For this edition, 536 brands were measured in 62 product categories, with 11 new categories having been added compared to the previous edition.
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The sustainability barometer is more than a simple measuring tool: it has become a real lever to encourage manufacturers to improve the quality and longevity of their products. The overall sustainability score thus increased, from 93 to 95 points. This score is calculated on two pillars: reliability (a product that rarely breaks down) and repairability (parts are available at an affordable cost and the device is rarely exchanged).
In the “large household appliances” category, for example, manufacturers like Bosch, Siemens and Liebherr now commit to supplying spare parts for 15 years. By extending the lifespan of their devices, consumers considerably reduce their environmental impact. For example, changing your smartphone every four years rather than every two years halves the carbon impact and saves nearly 6,000 euros over a lifetime.
“We are proud to see that our sustainability barometer helps influence manufacturers’ practices,” explains Charles-Henri de Maleissye, Managing Director of Fnac Vanden Borre. “Our commitment to repairability and extending the lifespan of devices is also shared by brands. We are therefore witnessing a fundamental trend towards more sustainable and responsible consumption.”
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The barometer results show notable improvements in several sectors. Products linked to cold and washing show respective increases in durability of +13 and +8 points. For TVs, screen repair is now possible, representing a major step forward in a category that was once difficult to repair.
The 4th edition of the barometer also highlights an increase in out-of-warranty repairs, encouraged by services like Vanden Borre Life. “Launched in 2021, this subscription offers advice, maintenance, and repairs to extend the lifespan of devices. This increase is an encouraging sign, which proves that Belgian consumers are increasingly adopting the repair reflex.”
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