumption, water
consumption, spin
extraction performance and
spin speed.
The tests form the basis
of the EU Energy Label –
see BNW14 EU Energy
Labelling of washing
machines
http://www.mtprog.com/s
pm/download/document/i
d/587
The EU Ecolabel also
uses this test method.
EuP will require a revised
version of the test
standard that includes
methods for half loads.
The tests form the basis
of the EU Energy Label –
see BNW14 EU Energy
Labelling of washing
machines
http://www.mtprog.com/s
pm/download/document/i
d/587
The new edition of EN ISO 60456:2005 ‘Clothes washing machines for household use – Methods for
measuring performance’ was published in 2005 and is an updated version of the method currently
adopted by the Ecolabel (EN ISO 60456:1999).
This revision included several significant updates:
• Those resulting in improved reproducibility and repeatability in test results.
• Improvements to the load specification in terms of the textile materials, procedures for their
handling and pre-conditioning,
• Better control of the reference machine water flow,
• Improved definition of ambient temperature as being 23C+/- 2C,
• Changes to the reference detergent’s composition.
In light of the update, it would be sensible for the ecolabel to adopt the revised edition.
Since the ecolabel criteria were released, a new test method has been published for noise
measurements in July 2001 – IEC 60704-2-4, edition 2 ‘Household and similar electrical appliances –
Test code for the determination of airborne acoustical noise Part 2-4: Particular requirements for
washing machines’. The method covers single unit electrically driven machines, the washing and
spinning function of combined appliances for household and similar uses and spin driers.
2
Market Transformation Programme. BNWO3: Combined laundry Government Standards Evidence Base 2009: Policy Scenario
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For the test, the same standard test load is used as in IEC 60456 (the standard as EN 60456).
Revised ecolabel criteria ought to take account of this method.
The Implementing Measures for Stand by/off mode were adopted in December 2008 by the European
Commission and came into force on January 7th, 2009 (Commission Regulation (EC) No. 1275/2008).
It sets the following limits:
•
•
•
•
By January 7, 2010: Off Mode not to exceed 1.00W consumption
By January 7, 2010: Stand by Mode not to exceed 1.00W; or 2.00W if providing information or status
display
By January 7, 2013: Off Mode not to exceed 0.50W consumption
By January 7, 2013: Stand by Mode not to exceed 0.50W; or 1.00W if providing information
or status display
If we assume an average of 5 washes per week with an A-rated washing machine (energy
consumption 0.95 kWh per wash), this will give us 4.75 kWh of energy used weekly for washing. Each
washing cycle is assumed to be 2 hours. For the rest of the week - 158 hours – the washing machine
will be in a stand by mode. As energy consumption in the stand by mode should not exceed 1.00W
from January 2010, this gives us an energy consumption of 158 W, i.e. 0.158 kWh a week from the
stand by mode.
Weekly use of energy in the On mode
4.75 kWh
Weekly use of energy in the Stand by mode
0.158 kWh
Thus, we believe, that with the advent of the EuP standby measures, the ecolabel only need concern
itself with the on-mode power consumption. This accounts for the majority of energy consumed and is
therefore the area where the ecolabel ought to focus. Therefore, we propose to follow the same stand
by mode requirements as specified in the Implementing Measures for Stand by/off mode.
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4.1
The Market for Washing Machines
Current Policies and Measures
Table 2 below describes the environmental performance policies and measures that have been legally
adopted along with an explanation of how the market will change over time.
3
Table 2: Current policies and measures
Policy name
Period
in force
EU Energy
Label
1996 2010
EC Ecolabel
1999 ongoing
The Energy
Efficiency
Commitment
(EEC) 20052008
Energy Saving
Recommended
2005 2008
Industry
voluntary
commitments
1996 –
2002
and
2002 –
2010
Early
replacement
2007 ongoing
EU Energy
Label
1997 2010
Industry
1996 -
3
2001
onwards
Description
Impact
Washing machines
Defines A to G classes
All new washing machines are required to
for energy efficiency,
be labelled. Consumer information
wash performance and
encourages people to buy more efficient
spin performance. Gives
and better performing products.
maximum spin speed
Manufacturers also compete on the basis
information and water
of energy label information.
consumption.
Voluntary declaration for
The ecolabel enables consumers to
resource efficiency. For
identify the best performing products.
the standard 60°C cotton Typically, the ecolabel is set at a high level
programme: energy
such that only 10 to 20% of products in a
consumption equal to or
category can attain the award level.
lower than 0.17 kWh/kg
(Class A+), water
consumption equal to or
lower than 12 litres/kg.
