Ecodesign becomes the norm for products in the European Union

Yesterday, new rules entered into force to make sustainable products the norm on the EU Single Market and reduce their overall environmental and climate impacts.

Building on the achievements of the existing Ecodesign Directive, the new Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) will ensure that products last longer, use energy and resources more efficiently, are easier to repair and recycle, and include more recycled content. It will also improve the level playing field for sustainable products on the EU's Single Market and strengthen the global competitiveness of businesses offering sustainable products.

The new rules will apply to a much broader range of products than the existing Ecodesign Directive, progressively setting performance and information requirements for key products placed on the EU market, and will be tailored to specific groups. The rules will be applicable to products within scope, irrespective of their origin. They will be developed on the basis of scientific evidence, economic analysis and stakeholder consultation. To ensure good coordination, the Commission will publish multiannual working plans, listing the products and measures to be addressed.

The new regulation will allow for the set-up of ‘Digital Product Passports’ for regulated products that will provide essential information on sustainability. The regulation will also include new measures to end the wasteful and environmentally harmful practice of destroying unsold consumer products. In addition, a direct ban on destruction of unsold textiles and footwear products is introduced, with derogations for small companies and a transition period for medium-sized ones. In addition, large companies will need to disclose every year how many unsold consumer products they discard, and why. 

Work will now focus on implementing the regulation. One of the first steps will be for the Commission to establish the Ecodesign Forum, which will gather stakeholder input. The Commission will then consult on and adopt the first ESPR working plan.   

You can find more information online.