The BMA states allegations of misleading Energy Labels has no effect on the European Water Label

The Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) has rebuffed the suggestion misleading Energy Label claims will affect consumer confidence in the accuracy of labelling, including the European Water Label.

Chief executive of the BMA, Yvonne Orgill stated: “The consumer is so used to labelling they use it as a guide, as they don’t really understand what the rating actually means – they see on energy rating that green is better than red.”

She continued: “The Commission does not say how the labels have been misleading on claims, and although one in five is incorrect, four comply and provide the right information. Consumers have confidence in brands that they are telling the truth, the brands have to make sure they have all the proof they need to back up claims. It will be interesting to see the results of the three-year, Market Watch programme.”

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And the BMA is confident that its testing procedures are accurate and manufacturers are abiding to the water efficiency claims of the European Water Label. As Yvonne Orgill explained: “The Water Label already undertakes a 5% audit, as a mandatory element, and this is undertaken by an independent third party test laboratory. The 5% is randomly selected from the database of registered product. Along with this audit, any registered product that is ‘questioned’ on their credentials is purchased from a merchant/retailers and also undergoes an audit (in addition to the 5%).” She added: “We have had three products that have been investigated, all found to be correct.”

Despite the recent allegations surrounding the energy labelling, the BMA believes voluntary or mandatory labelling schemes will be here to stay, spreading across all consumer products.

Orgill stated: “Industries have to lead on the education front and retailers have to ensure they are up-to-speed on knowledge and education to provide sufficient information for the consumer to make that informed choice, plus ensuring they sell compliant product by asking for supporting information. All schemes have to be robust enough and adapt where weakness has been found.”