Our frames comply with the guidelines of the new French repairability index applied on January 1, 2021 on certain product lines, index also applied on March 15, 2021 in Spain.
In March 2020, the European Commission published its action plan for a circular economy with, among other things, high ambitions on the life span of products.
The European regulations on eco-design go in this direction. Mitjavila has always been committed to strong and sustainable products. Today, all our frames are made entirely of aluminum parts and profiles that can be disassembled, repaired and therefore recycled.
How is the reparability index calculated?
A note is given by the manufacturer of the device on each of the criteria according to the rating grids defined by the Ministry of Ecological Transition. It is a mandatory note to be displayed on the products (only some) at the time of purchase. The final note of the reparability index is an average of the criteria represented by a note on 10 to the consumer. The color of the logo changes according to the average score obtained, ranging from bright red to dark green.
The three main criteria of the repairability index currently are:
- the quality of the documentation provided to the consumer or repairer (manuals, diagrams, instructions, exploded views, etc.),
- the difficulty of disassembling the parts (number of disassembly steps, tools needed, removable or not),
- the availability of spare parts and their price
The score obtained depends on these criteria and it is the Direction générale de la consommation, de la concurrence et de la répression des fraudes (DGCCRF) which is in charge of controls.
Towards a sustainability index
The DGCCRF now ensures that the display of appliances for which the index is mandatory is well applied and that the overall score is justified. In France, the reparability index will be progressively applied to new product categories in the coming years. This reparability index should be “completed or replaced” by a durability index as of January 1, 2024 in France.
Should awnings, pergolas, fences and shutters be rated?
For the moment, no. Although not yet subject to this index, our blind, pergola and fence frames are removable and repairable. The reparability index recognizes a concern for reparability, an old concept at Mitjavila, with sturdiness and eco-design that facilitates the replacement of parts. Our parts and profiles, since we manufacture them from our own molds (in our factories) are monitored and available for 10 years. Although our production is not subject to this index at this time, as a manufacturer we are prepared to label our products with a very satisfactory rating.
An important marker for the consumer
The repairability of products sold is becoming a very important marker in the market. The higher the price of the product, the more important the marker. The consumer has become aware in recent years that the durability of a product is essential, as is its reparability!
With Mitjavila eco-designed products you are sure to offer your customers an eco-responsible product. An additional selling point for professionals. Between two products with almost identical sturdiness and design, it is a safe bet that the final consumer will prefer a repairable product with a high reparability index. Our approach is part of our various actions in favor of the environment and waste reduction.
