AMDEA Conference – Roadmap to a Sustainable Appliance Future

Held on the 1st of May 2025 at City, St George’s University of London, the AMDEA Conference brought together leaders from manufacturing, policy, and academia to address the pivotal role of home appliances in achieving the UK's net zero and circular economy goals. Under the theme "Roadmap to a Sustainable Appliance Future", the event emphasised the necessity of a collaborative approach across the supply chain and stakeholders, including government, to drive meaningful progress.

The conference featured two expert panels discussing the integration of sustainability throughout the appliance lifecycle and the potential of emerging technologies to enhance environmental performance. Key topics included safety, repairability, responsible recycling, smart technology, and inclusive design. AMDEA CEO Paul Hide highlighted the industry's strides towards net zero, stating, "We all recognise that achieving a fully circular economy... is no small task. But as an industry, we stand firm in our commitment to making it happen. The progress we’ve already made is undeniable." 

Complementing the conference, AMDEA launched its comprehensive 2050 Roadmap, presenting 20 policy recommendations aimed at decarbonising the industry and supporting long-term environmental objectives. Key proposals include VAT reductions on repairs and spare parts to promote repairability, incentives for purchasing energy-efficient appliances, and a stronger policy framework to encourage eco-design and reuse. 

AMDEA's initiatives, such as the Know Watt’s What campaign and the Register My Appliance programme, demonstrate the association's commitment to educating consumers on efficient appliance use and safety. These efforts, combined with industry innovation, position the UK appliance sector as a proactive contributor to national sustainability objectives.

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