Energy supplier subsidy
Not quantified at this level – Ofgem claims
or purchasing incentive
that over 8 million cold and wet appliances
for more efficient
were subsidised under the scheme.
products
Washing machines with EU energy label
class A or better could be subsidised.
Point of sale promotion to Not quantified. Criteria for 2006 onwards
identify the most efficient are EU Energy Label A class for energy,
models.
wash performance and spin performance.
From 2009 standby energy consumption is
included in the criteria.
Removes least efficient
Removed EU Energy Label energy
machines, sets ‘soft’ fleet classes E, F and G by 1999. Removed
average targets
class D by 2003, set target for sales of
average of 0.2 kWh/kg by 2008, promotes
models with 0.17 kWh/kg and A rated
wash performance.
Industry promotion to
To encourage consumers to replace older
consumers
appliances with more efficient new ones.
Washer driers
Defines A to G classes
All new washer dryers are required to be
for energy efficiency of
labelled. Consumer information
washing and drying
encourages people to buy more efficient
cycle, wash performance and better performing products.
and spin performance.
Manufacturers also compete on the basis
Gives maximum spin
of energy label information.
speed information and
water consumption.
Removes least efficient
The washing machine commitment
Market Transformation Programme. BNWO2: Combined laundry Government Standards Evidence Base 2009: Reference Scenario
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Policy name
Description
Impact
voluntary
commitments
Period
in force
2002
and
2002 2010
machines, sets ‘soft’ fleet
average targets.
Early
replacement
2007
ongoing
Industry promotion to
consumers.
impacted on the development of the
washer drier market. For washing
machines it removed EU Energy Label
energy classes E, F and G by 1999.
Removed class D by 2003, set target for
sales of average of 0.2 kWh/kg by 2008,
promotes models with 0.17 kWh/kg and A
rated wash performance. Improvements in
energy consumption have also been seen
in washer dryers.
To encourage consumers to replace older
appliances with more efficient new ones.
4.2
Market Overview
The information below is mostly based on the data extracted from Lot 14 of EuP ‘Preparatory studies
for domestic dishwashers and washing machines’ and was last updated in 2005. In some cases where
there is more recent data on the energy and water consumption (such as the CECED database), the
data is presented.
The take up of washing machines as noted in the EuP study has reached a point where the market is
almost saturated in the EU-15 (Figure 1 below). The situation in the newer member states is slightly
different (at least as far as the 2005 EuP study was concerned) in that consumers are more often
buying a washing machine for the first time and that take-up is increasing rapidly (source: Lot 14 Task
2 report).
4
Figure 1: Washing machine ownership (EU15)
Washing Machines EU 15 ownership rate
1.00
0.90
0.80
0.70
%
0.60
0.50
0.40
0.30
0.20
0.10
20
04
20
01
19
98
19
95
19
92
19
89
19
86
19
83
19
80
19
77
19
74
19
71
19
68
19
65
19
62
19
59
19
56
19
53
19
50
0.00
Considering the market’s development, the EuP study authors observe that the development in 1996
of the EU Energy Label for washing machines drove product development to achieve improved energy
efficiency. Because the focus was on energy, technical developments in this area moved ahead
rapidly such that a 37% reduction in energy consumption could be achieved compared to a 1992
product without sacrificing wash performance. Consumers embraced the changes and as the authors
4
Lot 14, Task 2: Economic and Market Analysis. Rev. 1.0. Final draft. November 2007.
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state, expect continued improvement in part they say, because consumer magazines include many
other performance parameters in their comparative tests.
4.3
Production and sales
Table 3 below shows the production of washing machines in EU25 countries, and the total production
in EU27. The majority of data is for the year 2005. As can be seen from the table, the majority of
washing machines in Europe are produced in Italy – 8.5 million machines out of 18.1million produced
in EU27 in total. Italy is followed by Germany where 3.1million washing machines were produced in
2005.
Table 3: Production of washing machines (2005 – units 000s)
Country
AT
BE
BG
CY
CZ
DE
DK (2004)
EE (2003)
EL
ES
FI
FR
IE
IT
LV
LT
LU
HU
MT
NL
PL
PT (2006)
RO
SI (2003)
SK
SE
UK
EU 27
Washing machines
n.a.
-75
3 150
-240
100
1 907
1 285
8 527
n.a.
---1 240
180
600
n.a.
110
710
18 124
Table 4 and Table 5 below compare the 2002 sales with those of 2004 using data obtained from GfK
databases. The tables show a clear penetration of the A class, the take up of the A+ class, the
decreasing share of the B and C classes and the disappearance of the other low efficiency classes.
