Design and production are two phases that play a key role in empowering consumers to make sustainable choices. In this context, European standards can support the implementation of Ecodesign and Energy Labelling criteria for consumer products set into European legislation, and, by introducing accurate testing measures, they can facilitate the provision of reliable information to consumers. These actions provide a basis to develop a clear communication for consumers to get all relevant information on material efficiency aspects in a uniform and structured way.
This year, World Consumers Rights Day (15 March) highlights sustainable consumption as one measure for protecting the life of our planet. Sustainable consumption helps to increase resource efficiency and provide access to basic services, meeting the needs of current and future generations.
Nevertheless, in light of the amount of information consumers have to navigate when purchasing products, consumer organisations warn that consumers should not be expected to take all the responsibility for overconsumption and excess of waste.
ANEC, the voice of consumers in European standardization, in its collaboration with CEN and CENELEC, focuses on ensuring that consumers concerns on health and the environment are taken into account in the development of European standards. Better application of existing technologies and more consideration of the environmental implications in the product design stage can make an enormous contribution to environmental protection.
