The E.U. Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization recently published a project that will take a huge step forward in the fight to repair. The document, referenced as EN45554, states that manufacturers will be required to define “parameters and methods” regarding the ability to repair and reuse devices.
The decision was made in the E.U.’s efforts to aid in the fight against climate change, knowing that mass production of new products contributes largely to global emissions.
Reluctance regarding the right to repair stems from the industry not measuring success in product lifespan, but instead from product sales. This means the more manufacturers have to produce, the more successful a company is becoming. Of course, with greater production comes a greater cost, that is typically reflected in the form of climate change.
The E.U. is a leader in mitigating the effects of global warming and this new regulation will aid in their goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80%-95% by 2050.
The publication details that companies will be required to disclose whether consumers can make adjustments to products in order to repair without having to replace the unit entirely, creating a new system of “measuring how repairable products are.”
The new regulation would make the relationship between consumer and manufacturer more transparent; allowing buyers to know what they are really getting into.