Noting the trend, the EuP study authors remark that class B may eventually disappear given that the
category has lost over 30% of its market share in just two years.
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Table 4: Washing machines sales for the years 2002 – 2004 (units) _ By Energy Efficiency Class
TOTAL WEST
Energy
Efficiency Class
<Grand Total>
TOTAL East (Cz Hu Pl Sk)
January 2002 - January 2004 January 2002 December
- December
December
2002
2004
2002
TOTAL East
January
2004 December
2004
January
2004 December
2004
11,198,889
12,166,433
1,253,348
1,579,762
1,621,560
0
2
0
0
0
9,699
929,225
30
24,816
19,060
A
6,749,547
8,549,715
556,986
1,243,710
1,265,422
B
2,235,786
1,441,018
365,304
184,230
200,284
C
1,412,140
909,048
214,610
55,020
54,044
D
150,126
88,656
16,280
6,327
11,326
E
25,926
15,649
2,347
296
361
F
52,447
56,923
79
13
0
G
5,744
1,438
8
0
0
557,472
174,759
97,704
65,350
71,065
A ++
A+
UNKNOWN
There are a couple of anomalies in the EuP data above but nonetheless it provides a helpful indication
of the market situation.
Tables 4 & 5 show the washing machines sales by energy efficiency classes for the years 2002 and
2004.
Table 5 provides the percentage variation of the 2004 sales with respect those of the year 2002 by EU
western and eastern countries and by EE classes.
The first four columns of Tables 4&5 compare the 2002 sales with those of 2004. For the Eastern
countries, only the four nations taken into account in the 2002 data are compared (Czech Republic,
Hungary, Poland, Slovakia). The fifth columns of Table 4 carries out the 2004 sales data of all the 8
countries considered by GfK. Overall the 2004 western plus eastern sales (8 countries) exceed 13
millions. The increment of the 2004 sales with respect those of 2002 (4 countries) is around the 10,4
%, of which the 8,6 % is attributable to the western countries and at least 26 % to the eastern ones.
This remarkable increment shows, if confirmed for these last years and in the future, that this market is
very rapidly renewing.
Table 5: Percentage sales of washing machines (2002 and 2004 %) – Energy Efficiency Class
West EU
East EU
2002
East EU (5
countries)
2004 *
A ++
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
A+
0.09
0.00
7.64
1.57
1.18
A
60.27
44.44
70.27
78.73
78.04
B
19.96
29.15
11.84
11.66
12.35
C
12.61
17.12
7.47
3.48
3.33
D
1.34
1.30
0.73
0.40
0.70
UNKNOWN
5.73
7.99
2.04
4.16
4.40
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
Total
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East EU (4
countries)
2004
West EU
15
The market for washing machines showed growth in the last 10 years, having risen by two thirds from
1995 levels. Percentage ownership rose by 2% over the same period and households have increased
by 2.5 million (9.6%) over the same period. The market is mature, and is a replacement market with
machines typically being replaced when they breakdown and are considered un-repairable.
Product trends include a move towards larger load capacities, higher spin speeds, longer main wash
times and shorter quick washes, and more programmes to cope with different fabric types.
4.4
Future technologies
Producers have worked hard to improve the performance of washing machines. As the EuP Task 6
study report observes (page 133), further improvement is unlikely unless a step change in product or
washing process can be devised. Whilst new products are being researched, it is unlikely that these
will come to market for some years meaning the ecolabel revision should be based on existing
technology.
Two areas of research noted in Task 6 are:
• Washing with steam
• Washing with air and negative ions
Whether these or other technologies become a market reality for the next ecolabel revision remains to
be seen.
Researchers at the University of Leeds, UK, have developed a new way of cleaning clothes using less
5
than 2% of the water and energy of a conventional washing machine . The revolutionary technology
will provide alternatives to both domestic washing and dry cleaning, heralding the world’s first “virtually
waterless” washing system.
The picture below represents a pilot example of a waterless washing machine.
Xeros, a University of Leeds organisation, is looking to commercialise the technology with some of the
biggest names in the washing and dry-cleaning industries. It is likely to find application first as
commercial washing machine types rather than domestic types.
The process is based on the use of plastic granules (or chips), which are tumbled with the clothes to
remove stains. A range of tests, carried out according to worldwide industry protocols to prove the
technology performs to the high standards expected in the cleaning industry, show the process can
remove virtually all types of everyday stains as effectively as existing processes whilst leaving clothes
as fresh as normal washing. In addition, the clothes emerge from the process almost dry, reducing the
need for tumble-dryers.
