The European Commission has set out a plan to move towards a \u2018right to repair\u2019 for electronics devices, such as mobile phones, tablets and laptops.<\/p>\n
More generally it wants to restrict single-use products, tackle \u201cpremature obsolescence\u201d and ban the destruction of unsold durable goods \u2014 in order to make sustainable products the norm.<\/p>\n
The proposals are part of a circular economy action plan<\/a> that\u2019s intended to deliver on a Commission pledge to transition the bloc to carbon neutrality by 2050.<\/p>\n By extending the lifespan of products, via measures which target design and production to encourage repair, reuse and recycling, the policy push aims to reduce resource use and shrink the environmental impact of buying and selling stuff.<\/p>\n The Commission also wants to arm EU consumers with reliable information about reparability and durability \u2014 to empower them to make greener product choices.<\/p>\n \u201cToday, our economy is still mostly linear, with only 12% of secondary materials and resources being brought back into the economy,\u201d said EVP Frans Timmermans in a statement. \u201cMany products break down too easily, cannot be reused, repaired or recycled, or are made for single use only. There is a huge potential to be exploited both for businesses and consumers. With today\u2019s plan we launch action to transform the way products are made and empower consumers to make sustainable choices for their own benefit and that of the environment.\u201d<\/p>\n The Commission said electronics and ICT will be a priority area for implementing a right to repair, via planned expansion of the Ecodesign Directive \u2014 which currently sets energy efficiency standards for devices such as washing machines.<\/span><\/p>\n Its action plan proposes setting up a \u2018Circular Electronics Initiative\u2019 to promote longer product lifetimes through reusability and reparability as well as \u201cupgradeability\u201d of components and software to avoid premature obsolescence.<\/p>\n The Commission is also planning new regulatory measures on chargers for mobile phones and similar devices. <\/span>While a<\/span>n EU-wide take back scheme to return or sell back old mobile phones, tablets and chargers is being considered.<\/span><\/p>\n Back in January<\/a> the EU Parliament voted overwhelmingly for tougher action to reduce e-waste, calling for the Commission to come up with beefed up rules by this summer.<\/p>\n