Summary

The objective of the project was to analyse what kind of information is given to the consumers when buying refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, domestic air conditioners and microwave ovens in different European countries. The project began in March 2004 and ran for eighteen months. Four consumer organisations, CLCV, France (the lead partner), Adiconsum (Italy), CECU (Spain) and European Research into Consumer Affairs, ERICA (UK) took part in the project.

Different tasks were conducted by the partners:

1. An analysis of the national situation regarding mandatory or voluntary labelling, initiatives from the producers, eco-labels, and other certification labels on the white goods selected for the research. (All partners) ERICA also researched existing legislation in Germany and co-ordinated the relevant information existing in Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, from Euro Coop, the European Community of Consumer Co-operatives.).
2. A study of the reality of this labelling in the shops. (CLCV, CECU, Adiconsum)
3. A consultation of consumers regarding the understanding of the information given and the interest for them. (CLCV, CECU, Adiconsum)

The first phase of that report led to the conclusion that out of the five appliances we studied, there are only a few labels, logos or markings relating to environmental aspects.

The second phase, in which the white goods were inspected at the point of sale, confirmed that while the mandatory legislation for the use of the EU Energy label was effective, the EU eco-label was rarely seen and none of the partner's countries have a national eco-label.

The third phase showed that consumers trusted all notes, labels and self-declarations they found on products, believing that they were all strictly regulated, although they did not understand the meaning of all the information provided.

The project showed that there is confusion and inconsistencies which need to be addressed. The final report makes a number of recommendations for the EU energy label, voluntary eco-labels and self-declarations. The report and the appendices, which include the individual research reports from the partners, are available for download here:

Final report:

Appendices:

The project partners would like to thank the European Commission Directorate General for Health and Consumer Protection for co-financing the project. ERICA would also like to thank the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) for its financial contribution to this project.

The views expressed and any errors or omissions are those of the author.