The technology uses as little as a cup of water in each wash cycle.
5
http://www.leeds.ac.uk/media/press_releases/current/washing_machine.htm
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According to Waterwise, a UK NGO focused on reducing water wastage in the UK, washing machine
use has risen by 23% in the past 15 years, up from 3 times a week in 1990 to an average of 4 times a
week per household today. The average UK household uses almost 21 litres of water each day on
clothes washing - 13% of daily household water consumption. This accounts for approximately 455
million litres of water daily in the UK, enough water to fill 145 Olympic size swimming pools. There are
more than two million washing machines sold in the UK annually, valuing the UK market alone at
around £1bn.
The Xeros technology is a fundamental step-change in the textile lifecycle by replacing water in
washing with plastic/polymer chips. The technology could be used in domestic washing machines, in
which the amount of water and energy used for washing would be dramatically reduced. The
technology has been tested in controlled lab experiments in the Company’s laboratories in Leeds.
The Xeros technology, among some others, is identified in a draft report on reducing the
environmental impacts of clothes cleaning completed for Defra. The table below represents future
developments in the washing technologies together with their environmental benefits and possible
6
impacts . It should be noted that these novel technologies were investigated in a preliminary fashion
but not investigated further or subject of more detailed analysis as they were considered to have less
potential for environmental benefits in the short to medium term.
6
BIO Intelligence service in collaboration with Giraffe and Intertek. July 2009. Reducing the Environmental Impacts of Clothes
Cleaning. A research report completed for the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Draft Final Version.
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5
5.1
5.1.1
Proposed Ecolabel Criteria
Energy efficiency
Energy Label
The energy efficiency levels of the difference Energy Label classes are shown below in Table 6.
Table 6: EU Energy Label energy efficiency classes
Energy efficiency class
A+
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
5.1.2
Energy consumption ‘C’ in kWh per kg
0
washed for standard 60 C cotton cycles using
test procedures of the harmonized standards
referred to in Article 1 (2)
C≤0.17
C≤0.19
0.19<C≤0.23
0.23<C≤0.27
0.27<C≤0.31
0.31<C≤0.35
0.35<C≤0.39
0.39<C
The EuP preparatory study data
The EuP study authors report a notable improvement in energy efficiency performance over the period
1997-2005, as shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3 below.
Figure 2: Average specific energy consumption per load (1997 – 2005)
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Figure 3: Washing machine specific energy consumption (1997 and 2005)
Figure 3 shows that of the sample, nearly 90% of washing machines fall within the range 0.166 to
0.190 kWh/kg. It should also be noted that nearly 40% of machines in the 2005 sample have energy
efficiency performance better than the ecolabel limit of 0.17 kWh/kg (according to the Commission
Decision of 17 December 1999). This compares to the 1999 situation where there were no products
meeting the 0.17 kWh/kg requirement. The study authors note that in Germany and the Netherlands
evidence suggests even the sales of Class A machines is reducing and that in Italy they note two
unofficial Class A++ machines on sale (Task 2 report, page 10).
Converting Figure 3 values into Energy Label classifications results in the data as shown in Figure 4
below. What this clearly shows is how quickly Class A have been adopted (from less than 5% in 1997
to nearly 80% in 2003). The rapid take up of unofficial A+ machines is also clearly shown whereby
these make up over 35% of the market in 2005. Class A+ (0.17 kWh/kg) is a half energy class
improvement i.e. 10% (AEAT final report to the Commission, washing machine ecolabel, 1999, page
6).
Figure 4: Energy efficiency class (1997 –2005)
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The most recent, 2007 CECED database shows the energy consumption of more than 6000 washing
machines, based on their energy efficiency class. According to the database, 96.93% of all washing
machines are A-rated based on their energy efficiency. 2.28% of washing machines are B-rated,
0.78% are C-rated, and only 0.01% are D-rated. The database classifies washing machines into 4
energy efficiency classes – A, B, C and D. However, as identified above, currently there is a new A+
energy efficiency class, with the energy efficiency level set at ≤0.17 kWh/kg. Taking this into account,
59.05% of all the washing machines in the database will be A+-rated (with the majority of them having
energy efficiency =<0.17), and 37.88% of the washing machines will be A-rated.
Figure 5 below shows the CECED data for specific energy consumption of washing machines on the
EU market corresponding to different loads. As can be seen from the graph the most common load
for domestic washing machines is 5kg. This corresponds to the energy consumption between 0.13
and 0.35 kWh/kg cycle.
