EU Energy Label for smartphones and tablets: a new era for sustainability

The new EU Energy Label goes beyond the traditional energy efficiency ratings we've become familiar with on household appliances. For the first time, smartphones and tablets will now carry these labels, providing consumers with clear information about the environmental impact and sustainability features of their devices. However, what makes this new regulation groundbreaking is its comprehensive approach to sustainability assessment, which includes:

• Energy efficiency: Rating the device's power consumption during use and standby modes with a simple A to G rating system
• Repairability score: Evaluating how easily a device can be repaired, including availability of spare parts and repair manuals
• Durability: Assessing protection against dust and liquid intrusion, battery longevity, and drop resistance

In combination with other legislatives (e.g. right-to-repair) focusing on resource efficiency and end-of-life management it brings a holistic approach and reflects a fundamental shift in how we evaluate products, moving from a purely energy-focused assessment to a comprehensive sustainability rating. It also aligns with the EU’s broader Green Deal objectives to reduce electronic waste and promote a circular economy.

At tesa, we recognize that meeting these new EU standards requires innovative adhesive solutions that support performance, durability and repairability. Our expertise in bonding technology positions us as a key enabler for manufacturers striving to achieve higher ratings on the new EU Energy Label.

• Durability is no longer just a product feature, it’s a sustainability imperative. Devices that withstand wear and tear, environmental exposure, and mechanical stress have longer lifespans, reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimizing waste.We specialize in tailor-made adhesive tape solutions that enhance the durability of electronic devices. Our high-performance tapes offer:
  • Shock resistance: Protecting sensitive components from mechanical impact.
  • Chemical resistance: Ensuring stability in harsh environments.
  • Waterproof sealing: Guarding against moisture and dust intrusion, improving device´s ingress protection rating (e.g. IP68)
• Repairability is in the center of tesa´s debonding on demand technology. With tesa´s solutions durable bondings can be opened using basic or commercially available tools (e.g. batteries for electrical debondable adhesive tapes) or without necessity of any tools. Additionally, many tesa solutions provide residue-free removability once bondline is opened. This can potentially improve the repairability score due to easy device disassembly.

Our commitment to circularity aligns perfectly with the EU's focus on product lifecycle. Did you know that the electronics industry produces approximately 62 million tons of e-waste annually? A further increase to 82 million tons per year is even expected by 2030 (UN Global e-waste monitor 2024). This staggering amount highlights the urgent need for more sustainable design and recycling approaches.

tesa's innovative adhesive solutions are designed to address this challenge. Our most significant contribution in this area are our pioneering Debonding on Demand technologies. This revolutionary approach allows strong, permanent bonds like the ones that are needed when it comes to resistance against drops und sealing against water and dust.But tapes with Debonding on Demand properties can be quickly and cleanly separated when needed.

These properties increase the durability of the products on the one hand and at the same time enable:

• Easy disassembly of components for rework, repair or recycling, supporting the circular economy
• Reduction in the carbon footprint associated with electronic device disposal by facilitating material reuse
• Recovery of valuable materials such as rare earth metals and precious metals that would otherwise end up in landfills

By integrating such smart adhesive technologies, manufacturers can significantly improve the reworkability, repairability and recyclability and overall sustainability score of their products.

The repairability score on the new EU Energy Label directly connects to the Right to Repair directive, which starting from 2026 empowers consumers to extend the lifespan of their devices and reduce waste. tesa's specially designed adhesive solutions support manufacturers in creating devices that can endure everyday challenges and be opened and reassembled without damage: This allows for less or straightforward repairs such as battery or display replacements.

This proactive approach not only helps manufacturers comply with regulations but also meets increasing consumer demand for sustainable and repair-friendly electronics.

Furthermore, starting in 2027, the EU Battery Regulation will revolutionize portable electronics by making batteries user-replaceable, empowering consumers like never before. And tesa is right at the heart of this transformation, not just driving sustainability in smartphones and tablets, but also elevating the repairability and longevity of wearables (AR/VR), smartwatches, and laptops. With smart adhesive solutions that simplify disassembly and support circular design, tesa is making it easier for consumers to take control of their devices, and their environmental impact.

As manufacturers adapt to the new EU requirements, tesa stands ready as a sustainability partner. Our collaborative approach helps customers not only meet regulatory requirements but exceed them, turning sustainability challenges into competitive advantages. A prime example is our tesa® Bond & Detach technology, which allows permanent bonding with the option of clean, residue-free removal through simple stretching. This solution is already in use in multiple industries, enabling easier repairs and therefore extending the product’s life cycle. We work closely with device makers to tailor adhesive solutions that optimize product design for durability, repairability, and recyclability - all key factors in achieving top EU Energy Label ratings.

The new EU Energy Label represents more than just a regulatory change - it signals a fundamental shift towards circular thinking in product design and consumer awareness. At tesa, we're proud to be at the forefront of this transformation, enabling our customers to create more sustainable products that align with both regulatory requirements and consumer expectations.

As we continue to innovate in adhesive technologies, our focus remains clear: developing solutions that enable performance without compromising our planet's future. The EU Energy Label is just one step in a longer journey toward truly sustainable electronics, and tesa is committed to being a driving force in this evolution.