Energy labels remain largely unknown: only 1 in 10 in Italy scan QR codes

Brussels – From today, June 20, energy labels useful for eco-conscious purchases regarding sustainability and consumption will appear also on smartphones and tablets sold in Europe, complete with a QR code to provide all information on environmental performance. Too bad that, in Italy, only one in 10 people take the time to scan the code and check whether and how sustainable what they are buying is Altroconsumo notes. “Only 13 percent of Italians have ever scanned the QR code present on labels to access the EPREL”, the European registry that collects all the information on consumption, durability, noise, and other technical parameters, the consumer association said.

“The EPEL database is an information asset that is little exploited during the purchase.” The problem, however, is not just Italian. If anything, Italians confirm general and widespread habits since “a similar trend is observed in the rest of Europe,” Altroconsumo continues. In short, buyers tend not to be interested in the information and technical data sheets of products on display. At least as far as certain types of products are concerned.

The survey conducted on a sample of more than 2,500 people in ten EU countries shows that consumers are indeed energy conscious, but mainly regarding household appliances and heating and cooling systems. For refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, fans, microwave ovens, and the like, energy efficiency, overall costs, and noise are the most relevant criteria. Conversely, price and warranty prevail over energy efficiency for consumer electronics (TVs, computers, smartphones). In short, Europe’s sustainability efforts clash against the indifference of Italians and Europeans.