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Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
A new energy label for mobile devices will be mandatory in the EU starting June 20, 2025. This applies to all smartphones and tablets with Android or iPadOS operating systems, ushering in a new era of European product policy. For the first time, an EU-wide standardized label, which Fraunhofer IZM played a key role in developing, evaluates not only the energy efficiency of devices, but also their reliability, durability, and repairability.
The European regulation's goal is to greatly increase the longevity of mobile devices, which will clearly be advantageous for consumers and the environment. According to a survey conducted by the Fraunhofer Institute for Reliability and Microintegration IZM in 2022, factors other than energy consumption are also influencing users' decisions. The survey indicated that device longevity is a crucial consideration for users. The latter is crucial for maintaining an environmental balance because an extended service life reduces the environmental impact of production and decreases the acquisition costs of new devices, which need to be purchased less frequently. The technical requirements for robustness, battery life, and guaranteed access to spare parts and software updates are expected to extend the average lifespan of a midrange smartphone from 3.0 to 4.1 years. This initiative promotes sustainable consumption and helps reduce electronic waste, which is becoming an increasingly serious environmental problem.
Lasting effect through technical requirements
The label is closely tied to the new ecodesign requirements. A special milestone: The new label introduces the first EU-wide standardized assessment of product reparability, a feature that has not yet been available for any product group. The durability of the device is even more important than its repairability because the damage that would need to be repaired does not occur in the first place. Therefore, the reparability index is accompanied by three additional assessments that address common weak points: The label prominently features the IP class, which indicates robustness against falls and protection against the ingress of dust and moisture. Batteries should be able to withstand at least 800 charging cycles while retaining 80% of their original capacity. It is reasonable to expect that many smartphones will achieve battery charging cycles of well over 1,000, distinguishing themselves from products that only meet the minimum requirements. Additionally, the new Ecodesign Regulation requires manufacturers to make critical spare parts available for at least seven years. They must also ensure that the necessary software and firmware for repair work is accessible to all. Manufacturers must enter all products bearing the EU energy label in a European product database (EPREL). This database can be accessed via the QR code on the energy label. This allows for informed purchasing decisions that are based on sustainability criteria and align with the principles of a circular economy.
The potential savings are considerable: The new requirements are expected to reduce the primary energy consumption required for producing, distributing, and using mobile devices by nearly 14 terawatt hours per year by 2030. This reduction is equivalent to approximately one-third of the previous energy consumption throughout the products’ life cycle. The power savings for high-end smartphones and tablets are also significant, coming in at around a quarter. The measures will result in a total savings of 20 billion euros for consumers in EU member states, or about 98 euros per household per year – a strong argument for sustainable technology.
Fraunhofer IZM as a major driving force
Fraunhofer IZM played a key role in developing the new label and minimum ecodesign requirements. In particular, Fraunhofer IZM researchers helped develop mechanical robustness tests. For instance, a drop test will be a prerequisite for the market approval of mobile devices in the future. Project manager and ecodesign expert Karsten Schischke from Fraunhofer IZM summarizes: “With the introduction of the new EU energy label, we are prioritizing reliability and repairability for mobile devices. This approach not only conserves significant resources but also aligns with consumers' desire for longevity. Therefore, the acquisition and maintenance costs can be reduced significantly.” A comparable label for laptop computers is already being developed and is expected to be introduced from 2028, again with the involvement of Fraunhofer IZM.
The Ecodesign Regulation (EU) 2023/1670 for cellular phones, cordless phones, and tablets is an implementing measure of Directive 2009/125/EC. The European Commission simultaneously issued Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/1669, establishing energy labeling requirements for smartphones and tablets. Both sets of regulations will take effect on June 20, 2025.
(Text: Lotta Jahnke)
Karsten Schischke l Environmental and Reliability Engineering l Phone +49 (0)30 46403-156 l karsten.schischke@izm.fraunhofer.de l Fraunhofer Institute for Reliability and Microintegration IZM l Gustav-Meyer-Allee 25 l 13355 Berlin l www.izm.fraunhofer.de
https://www.izm.fraunhofer.de/en/news_events/tech_news/the-eu-energy-label-for-m...
https://energy-efficient-products.ec.europa.eu/product-list/smartphones-and-tabl...
https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/14634-...
Beginning in June 2025, the EU energy labeling regulation will be updated to include additional info ...
Copyright: European Commission
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Beginning in June 2025, the EU energy labeling regulation will be updated to include additional info ...
Copyright: European Commission
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