As of this week, new EU rules on ecodesign for sustainable products, setting out strict requirements and consumer information to almost all categories of physical goods have entered into force. The cornerstone of the Commission’s approach to more sustainable goods, it aims to significantly improve these products’ circularity, energy performance, and other environmental sustainability aspects. It will replace the existing Ecodesign Directive and is part of a package of measures to achieve the objectives of the 2020 Circular Economy Action Plan.
“Ecodesign” means integrating environmental considerations into each stage of product development. In a world where efficient and sustainable products are in such high demand, ecodesign is an effective way to reduce energy and resource consumption. The ESPR enables regulators to set performance and information conditions, or ‘ecodesign requirements’, for almost all categories of physical goods. To meet the regulations, a product can be labelled sustainable, if it:
- uses less energy,
- lasts longer,
- can be easily repaired,
- parts can be easily disassembled and put to further use,
- contains fewer substances of concern,
- can be easily recycled,
- contains more recycled content, and/or
- has a lower carbon and environmental footprint over its lifecycle.
Besides the ecodesign requirements, the ESPR also introduces the Digital Product Passport (DPP), a digital ID for products, components, and materials, which will store relevant sustainability information, promote their circularity, and strengthen legal compliance. The Passport will make it easier for consumers, manufacturers, and authorities to make more informed purchases. To extend the ESPR even further, it bans the destruction of unsold consumer products such as clothing and shoes. Finally, it helps steer the EU’s €1.8 trillion annual works, goods, and services purchases towards sustainable options through mandatory Green Public Procurement criteria.
As for the ESPR’s implementation, the concrete product rules will be decided progressively over time, on either a product-by-product or group basis. These decisions will be made in an Ecodesign Forum, which will allow for inclusive planning, detailed impact assessments, and regular stakeholder consultation.
The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) offers a significant opportunity to boost the market for environmentally friendly products, encouraging companies to prioritise sustainability. Building on the achievements of past ecodesign initiatives, which led to €120 billion in energy savings for EU consumers and a 10% decrease in annual energy consumption in 2021, the ESPR seeks to provide further advantages for businesses, consumers, and the environment. Through this new legislation, the EU reaffirms its dedication to promoting a more sustainable and circular economy.
