Product Features: Upgraded Functionality or Sustainability Problem? An Environmental Assessment Approach for Additional Product Functions and Its Application in the Case of Fridge-Freezers

Next to primary functions, energy-related products have an increasing number of additional functions. This affects the overall environmental footprint, but the question is how? A number of European policy strategies, initiatives and measures, such as the Green Deal, the Circular Economy Action Plan,the Ecodesign Directive and the EU Energy Labelling, aim to ensure that the environmental impact of the overall product is better determined, communicated and finally reduced. A core element of these efforts is the DIN EN 4555x series of standards. However, there is currently no comprehensive and systematic classification of the additional product functions or an approach to assess the associated positive and negative environmental impacts. Therefore, we present in this study an environmental assessment approach for additional product functions and illustrate its application in the case of fridge-freezers. A key element of the life-cycle-oriented methodology is an assessment matrix to categorize and evaluate the direct, indirect and systemic impacts of products' functions. Based on semi-quantitative assessments of experts, the matrix provides an indication of how the additional function affects the overall environmental product impact as well as specific product aspects such as durability or reparability. Based on the results experts can discuss and better understand how specific functions can influence various stages of the product life cycle and how intended systemic changes or rebound effects could occur. As part of the approach, a representative survey was conducted to analyze consumers' knowledge and information needs. Based on the results, recommendations for purchasing decisions and the consumer information were developed. This paper presents the results from the assessment of the additional functions of fridge-freezers. Furthermore, the paper highlights practical experiences made from applying the presented approach. Conclusions are drawn on the potential of the approach to develop a more comprehensive understanding of additional product functions supporting circular design strategies and sustainable purchasing decisions of consumers.