Energy label: your new asset for selling more on marketplaces

Have you prepared your energy labels for June 20, 2025? From this date, a new European regulation will make it compulsory for smartphones and tablets to display energy labels, espacially on marketplaces. But beyond the legal obligation, this information is also a key purchasing driver for consumers, who are increasingly sensitive to their environmental impact and to controlling their energy consumption.

In this article, we will examine :

• What is the Energy Label?
• Why it’s becoming essential to your business
• How to make the most of it and optimize your product sheets?
• How to attract eco-responsible customers
  

What is the energy label and how does it work?

The energy label is provides information to consumers about a product’s energy performance on a scale generally ranging from A (very energy-efficient) to G (energy-intensive). The products concerned by this new obligation are smartphones, tablets and, in some cases, other electronic equipment, depending on the evolution of European regulations.

The label also considers several product attributes. For example, an A-rated smartphone will have better autonomy and lower consumption than an E-rated smartphone. Similarly, a B-rated tablet will be more shock-resistant and easier to repair than an F-rated model.

What’s more, each label displays a number of criteria that go beyond energy consumption:

• Battery life.
• Drop resistance.
• Ease of repair.
• Service life.
• Protection against water and dust.

Why is the energy label essential on marketplaces?

According to a recent survey, 70% of French online shoppers prefer environmentally friendly products ². What’s more, the steady rise in electricity prices (50% on average in Europe over the last 5 years) is also increasing the attention paid to the energy consumption of appliances. Thanks to the energy label, consumers can make better choices, enabling them to:

• Save money;
• Reduce their environmental impact;
• Encourage the purchase of repairable and more durable products.

Good to know: professionals who fail to display this information by June 20, 2025, run the risk of sanctions, as compliance with the new standards will be monitored by marketplaces and the authorities. What’s more, over and above the obligation, the energy label is also a marketing asset to be exploited: in fact, a brand that promotes transparency and eco-responsibility increases customer loyalty.

Do you see this development as a challenge? Rakuten is committed to working alongside e-tailers to help you make this transition with complete peace of mind. In fact, our platform is actively working for more sustainable and responsible e-commerce. Here are just a few of the many advantages that Rakuten offers to support your sustainable development:

• A team dedicated to verifying the conformity of products on the marketplace.
• The signature of a commitment charter to reduce the environmental impact of e-commerce ³.
• Active promotion of second-hand goods, with over 50 million second-hand items available.

How can you highlight the energy label of your products on your marketplace?

To grow your business in the world of e-commerce, you need to succeed in capturing the attention and inspiring the confidence of buyers. To do this, you need to optimize your product sheets and take care with the presentation of the energy label. Here are a few practical tips to help you do just that:

• Include the energy label in the photo gallery of your product sheets.
• Detail key information in the description:
  • Energy class (e.g. B)
  • Battery life (e.g. 30 hours in standard use)
  • Shock resistance (e.g. certified for 50 drops)
  • Repairability (e.g. easy-to-replace battery)
  • Protection against dust and water (e.g. IP68)

Check your compliance by ensuring that all data corresponds to the criteria required by the new regulations.

There’s no doubt about it: with a well-presented product and clear, accurate information, you’ll increase buyer confidence and improve your conversion rate.

How can you attract more eco-responsible customers to your online store?

Given the pressure of competition, it’s no longer enough to have a good product to attract an increasingly committed clientele. What you need to do is take a stand and make your values clear. If that’s what you’re aiming for, here are a few effective avenues to explore alongside the energy label:

• Highlight your commitment to the environment, for example, by mentioning your initiatives to reduce your carbon footprint.
• Offer sustainable products by favoring repairable, reconditioned or recycled materials.
• Rely on true transparency by clearly indicating warranty periods, repairability and your quality commitments.
• Use engaging marketing messages with taglines like :
  • “Do your bit for the planet with this energy-efficient product.”
  • “Opt for a sustainable and responsible appliance.”

Ultimately, displaying a compliant energy label is also an excellent way of reassuring and convincing environmentally conscious buyers. Don’t hesitate any longer, and get a head start on the market!