Brussels, 22 May 2012
One Water Label for taps, shower valves and shower heads moves a step closer
CEIR, the European Association for the Taps and Valve Industry, and its member trade associations (including the UK's Bathroom Manufacturers Association)from a number of European countries representing the tap, shower valves and handsets industry, together with major European manufacturers have completed the first phase in the development of a single voluntary Water Label for bathroom products across EU27.
CEIR brought together representatives from France, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Sweden, Denmark and the UK, who have worked over the last few months to adapt the successful UK Water Efficient Product Labelling Scheme into an acceptable voluntary and robust European Scheme. The Scheme will be applicable across the EU and bordering countries, making logistics for manufacturers selling across borders easier.
Following the goal to consolidate the plethora of existing labels into one scheme, CEIR and BMA, the Bathroom Manufacturers Association in the UK forged a partnership which has led to the introduction of the European Water Label. The Scheme is a self-certified tool that will aid in informing the consumer on water consumption and help with market transformation for bathroom products.
The Water Label clearly shows the volume of water that the tap or shower head will consume per minute if installed correctly and in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions, and offers an actual performance band per product.
The Water Label sets out strict criteria that each registered product must apply, and manufacturers must declare compliance to national requirements where the product will be sold. A European database, with unique country search facility, will be supported by a plethora of consumer information aimed at raising awareness and will be found at www.europeanwaterlabel.eu.
Further enhancement and development of the Scheme will be introduced later this year and greater partnership across the European Bathroom Industry is sought.
The European Association for the Taps and Valves Industry
CEIR Press Release