More than 18,000 products in 35 categories are covered in the Energy Star programme and most major manufacturers participate in it. In the EU, all appliances carry the European Union energy Label. In order to obtain an EU Eco-label rating, the appliance must fulfil the following criteria:

• The appliance must have an energy efficiency class A+ or A++.

• The refrigerants in the refrigerating circuit and foaming agents used for the insulation of the appliance should have an ozone depletion equal to (or lower than) 15.

• The type of refrigerant and foaming agent used for the insulation must be indicated on the appliance, near to or on the rating plate, to facilitate possible future recovery.

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  Clear and full instructions must be included with the refrigerator including details on where to place the unit and the general best practices.

• Airborne noise from the appliance, counted as sound power must be minimal.

• Packaging should be recyclable and where cardboard is used, at least 80 percent must be recycled material.

• A minimum of two-year guarantee must be offered with the assurance that parts for the washing machine will be available for a minimum of 12 years after purchase.

• The manufacturer must take back the machine or recycle at the end of its lifecycle at no additional cost.