Each brand has a well-defined identity, with a specific values which are reflected in the product offering, features and design, as well as in appropriate communication mechanics.
We remain convinced that our balanced business model, combining profitable growth and a resolutely responsible approach, creates value for all and plays a full part in our contribution to better living in households around the world.
Groupe SEB is a pioneer in repairability. We have committed to a "ten-year repairable product" policy that stands as a true strategic direction in favor of consumers and the environment.
Over a seven-year period, the Research and Development Department has revamped the design of products to make them easy to dismantle. The aim is to be able to replace only the defective part. Through those efforts, we have achieved excellent repairability rates. A full 92,8% of the total volume of electrical appliances sold are majority repairable and 73% are totally repairable.
To ensure this repairability, we also provide our 6,500 approved repairers with over 40,000 line items stored in our warehouses.
Available 10 to 15 years after the discontinuation of the products, these parts are maintained at a low price and delivered in 24 to 48 hours in Western Europe and a maximum of four days elsewhere. This flexibility has served to substantially increase the rate of products repaired, which in Europe, for products under guarantee, rose from 72% in 2013 to over 80% in 2015 and subsequently. For products not under guarantee, the rate has increased by 24%.
Since 2015, we have also started to produce our parts on demand using 3D printing. In the future, this new technology will simplify stock management and increase the availability period of spare parts almost to infinity.
Our "ten-year repairable product" policy is producing results. According to an Opinion Way survey conducted in France in 2016, repairability is a key purchase criteria for 78% of the individuals surveyed. The group estimates that 8% of consumers are willing to change their mind at the moment of purchase and opt for a repairable product.