Since the start of energy classification regulations, technology has evolved rapidly. Over the years, many products have reached peak effectiveness, making the "A+++", "A++" and "A+" labels increasingly common. This, in turn, has become less informative for the consumer, as the distinction between products has become blurred.

The change of 2021

In March 2021, the European Union rolled out a new energy label for several product categories, including LED lighting devices and LED bulbs.

The new labels have reintroduced a simplified scale going from "A" to "G", eliminating the classes "A+++", "A++" and "A+".</ p>

This change had the effect of "reclassifying" many products. A product previously classified as "A++" could, for example, find itself in category "B" or "C" under the new scale.

Why this change?

1. Clarify for the consumer: by returning to a simple scale from A to G, the objective is to make choices more transparent for consumers, allowing them to easily distinguish the most effective products. p>

2. Leave room for innovation: with the old system, there was no longer room to recognize even more energy-efficient products. By returning to a simple scale, the EU has made room for future technological improvements.

The impact on LED bulbs

LED lighting, in particular, has seen rapid evolution in terms of efficiency. With the old scale, many bulbs were classified in the "A++" or "A+++" category. With the 2021 change, these same bulbs have been reclassified, making their energy efficiency more apparent compared to other technologies.

The 2021 overhaul of the EU energy rating system aims to help consumers make informed choices while recognizing continued innovation in energy efficiency. Although this may create some confusion at first, the goal is to provide better transparency in the long term.