Figure 5: Specific energy consumption as function of the load for the washing machine models in the
2007 CECED technical database
0.4
0.35
Energy Efficiency
0.3
0.25
0.2
0.15
0.1
0.05
0
0.0
2.0
4.0
6.0
8.0
10.0
12.0
14.0
Load (kg)
The 1999 ecolabel criteria for washing machines states that a washing machine shall use less than or
equal to 0.17 kWh of electrical energy per kg of washload measured according to EN 60456:1999,
using the same standard 60 °C cotton cycle as chosen for Commission Directive 95/12/EC (1).
From analysing CECED’s data and Figure 5 above, we propose that the requirement should remain at
less than or equal to 0.17 kWh per kg. Although from analysing the CECED 2007 database it would
be possible to reduce this criterion down to <0.17 kWh per kg, this would significant reduce the
percentage of washing machines that could comply from 58.9% to 8.6%.
As can be seen from the Table 8 below, 58.9% of all washing machines have energy efficiency of
0.17kWh/kg and below. However, the majority of them (about 95%) fall within the energy efficiency
range of 16≤C≤17 kWh/kg.
Percentage compliance of 58.9%at a level of 0.17kWh per kg is very high for an Ecolabel criterion,
however a combination of this with the water consumption and drying efficiency criterion greater
reduces the percentage compliance. This is explained further in the water consumption chapter.
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Table 8: Breakdown of A+ rated washing machines based on their energy consumption (%)
Energy consumption (A+ rated washing machine)
5.2
% of total A+ rated
washing machines
% of total washing
machines
≤0.17
86.0%
58.9%
≤0.16
≤0.15
3.0%
3.0%
3.1%
1.1%
≤0.14
2.0%
0.3%
≤0.13
2.0%
0.2%
Washing performance
The ecolabel’s present requirement established in 1999 is for washing performance of Class A or B.
Since then notable market developments have ensued such that whilst in 1999 just 23% of machines
achieved Class A, by 2007 more than 95% of machines achieve Class A (CECED 2007 database).
Washing performance Class A, as shown in Figure 6 taken from the EuP study, now dominates the
market.
Figure 6: Washing performance class (1997 –2005)
Washing performance is the rating, which is given to a washing machine to determine how well it
o
cleans during a cycle. Washing performance is tested at 60 C cotton cycle. However, this wash
programme is not necessarily the one that most consumers will use particularly with the widespread
availability of low temperature detergents.
0
Some commentators have suggested that the ecolabel ought to consider wash performance at 40 C
0
but as other stakeholders have remarked, the currently available test methods only cater for a 60 C
wash. We therefore propose to retain wash performance as a requirement but to set a stricter limit
requiring Class A performance.
o
o
The availability of detergents showing good washing performance at 40 C and even 30 C coupled with
the desire to make electricity and financial savings provides a further incentive for a consumer to use a
o
40 C cotton cycle. Low temperature detergents perform well across a range of environmental
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o
indicators. Wash at 30 C should be encouraged as there is an existing trend and further adoption
o
would reduce environmental impacts significantly. Whilst it is impractical to set a 30 or 40 C
requirement for the ecolabel presently, efforts should be made via the present work to revise the
laundry detergent criteria to gauge the issues associated with reviewing the wash performance test
and what would be required to develop an updated method.
5.3
Drying efficiency
Figure 7 below, extracted from the Lot 14 EuP study, shows the improvement over time in washing
machine drying efficiency. Considering the 1999 ecolabel requirement for Class A or B, we see that
when the requirement was established less than 20% of products met the standard. By 2005 this had
increased to over 50% but it should be noted that just over 10% of these products are Class A.
Figure 7: Drying efficiency (1997 – 2005)
The drying efficiency of washing machines has further improved since 2005, as can be seen from
Figure 8 below, which is based on CECED 2007 data. It can be seen that 13% are now class A and
47% achieve B class.
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Figure 8: Drying efficiency based on CECED data 2007
50%
45%
Percentage in class
40%
35%
30%
25%
20%
15%
10%
5%
0%
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
Drying efficiency
The question is whether:
• the ecolabel should set a drying requirement?
• If so, what the level ought to be?
From a life cycle perspective, a washing machine achieving good drying performance may mean that
the textiles are more likely to be air dried than via a tumble drier. The EuP Task 6 report discusses
this issue (page 156 onwards) but in doing so says that it is remarkably complicated with several
influencing factors: not only by seasonal variations (summer and winter) but also geographic location
(warm or cold climate), consumer behaviour, textile residual moisture content and performance
characteristics of the tumble dryer amongst others.
