Article by Olivia Rabbi
The EU ‘Right to Repair’ directive clearly shows the way. Manufacturers of appliances are called upon to make them repairable and recyclable, including through the availability of spare parts. And by providing consumers with instructions on how to repair the goods.
It starts with design
For Franke Home Solutions, the focus on repairability is fundamental in the design of cooker hoods. «For years we have been working closely with our after–sales service technicians, both in the initial phase and during the project, to get input or feedback also from the point of view of repairability and to ensure that every component of Franke and Faber hoods is easily accessible and replaceable», explains Marco Mela, Head of Global Hoods Product Development – Research and Development at Franke Home Solutions. «We have always considered that, in the few cases where a hood breaks down, the reduction of the time needed to repair it is an important parameter by which the end user evaluates both the brand and the service».
«Reparability is also a determining factor in the choice of components. We opt for quality, high-performance, superior solutions that give us greater flexibility in production and facilitate maintenance. For example, the use of quick connectors allows us to intuitively assemble and disassemble components, minimising the risk of errors and intervention times. It is a long-term investment that results in a more durable and sustainable product».
Focus on durable materials
Household appliance innovation moves from reparability to the circular economy, two factors that influence the design and production process. «Miele uses high-quality, durable materials with good reparability», says Andrea Scroccaro, Head of Marketing Communication Miele Italy. «These are the ideal conditions to make its appliances even more circular. The biggest challenge to ensure product circularity is to rethink consumer choices, supply chains, waste disposal and, finally, training that have so far focused exclusively on linear economies».
For these reasons, «large-scale production of fully circular household appliances is still a long way off. However, Miele is taking the first steps in this direction. It has developed a concept study of the Vooper circular hoover. This features a modular design that allows it to be repaired more easily and its components to be recycled».
Another example of Miele’s commitment in this context is the washing machine refurbishment project initiated in the Netherlands: Miele washing machines are thoroughly inspected, repaired if necessary, and cleaned, and then resold as reconditioned.
Components and connectivity
For Haier Europe, the repairability of appliances is transversal in terms of type and areas of research. For example, for refrigerators «we have standardised the components for the different models – stresses Paolo Chinetti, Cooling R&D & PMO Director Haier Europe – increasing the availability of spare parts on the market».
Components such as temperature and humidity sensors are the tip of the iceberg of increasingly important electronics for Cooling. Connectivity makes it possible to «change or replace software remotely without a technician leaving. The operating data of the appliances will make it possible to prevent faults, to contact the customer in advance suggesting minor maintenance that he can carry out himself, or to initiate a preventive repair».
As Alessandra Carobene, Senior IoT Product and Communication Manager Haier Europe, explains, «the hOn app monitors the operation of the appliance, suggests self-maintenance by explaining what it is for and what to do, even in the event of any blockages. If the customer contacts assistance via the app, it communicates useful data to the operator with a rapid and targeted response».
