Against the backdrop of growing global environmental awareness, environmental regulations and policies in the kitchen appliance industry have become an important basis for corporate purchasing decisions and product design. These regulations not only ensure the safety and reliability of products, but also promote the sustainable development of the industry.
1. Main environmental regulations and policies
(I) China
"Energy-saving and Environmental Protection Specifications for Household and Similar Electrical Appliances" (GB44499-2024): This standard was issued on August 23, 2024 and will be officially implemented on September 1, 2026. The standard specifies energy-saving and environmental protection requirements for household appliances at all stages of their life cycle, including design and development, production, packaging, installation, use, and recycling.
Design and development: requires companies to consider the impact of the product life cycle on the environment, resources, and energy during the design stage, and adopt design solutions that are conducive to comprehensive resource utilization and harm reduction.
Production process: It is prohibited to use technologies, processes, equipment, and materials that have been eliminated or banned by the state. Solid waste generated during the production process should be handled in accordance with GB18599-2020 "General Industrial Solid Waste Storage and Landfill Pollution Control Standards".
Packaging: It is required to simplify the packaging structure and give priority to recyclable, recyclable and easily degradable packaging materials.
Recycling and reuse: Products should provide instructions for recycling and treatment and information on the possible impact of improper use or disposal on the environment and human health.
Technical policy for the prevention and control of pollution from waste household appliances and electronic products: Encourage the development of harmless or low-harm production raw materials and production technologies, and promote alternative technologies for CFCs refrigerants and foaming agents.
(II) EU
"Explanatory Notice on Considering Environmental Factors and Applicable EU Law in Public Procurement": In public procurement, give priority to products that can reduce energy consumption or reduce waste gas emissions, and make it clear that the purchased goods must use recyclable packaging materials.
Energy Efficiency and Energy-Related Products Labelling Directive (2010/30/EU): requires the purchase of products that meet the highest energy efficiency standards, and clearly states that refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers and washing machines with the A+++ label are the most energy-efficient or lowest energy-consuming products.
(III) United States
Energy Star certification: ensures the product's excellent performance in energy efficiency and helps consumers reduce energy consumption.
2. The impact of regulations on purchasing decisions
(I) Market access
The certification requirements of different countries and regions are the basic conditions for products to enter the local market. Buyers must ensure that the products they purchase meet the certification requirements of the target market to avoid returns or fines due to non-compliance with the standards.
(II) Brand trust
Products that have passed authoritative certification can enhance consumers' trust in the brand. For example, CE certification and UL certification are not only a guarantee of product quality, but also an important reflection of brand reputation.
(III) Consumer satisfaction
Products that meet quality certifications are usually safer and more reliable, which can improve consumers' experience and satisfaction. This helps buyers establish long-term customer relationships and enhance market competitiveness.
3. Impact of regulations on product design
(I) Green design
Regulations require companies to consider the environmental impact of each stage of the product life cycle during the design phase, adopt environmentally friendly materials and processes, and reduce resource and energy consumption.
(II) Energy efficiency improvement
Regulations have set clear requirements for the energy efficiency of products, and promote companies to develop low-energy, high-efficiency kitchen appliances to meet consumers' demand for environmental protection and energy conservation.
(III) Packaging optimization
Regulations require companies to simplify packaging structures and give priority to recyclable, recyclable, and easily degradable packaging materials to reduce the generation of packaging waste.
4. Future prospects and suggestions
(I) Pay close attention to regulatory changes
Buyers should pay close attention to changes in regulations and standards in the target market to ensure that the purchased products always meet the latest certification requirements.
(II) Select compliant suppliers
Prefer suppliers that have passed authoritative certification to ensure product quality and compliance. This not only helps reduce procurement risks, but also enhances brand image.
(III) Promote technological innovation
Support suppliers' technological innovation in environmental protection and energy efficiency to enhance the market competitiveness of products. For example, develop low-energy, high-efficiency kitchen appliances to meet consumers' demand for environmental protection and energy conservation.
(IV) Strengthen consumer education
Through market promotion and consumer education, improve consumer awareness and trust in certified products. This helps buyers stand out in the fierce market competition.
Environmental regulations and policies for kitchen appliances are an important basis for purchasing decisions and product design. By understanding and applying these regulations, buyers can ensure the quality and compliance of products, enhance brand image, and enhance market competitiveness. In the future, as environmental protection and energy efficiency requirements continue to increase, buyers need to pay close attention to regulatory changes, choose compliant suppliers, and promote technological innovation to adapt to changing market demands.