It could be argued that the ecolabel ought not be overly selective on this one issue as other design
characteristics warrant more attention.
With this in mind, we suggest the current requirement for Class A or B is retained.
5.4
Water consumption
Figure 9 taken from the Lot 14 EuP Task 2 report, shows changes in average water consumption over
the period 1997 to 2005.
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Figure 9: Washing machine average water consumption, 1997 - 2005
The trend in Figure 9 is not surprising: a significant fraction of the energy consumed by a washing
machine is used to heat the water it consumes, so it follows that to secure the improvements noted
earlier in average energy efficiency that the average amount of water used would decrease too.
The ecolabel’s 1999 requirement is 12 litres of water per kg of washload very near the average value
of 12.9 litres in 1999. Considering the EuP study report and its data we suggest that the ecolabel
requirement could be reduced. This is supported by the information presented in the Figure 10 below
that shows a correlation between the load of the washing machines and specific water consumption
from the CECED 2007 database.
Figure 10 shows that since 2005 the trend for reduced water consumption by washing machines has
continued.
Figure 10: Water consumption per kg according to CECED 2007 data
18
Water consumption litres/kg
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
0.0
2.0
4.0
6.0
8.0
10.0
12.0
14.0
Load (kg)
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It can be seen from the figure that the most commonly used load of 5kg has an average water
consumption of 7.0 to 15.2 litres/kg.
From looking at the whole CECED database, which includes a total of 6835 washing machines, we
propose a water consumption criterion of <8.4 litres/kg.
Summary
The summary below provides an indication of available washing machines with respect to energy,
washing performance, drying performance and water consumption. The difference between the two
tables below is that the first table is looking at the individual criteria only and not the combination of
criteria, which is why the numbers are different in some cases.
From doing some statistical analysis on the CECED 2007 database we can see that from the 6835
washing machines in the database 58.9% would be compliant based on an energy efficiency level of
≤0.17 and a drying performance of A or B. When taking waste consumption at <8.4 l/kg into account
as well the overall percentage is 41.8%. This percentage will be further reduced due to the
requirements of other criteria such as noise, appliance design and lifetime extension.
Percentage of washing machines passing individual criteria
Energy
Washing
performance
Drying
performance
≤0.17 - 58.9%
<0.16 – 3.1%
<0.15 – 1.1%
Class A - 95.8%
Class A – 13.3%
Class B – 46.6%
Combined A&B –
59.9%
Water
consumption
(<8.4 l/kg)
44.8%
Percentage of washing machines passing combined criteria and the overall pass rate
Energy
Washing
performance
Drying
performance
Water
consumption
(<8.4 l/kg)
≤0.17 - 58.9%
Class A - 58.9%
Class A – 13.3%
Class B – 45.6%
Combined A&B –
58.9%
41.8%
Overall pass rate
(% of total number
of washing
machines)
41.8%
<0.16 – 3.1%
Class A - 3.1%
Class A – 3.1%
3.1%
3.1%
<0.15 – 1.1%
Class A - 1.1%
Class A – 1.1%
1.1%
1.1%
5.5
Noise
There is very little data in the EuP report regarding noise in either the washing or spinning modes.
The study authors adopted 53 dB(A) and 70 dB(A) for washing and spinning respectively (Task 5,
page 38) commenting that noise reduction is something that ideally ought to be achieved given the
irritation caused by machines operating at night.
Note that the authors identified a ‘top of the range’ 2006 product (from the perspective of energy
efficiency) and its noise characteristics were 53 and 72 dB(A).
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The 1999 ecolabel criteria states that noise shall not exceed LWAd 56 dB(A) during washing or LWAd
76 dB(A) during spinning, measured according to EN 60456:1999, using the same standard 60 °C
cotton cycle as chosen for Directive 95/12/EC.
There are conflicts between the desire to improve drying performance whilst achieving noise
reduction. Basically in trying to secure enhanced drying performance (via faster spin speeds) more
noise is generated (Task 6 report, page 86).
There is no information on noise in the 2007 CECED database.
Therefore, not to over restrict the washing machines that can comply with the Ecolabel criteria
(considering the energy efficiency, water and drying efficiency proposals), we propose to keep the
same levels as in the 1999 criterion. The noise proposal is shown below in Box 5.
Box 5: Noise Ecolabel proposal
Airborne acoustical noise from the appliance, counted as sound power, shall not exceed
LWAd 56 dB(A) during washing or LWAd 76 dB(A) during spinning, measured according to
EN 60456:1999, using the same standard 60 °C cotton cycle as chosen for Directive
95/12/EC.
