From the 1st of March 2021, the new EU Energy Labelling (EU) 2019/2018 and Ecodesign (EU) 2019/2024 regulations come into life, establishing the rules for the application of the regulatory requirements for refrigerating appliances with a direct sales function. EU energy labeling rules aim to make appliances more energy-efficient and help the EU become climate-neutral. Both regulations are indirectly intended to promote innovation among producers, to reduce the energy consumption and environmental impact of refrigeration equipment, enhancing the performance of the solutions.

Energy labelling – what to know

In the new energy label, there is an A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) energy classification of the products. To avoid confusion, classes with A+, A++, and A+++ will not be used anymore. In the initial scenario, classes A and B are expected to be empty, to guide the market towards innovation to increase the efficiency of the products. It is therefore important to clarify that buying a C class refrigerated cabinet in 2021 means having chosen the most efficient product.

Another important thing is that there are objective measurements with tests performed in certified laboratories. The tests will determine the information indicated on the label. The labels will give information on annual energy consumption, the volume or display areas of the compartments, and the temperature of the compartments.

Also, there is a QR-code on the top-right corner of the label to make the lookup of further information on the EPREL database easier. Consumers will be able to access more information about the product by scanning the QR code with a smartphone.

Furthermore, the pictograms on the bottom of the label are indicated to give clearer visual information to the consumers.

The European Commission’s EPREL system (EU Product Database for Energy Labeling) is an EU-wide online database, where all products are registered before placing them on the EU market. This will help provide consumers with additional information about products by scanning the QR code on each label and to ensure a more effective compliance control by market surveillance authorities.

Manufacturers have to provide all products placed on the EU market with a printed new design energy label and also make available product information. Distributors are obliged to apply the labels provided by the manufacturer to all products sold and displayed, including in trade shows.

Ecodesign for a circular economy

The EU legislation of Ecodesign sets the minimum efficiency requirements for the products that will be placed on the market, and introduces new measures, including requirements of making spare parts more easily replaceable, and ensuring that key parts and repair and maintenance information are available for end-users and professional repairers for a minimum duration of 8 years depending on the product. The goal is to enhance the reparability and recyclability of appliances which is a cornerstone of the EU’s circular economy agenda and long-term climate goals.

All the refrigerated display equipment will have to apply to these EEI (energy efficiency index) norms:
Starting March 2021: EEI < 100
Starting September 2023: EEI < 80

Challenges for the regulation application for commercial refrigeration products

The application of the regulation for commercial refrigeration raises certain challenges, as the commercial refrigeration equipment is generally customized according to customer specifications, and supplied in a vast number of models (configurations, size, geometry, accessories, etc.).

For this reason, Eurovent association issued a guide Eurovent Recommendation 14/6 – 2020 “Interpretation of Regulation (EU) 2019/2018 and of Regulation (EU) 2019/2024”, published on December 2nd, 2020, providing a set of rules and instructions to close the gap between the obligations of the regulations and the vast number of refrigerated display showcase models available.

How is FREOR prepared to adapt to new regulations?

FREOR has been intensively preparing for the new requirements. Our R&D department was focusing on energy-efficient and sustainable models or our products for several years already, so were our product component suppliers. We already have tested a range of our refrigeration products, and currently are equipping the brand new test laboratory at our new factory, where the energy consumption of commercial refrigerated display cabinets will be measured according to the EN23953 test standards. Furthermore, we are currently working on building an online document system and will launch soon.