MAS sparks fuse to phase out inefficient electronic goods

17th Mar 2008

The MAS is urging South West electrical manufacturers to review processes and product lines before a new initiative to phase out energy-intensive consumer electronics goods is introduced.

A partnership between the Government, the British Retail Consortium, the Energy Saving Trust, retailers and manufacturers has led to a proposal to promote more energy efficient consumer electronics products with the aim of developing commitments during 2008.

The gadget and consumer technology industry is growing year on year, and British consumer obsession in keeping up with the latest technology is not cheap. With over £12bn predicted to be spent every year on gadgets, such as MP3 players, home entertainment equipment, games consoles and digital televisions, it is no surprise that the breadth of electrical products which may be reviewed for efficient energy use is so vast.

In looking at TVs, around eight per cent of total UK TV energy consumption is from stand-by alone, and every year set-top boxes in the UK use around £285 million worth of electricity. In light of this, the Government is planning to phase out the most inefficient of electronics products and introduce products such as Energy Saving Recommended TVs, which have a built-in set top box - saving enough electricity to make around 2,000 mugs of tea a year.

Simon Howes, South West MAS specialist, says: “This initiative will see many companies looking at new ways of introducing electronic goods that significantly reduce energy use and promote more efficient choices to consumers.”

The South West MAS believes that this will provide a massive opportunity for forward-thinking manufacturers to diversify and capture new markets, but also poses a threat to manufacturers who are slow to respond.

Many major players such as Dixons are already looking to encourage manufacturers to ditch stand-by after noticing a rise in the sale of energy-efficient products. Around 10 per cent of the average household’s electricity bill is wasted through gadgets left on when not in use, costing the average home £37 a year.

“The implications of this initiative could be massive, and those looking to adhere to these new proposals and label their gadgets as ‘green’, must plan very carefully but act quickly. We would recommend that South West manufacturers’ sign up to our Strategic Management Programme (SMP), which will help them to identify operational challenges and possible growth opportunities of strengthening, or diversify, their product range and offering,” said Simon.

The MAS is also urging electronic manufacturers to take into consideration the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive implications when looking at the energy efficiency and lifespan of their products. WEEE also states that from August 2007 retailers must offer consumers free methods of disposing old equipment.

back