Information about the noise level of the machine shall be provided in a way clearly visible to
the consumer. This shall be done by the incorporation of this information in the energy label
for washing machines.
5.6
Flame Retardants and Heavy Metals
For the flame retardant (FR) and heavy metal criterion we propose to use the same requirements as
agreed for the Television Ecolabel outlined in Commission Decision 2009/300/EC of 12 March 2009
and shown in Box 6. This is a common issue across many of the different ecolabel product groups and
using a recently agreed approach is most appropriate at this time.
There is varying opinions regarding FRs a number of which have been communicated to us previously
as part of this work and revisions for other product groups. Although we are currently proposing to
use the same criterion as in the Television Ecolabel, it is our understanding that FRs will be discussed
in a separate meeting to be arranged by the Commission possibly later in 2009. This may result in the
proposal being changed to reflect the outcome of this Commission meeting.
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Box 6: Proposed EU Ecolabel criteria for heavy metals and flame retardants
(a) Cadmium, lead, mercury, chromium 6 + or poly-brominated biphenyl (PBB) or poly-brominated
diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants, as listed in Article 4(1) of Directive 2002/95/EC of the
European Parliament and of the Council (2), shall not be used unless the applications of those
substances are listed in the Annex to that Directive as exempted from the requirements of Article
4(1) of that Directive or unless their maximum concentration value is equal to or lower than the
threshold specified in that same Annex. Regarding the Annex, for PBBs and PBDEs, the maximum
concentration value shall be < 0,1 %.
(b) Plastic parts shall not contain flame retardant substances, or preparations containing
substances, that are assigned or may be assigned, at the time of application, any of the following
risk phrases or combinations thereof:
— R40 (possible risk of cancer),
— R45 (may cause cancer),
— R46 (may cause heritable genetic damage),
— R50 (very toxic to aquatic organisms),
— R51 (toxic to aquatic organisms),
— R52 (harmful to aquatic organisms),
— R53 (may cause long term adverse effects in the aquatic environment),
— R60 (may impair fertility),
— R61 (may cause harm to the unborn child),
— R62 (possible risk of impaired fertility),
— R63 (possible risk of harm to the unborn child
as defined in Directive 2006/121/EC. This requirement shall not apply to reactive flame retardants
i.e. those which upon use change their properties (i.e. are actually not contained in the final product
in a concentration > 0,1 %) such that the identified R-phrases above no longer apply.
Assessment and verification: A certificate signed by the manufacturer declaring compliance with
these requirements shall be submitted to the awarding competent body. A declaration of compliance
signed by the plastic and flame retardant suppliers and copies of relevant safety data sheets about
materials and substances shall also be provided to the awarding competent body. All flame
retardants used shall be clearly indicated.
5.7
Prevention of excess use of detergent
The 1999 ecolabel criteria has a requirement for prevention of excess use of detergent and this is
shown below in Box 7:
Box 7: 1999 Ecolabel criterion for prevention of excess use of detergent
The appliance shall have clear volumetric and/or weight-related markings on the detergent
dispenser allowing the user to adjust the detergent quantity used according to the type and
amount of load and its degree of soiling.
Although the ecolabel criteria for the laundry detergents include requirements on dosage
recommendations for normally and heavily soiled textiles and for the ranges of water hardness, it is
felt that the above criteria in washing machines is an important deign element to assist the correct use
of detergents. Therefore we propose that this criterion is kept in as above.
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5.8
Appliance design
The 1999 ecolabel criteria has a requirement for appliance design and this is shown below in Box 8:
Box 8: 1999 Ecolabel criterion for appliance design
The machine shall have clear markings on it identifying the appropriate settings according to fabric
type and laundry code.
The machine shall have clear markings on it identifying energy and water saving programmes and
options.
Broadly washing machines are designed with clear markings identifying the appropriate settings
according to fabric type and laundry code with some also having markings identifying energy and
water saving programmes and options. It is felt that these are important design elements for the end
user and we therefore propose to retain this criterion as above.
In addition, the 1999 ecolabel criteria included criterion relating to take back and recycling. The take
back element is now addressed through the WEEE Directive and it is proposed to amend the
information provided in the user instructions to reflect this, see Section 5.9 below. However it is
important that the appliance design still allows for ease of recycling and repairs. It is therefore
proposed to retain elements of the 1999 criteria together with criteria consistent with that included in
the recent revision to the ecolabel for televisions with regard to design for disassembly
Box 9: Design for Disassembly Criterion
The manufacturer shall demonstrate that the appliance can be easily dismantled by professionally
trained recyclers using tools available to them, for the purpose of:
•
undertaking repairs and replacement of worn-out parts,
•
upgrading older or obsolete parts, and
•
separating parts and materials, ultimately for recycling
To facilitate the dismantling:
•
Fixtures within the appliance shall allow for its disassembly e.g. screws, snap fixes,
especially for parts containing hazardous substances.
