Company: APPLiA – Home Appliance Europe
Interviewed person: Paolo Falcioni
Position: Director General
Email address: paolo.falcioni@applia-europe.eu
Website: www.applia-europe.eu

What is APPLiA’s mission and what activities does it carry out to achieve it?

APPLiA – Home Appliance Europe is a Brussels-based trade association that provides a single, consensual voice for the home appliance industry in Europe promoting the industry’s mission to advance sustainable lifestyles. By bringing forward innovative, sustainable policies and solutions, the industry is responsible for the development of cutting-edge technologies that will redefine the European home of tomorrow.

The digital transition and the green transition are two of the major pillars with which institutions are seeking to combat climate change. What can the appliance manufacturing industry do to adapt to this era of change?

With over half of European consumers buying with sustainability in mind, looking at the full lifecycle of products remains of critical importance for the industry, which is constantly working to deliver increased energy and resource efficiency, as well as repairability and durability of products. What is more, modern, smart energy appliances are designed to reduce CO2 emissions and energy consumption, resulting in a reduced environmental footprint.

As companies in the sector continue to develop state-of-the-art technologies to further modernise Europe’s homes, what should be the role of the institutions in accompanying them?

The role of European Institutions is key to ensure all decarbonisation technologies, including home appliances, are equally accelerated, rewarded and accessible to all. Alongside, the green transition requires steering financing toward more sustainable production and consumption patterns. All sectors must be put in the condition to do their part and finance their own decarbonisation. In the same way, consumers must be encouraged and rewarded for their decarbonisation investments.

What issues that are expected to be legislated in the coming years in the European Institutions are of most concern to Applia’s partner companies?

Upcoming legislation that is expected to interest our industry concerns the use of chemicals in products, including appliances, as well as further regulation on e-waste management, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity among others.

What does Applia seek to achieve by joining the Chamber?

As a member of the Chamber, APPLiA looks to leverage the full potential of all organised events and activities that are relevant to the work of the Association by establishing contacts and explore possible collaborations with other stakeholders and policymakers.