Sustainability index forecast for January 2024: Where is it?

The French Ministry of Ecological Transition launched the Repairability Index in January 2021, aiming to evaluate the repairability of certain electronic and household appliances. This index, designed to encourage the repair of broken devices, was followed by the introduction of the Repair Bonus on December 15, 2022. This financial incentive rewards consumers for bringing their malfunctioning equipment to QualiRepair repairers.

However, the introduction of the Repairability Index sparked some controversy. Divergent indices could cause confusion for consumers and be restrictive for economic operators. In response, the European Commission entered the scene. The European Commissioner for the Internal Market, Thierry Breton, declared that the French index competes with a European regulation that entered into force on September 20, 2023.

This European regulation, known as the energetic labeling of smartphones and tablets, will display information on various aspects, including energy efficiency and durability. The European Commission is the institution responsible for this regulation, which will become mandatory from June 20, 2025.

In light of the European Commission's stance, France was forced to revise its approach. The durability index was announced by the French State in September 2023, replacing the repairability index from January 1, 2024. Unlike its predecessor, the durability index aims to be more comprehensive, focusing on the lifespan, design, and resistance of equipment.

Public Life has provided draft regulatory texts relating to the sustainability index, which is expected on February 3, 2024. Until then, the repair index remains the only guide for French consumers. The display of the repairability index is mandatory for smartphones and laptops, with the durability index for smartphones in France expected to be displayed as a note out of ten at the time of purchase.

The European Commission has noted differences between the French durability index methodology and the repairability index. However, both indices share a common goal: to promote sustainable consumption and reduce electronic waste. As the world moves towards a more eco-friendly future, these indices are set to play a crucial role in shaping consumer behaviour and fostering a culture of repair and reuse.