More transparency in appliance comparisons
The EU energy labels have been used since 1995. Consumers are familiar with them and take them into account when deciding which product to buy. Appliances became increasingly efficient, to such an extent that the previous scale from A to G was extended to A+/A++ or even A+++, depending on the product category. As a result, it has become more difficult for consumers to identify the best products.
The introduction of the new energy label – with a return to the familiar, but also standardised, energy efficiency scale from A (the best) to G (the worst) – has once again ensured greater transparency for appliance comparisons.
Simplified access to information
Like the old energy labels, the new labels also provide information about other product characteristics of an appliance. More extensive appliance information can be accessed conveniently via a smartphone by scanning the QR code on the label (link to "EPREL" European product database). However, this only applies to models that are also sold in the EU.
Ecodesign guidelines: minimum requirements for all manufacturers
The Ecodesign Regulations complement the energy labelling scheme. They set out binding minimum requirements for all appliances within a product category, including energy consumption in standby mode, reparability, the availability of spare parts, and ease of dismantling and recycling at the end of the product’s life. These requirements apply equally to all manufacturers.
V-ZUG spare parts guarantee
Beyond the statutory minimum periods, V-ZUG guarantees the availability of spare parts for 10 to 12 years after the end of production, and for 15 years for Swiss Made appliances. For comparison, the ecodesign regulations stipulate 7 to 10 years, depending on the appliance category.
The elements that make up the new energy label (e.g. for a dishwasher):
1. QR code (if model is also sold in the EU) for further details about the appliance
2. Supplier's name or trademark
3. Supplier's model identifier
4. Energy efficiency rating (A–G)
5. Weighted energy consumption of the Eco programme for 100 cycles
6. Additional product information. Number of table settings, water consumption of Eco programme per cycle, duration of Eco programme, airborne acoustic noise emissions and airborne acoustic noise emission class
