Circular economy: The “right to repair” is no longer just a US issue. Europe also wants to become more sustainable and that could become a problem for Apple and Co.
The “right to repair” has been a hotly debated topic at the US level for many years. Now Europe wants to get involved too. The EU Commission has published a new action plan to match this. “Changing our production and consumption patterns: new circular economy action plan paves the way to a climate-neutral and competitive economy with responsible consumers” – the focus is on the repairability of various electronic devices. The aim is to extend the lifespan of electronic devices – the “right to repair” plays a major role in this. This is what the plan says. Write:
The European Commission today adopted a new Circular Economy Action Plan, one of the key building blocks of the European Green Deal - Europe's new agenda for sustainable growth. With measures covering the entire life cycle of products, the new Action Plan aims to prepare our economy for a green future, strengthen the EU's competitiveness while protecting the environment and introducing new rights for consumers.
Apple, Samsung and Co. not sustainable enough
According to this, manufacturers such as Apple, Samsung and Co. should be forced by law to develop their products as sustainably as possible. This also means that every user must be able to repair their device themselves. The changes could be introduced as early as 2021 - at least if the EU Commission has its way. If the implementation actually succeeds, this would have a negative impact on Apple and other manufacturers. Executive Vice President Frans Timmermans, responsible for the European Green Deal, explained:
To achieve climate neutrality by 2050, preserve our natural environment and strengthen our economic competitiveness, we need a closed circular economy. Today, our economy is still predominantly linear, with only 12% of secondary materials and resources returning to the economy. Many products break too quickly, cannot be easily reused, repaired or recycled, or are only intended for single use. There is enormous potential for both businesses and consumers. With today's plan, we are taking action to change the way products are made and empower consumers to make sustainable choices for their own benefit and for the benefit of the environment.
But what exactly should the “right to repair” look like?
But what exactly should users be able to repair? This question is also answered. If the EU Commission has its way, smartphones, tablets and notebooks must have easily replaceable batteries, for example. This means that even laypeople should be able to make such a change easily. But something is also to change at the software level. The EU Commission wants to oblige manufacturers to extend their update cycles - a point that Apple already meets. Basically, in addition to improved repairability, the durability and the possibility of retrofitting should be extended in general. The bottom line is that this would mean that Apple would also have to revise its own products. In addition to the "right to repair", the new action plan also includes the standardization of chargers. A corresponding resolution was passed at the end of January - more on this here. (Photo by vladek / Bigstockphoto)