•
Plastic parts shall be of one polymer or be of compatible polymers for recycling and have
relevant ISO11469 marking if greater than 25 g in mass
•
Metal inlays that cannot be separated shall not be used.
•
Data on the nature and amount of hazardous substances in the appliance shall be gathered
in accordance with Council Directive 2006/121/EC and the Globally Harmonised System of
Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS).
Assessment and verification: A test report shall be submitted with the application detailing the
dismantling of the appliance. It shall include an exploded diagram of the appliance labelling the
main components as well as identifying any hazardous substances in components. It can be written
or audiovisual format. Information regarding hazardous substances shall be provided to the
awarding competent body in the form of a list of materials identifying material type, quantity used
and location.
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5.9
User instructions
The current ecolabel criterion is:
Box 10: 1999 Ecolabel criterion for user instructions
The appliance shall be sold with an instruction manual which, amongst others, shall provide advice on
the correct environmental use and, in particular recommendations for optimal use of energy, water and
detergent in the operation of the appliance. This manual shall include:
(a) on the cover page or first page the following text: ‘Information on how to minimise
environmental impacts is given in this manual’;
(b) if the machine has hot-fill, advice that the use of the hot-fill can save primary energy and
related emissions if the water is heated by solar energy, community heating, modern natural
gas or oil heating systems or natural gas continuous flow heater. The user shall be informed
that the conduit between the warm water source and the washing machine should be short and
well insulated;
(c) advice to use a full load whenever possible;
(d) advice on the availability of ecological friendly modern detergents, such as compact
detergents;
(e) advice on varying the detergent dose according to water hardness, the type and amount of
the load and its degree of soiling (for example: a half load requires less detergent); reference
shall be made to the markings in the detergent dispenser;
(f) advice on sorting fabrics appropriately, the corresponding wash temperature according to
the fabric type, also stating that in most cases washing at higher temperatures is no longer
necessary when using modern detergents, such as compact detergents, and modern washing
machines;
(g) information about the energy and water consumption of the washing machine for the
different temperature settings and for different load settings, allowing the consumer to identify
an appropriate programme to make the least use of energy and water;
(h) advice that the washing machine should be switched off when it has completed its cycle,
because of possible energy losses; the instruction manual shall state the time needed to
complete the programmes available;
(i) information on power requirements during the following modes: off mode, timer mode
(programming), programme ended mode;
(j) advice to avoid pre-washing in the machine whenever possible;
(k) advice on appropriate maintenance of the washing machine, including the regular cleaning
of filters and pumps, and removal of deposits;
(l) advice on how to install the machine so as to minimise the noise emitted;
(m) information that ignoring the issues mentioned above can lead to higher consumption of
energy, water and/or detergent and thus can increase the running costs and lead to poor
washing performance;
(n) advice on how the consumer can take advantage of the manufacturer's take-back offer.
There are extensive user manuals available for modern washing machines that include all the above
points. However, as it is very important that consumers use the product appropriately to secure good
eco-performance, so we propose to retain this criterion as above with the exception of point (n), which
we propose to amend as follows:
(n) End of life instructions for the proper disposal of the appliance at civic amenity sites or through
retailer take back schemes as applicable, which shall comply with Directive 2002/96/EC of the
European parliament and of the Council
This is consistent with the recent ecolabel revision for televisions and reflects the requirements of the
WEEE Directive (2002/96/EC).
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5.10
Lifetime extension
We propose to retain the criterion on lifetime extension from the 1999 ecolabel criteria, as shown
below in Box 11.
Box 11: 1999 Ecolabel criterion for lifetime extension
The manufacturer shall offer a commercial guarantee to ensure that the washing machine will
function for at least two years. This guarantee shall be valid from the date of delivery to the
customer.
The availability of compatible replacement parts shall be guaranteed for 12 years from the time
that production ceases.
5.11
Information appearing on the ecolabel
We propose to retain the 1999 ecolabel criterion as follows:
Box 12: 1999 Ecolabel criterion for information appearing on the ecolabel
‘This product qualifies for the European Union eco-label because in particular it is economical with
energy and water and is designed to increase durability, to facilitate recycling, reparability and
environmentally sound disposal.’)
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