Responsible digital practices: business obligations under new regulations

Computers, smartphones, online services… Behind what appears immaterial, digital technology has very tangible effects on the environment: resource depletion, energy consumption, and electronic waste. Businesses have a decisive role to play in reducing this footprint. In France, across Europe and beyond, regulation is evolving to encourage a transition towards more responsible digital practices.

 

A recent example: since 20 June 2025, a new mandatory label has informed European consumers about the durability, repairability and energy consumption of smartphones. Its aim is to support the purchase of more sustainable devices and reduce the sector’s footprint.

 

 

A French framework ahead of the curve

 

National regulation relies on two cornerstone laws: the AGEC law and the REEN law.

 

AGEC law: tackling digital waste

 

Adopted in 2020, the AGEC law (Anti-Waste for a Circular Economy) requires:

 

• For manufacturers, importers and distributors: the display of a repairability index to inform consumers, and the provision of spare parts for at least five years.
• For public purchasers: at least 20% of IT equipment bought must come from reuse or refurbishment.

 

A durability index, designed to complement or gradually replace the repairability index, was planned for 2024. However, the European Commission has slowed its deployment in favour of a future harmonised label. In the meantime, the repairability index remains the French reference.

 

This law helps extend the lifespan of equipment, reduce electronic waste and make digital players more accountable.

 

REEN law: embedding responsible digital practices in corporate strategy

 

The REEN law (Reduction of the Environmental Footprint of Digital Technology), adopted on 15 November 2021, seeks to reduce the environmental footprint of digital technology in France. It applies to businesses, public bodies and consumers alike.

 

Its purpose: to bring ecological transition and digital transition together, holding every actor accountable throughout the product life cycle, from design to end of life.

 

It is built around five key priorities:

• Extending equipment lifespan: combating obsolescence (including software-related), and promoting repair and refurbishment.
• Rolling out responsible digital strategies in local authorities: municipalities with over 50,000 inhabitants must set strategies that may include heat recovery from data centres or reuse of IT equipment.
• Raising awareness and building skills: including responsible digital modules in school and university curricula.
• Encouraging more sustainable digital services: eco-design of online services, tighter control of energy-intensive uses such as streaming, and more efficient websites.
• Reducing energy use in data centres: improving efficiency and increasing reliance on renewable energy.

 

 

A fast-moving European framework

 

The European Union is acting through several directives that target specific levers: hazardous substances (RoHS directive), batteries (Battery directive) and product design (EcoDesign directive).

 

RoHS directive: limiting hazardous substances in electronics

 

In force since 1 July 2006, the RoHS directive (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) aims to protect human health and the environment from dangerous substances (lead, mercury, cadmium, etc.) in electronic products, while also facilitating recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE).

 

Any business wishing to market such equipment in the EU must comply in order to obtain the CE mark.

 

Battery directive: regulating the full lifecycle of batteries

 

In force since 18 February 2024, it sets rules for design, collection and recycling:

• 63% collection rate for portable batteries by the end of 2027, and 73% by the end of 2030.
• 51% collection rate for light transport batteries by the end of 2028, and 61% by the end of 2031.

 

It also requires greater transparency on battery composition and encourages the use of more sustainable materials.

 

EcoDesign directive: embedding eco-design in digital equipment

 

Initially focused on energy efficiency, the EcoDesign directive has applied to digital equipment since 18 July 2024. It now sets requirements for repairability, availability of spare parts, recyclability and access to environmental information.

 

These measures push manufacturers to design more durable, easier-to-maintain products, while giving users better-documented and more repairable devices.

 

 

Global initiatives taking shape

 

There is no single international framework regulating the environmental impact of digital technology. Yet many countries and organisations are taking action.

 

China: China RoHS

 

Since 2007, China has applied its own regulation similar to the EU’s RoHS directive. Officially called the Administrative Measure on the Control of Pollution Caused by Electronic Information Products (ACPEIP), it is commonly referred to as “China RoHS”. Updated in 2016 as “China RoHS 2”, it restricts six hazardous substances [lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, PBB (polybromobiphenyls), and PBDE (polybromodiphenyl ethers)], with thresholds close to those in the EU.

 

It also imposes labelling requirements, disclosure of product composition, and certification obligations for certain listed products. From 1 January 2026, four additional phthalates will be restricted, further aligning Chinese rules with international standards.

 

United States: Right to Repair Act

 

Effective since 1 July 2024, this law requires manufacturers of electronic devices and household appliances to provide owners and independent repairers with the spare parts and tools needed to diagnose, maintain or repair these products.

 

It covers products made and sold in California since 1 July 2021 with a wholesale value of at least $50, excluding agricultural equipment, alarm systems, fire protection equipment and video game consoles.

 

Its goal is to ensure a fair repair market and prevent barriers to third-party repair.

 

OECD: recommendations for responsible digital technology

 

In July 2024, the OECD published several policy directions:

• Supporting environmental goals through digital technologies (smart meters, active grids, sensors, artificial intelligence, etc.).
• Reducing energy use in digital infrastructures: lower consumption in data centres, servers and networks; responsible e-waste management; and greater use of sustainable materials in manufacturing.
• Considering the links between industry and digital in public policy: for example, digitalisation may improve industrial energy efficiency but also create new infrastructure and resource demands.
• Leveraging AI to anticipate environmental risks and develop innovative solutions, such as pollution forecasting, climate modelling, optimised logistics to cut emissions, or biodiversity monitoring.

 

Failing to act today exposes organisations to business risks at a time when digital sobriety and environmental responsibility are becoming key competitiveness factors.

 

To go further, our Digital team can support you in the environmental assessment of your services and equipment.

 

Mohamed Bara, consultant in LCA and eco-design