European product policies on the environmental performance of household washing machines - Synergies and coherence investigated

In this article we investigate the synergies and coherence between Environmental Policy Instruments regulating household washing machines on the Danish market. The environmental performance requirements of the different instruments are compared and assessed from a life cycle perspective and furthermore they are compared to the actual performance of the washing machines on the Danish market. The study revealed that the policy instruments have a too narrow focus on the use stage, and that the requirements to energy and water efficiency in the use stage are not that ambitious. Moreover, the intended synergies have failed, and thereby currently no instruments are in place to promote eco-innovation. Improved coherence could be gained by coordinating the instruments in the initial stages of the policy development. Finally, recommendations are given on how future polices could expand their environmental focus to include all phases of the product's life cycle and incorporate requirements to re-source efficiency. .