IFA - Driving Sustainable Development

As a matter of course, ecological processing and operating has become a self-evident necessity in consumer electronics and home appliances. Many improvements have been realised by the initiative of the companies without any legal assignment to do so. Directives by governmental agencies as far as consumption of water and energy and the exclusion of toxic substances in production are concerned are in most cases realised by the industry long ahead of legal requirements to do so. In many cases the industry does much better than the legal requirements.

What are the main areas where manufacturers are innovating in this respect?

Energy efficiency has become a matter of vital importance. The usual consumption rate of most devices is undercut by the next generation of appliances. This is valid for home appliances as well as for consumer electronics devices. And the avoidance of toxic substances in production and in processed materials has a similar importance. Last but not least, the recycling of old appliances does have an increased relevance in the whole process.

Just after IFA, energy labelling will become mandatory for TVs in Europe. Do you think this is going to be an important factor for driving energy conservation?

Yes. Energy labelling has a long tradition, especially in home appliances. Now, for the past year, we have also had the recommendation for TV sets, and it’s a “must” directive starting at the end of the year. Most companies are in line with this regulation, and from that point of view it will be a breakthrough having the acceptance of energy labelling, especially in consumer electronics and TV fields.

Do you think there will be some companies with red faces when the energy labelling becomes mandatory? Let’s wait and see. I know most companies have been working towards better energy efficiency. We will have, on the marketplace at IFA 2011, the best overview of who will be in the lead – who will be in the driver’s seat – concerning energy efficiency in TV.

It appears that consumers are becoming increasingly aware of factors such as LED backlighting playing a part in the energy efficiency of their TVs... Are you also sensing this?

Yes, in the past years, the public has been more and more aware of these developments and possible energy savings. Therefore I think an essential part of the buying process will revolve around the energy labelling and into what energy category the product falls.