The Consumer Policy Research Centre (CPRC), with funding from Energy Consumers Australia, has recently released a report (Misused and Confused: Why information on large appliances falls short) on the practices around the sale of large appliances; specifically focusing on what Australian consumers are looking for (“reliable, affordable products with clear information on repair options, efficiency, and environmental impact,”) and how this was not reflected in product claims, advertising and point-of-sale experiences.
The report finds that, though appliances account for over a quarter of household energy costs, information at point-of-sale is often vague, misleading, or incomplete. By contrast, the vast majority of Australian consumers believe that green claims (environmental claims), product lifespan, durability, and repairability should all be clearly scored and regulated.
CPRC’s report has 13 recommendations which have been summarised by theme below and can be read in detail here. For a summary of the key findings from Misused and Confused please see the relevant post on CPRC’s website – Misused and Confused – CPRC.
Regulate Green Claims
- Ban vague terms like “eco-friendly” and “sustainable” without proof
- Require manufacturers to submit evidence before using environmental claims
- Create independent oversight of claim accuracy
Mandatory Appliance Information
- Require disclosure of expected appliance lifespan
- Establish standardised durability ratings
- Mandate clear repairability information and scores
- Enhance energy rating labels to include lifetime running costs
Strengthen Consumer Rights
- Require energy efficiency training for sales staff
- Expand right-to-repair protections
- Elevate national awareness of energy rebate programs
- Strengthen regulator powers to enforce consumer guarantees
Product Stewardship & Industry Accountability
- Broaden the objectives of the Product Stewardship Act 2011
- Create government-backed accreditation for voluntary industry-led product stewardship schemes
- Establish independent oversight of manufacturer environmental and durability claims
Transparency Requirements (For Industry)
- Show true lifetime energy costs, not just star ratings
- Provide accessible repair manuals and spare parts information
- End extended warranties that offer no additional value
Design for Longevity
- Build appliances that can actually be repaired
- Meet minimum environmental standards
- Include software update guarantees for smart appliances
CPRC is also hosting a webinar, Fix it or forget it – A live conversation on repairability, focusing on the lack of repairability information for large appliances and what lessons Australia can take from France’s world-first repair index. The webinar will be held on October 9 at 5:00pm AEDT, with speakers Lucile Buisson (Sustainability Policy Officer, UFC-Que Choisir, France) and Marianne Campbell (Senior Research and Engagement Advisor, CPRC, Australia). For more information or to register for the webinar please visit CPRC’s page for the event Fix it or forget it – A live conversation on repairability – CPRC.