PRESS RELEASE: European Environment Agency: Too much chug and chuck with electrical appliances

EASE, Thursday, June 18, 2020 – Brussels

 

European Environment Agency: Too much chug and chuck with electrical appliances
Today, the European Environment Agency (EEA) published a summary of the life cycle of electrical devices. Every year, over 20 kg of electrical products come onto the market in the EU. Many electrical appliances have an ever shorter lifespan, and less than half are recycled. 
 
 
Green MEP Jutta Paulus comments:
 
“The declining lifespan of electrical devices is in stark conflict with our climate and sustainability goals. The report by the European Environment Agency shows that the “planned obsolescence” that has been the subject of discussion in recent years, ie the declining lifespan of products, is not an imagination. Many people would like to use smartphones or washing machines longer or repair defects, which is made impossible by the design of the products. So the circular economy cannot succeed! We need binding targets to reduce the use of resources and strict requirements for the repair and recycling ability of electrical appliances and electronic products. I expect the European Commission to adapt the Ecodesign Directive and the Waste Directive as part of the implementation of the Circular Economy Action Plan. ”  
 
Jutta Paulus is available for questions and interviews.
 
 
in Nature & biodiversity protection / Plastic & Circular Economy / Press Release