Preparing for the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR): WBCSD’s Readiness Assessment Tool

On April 16, 2025, the European Commission adopted the Ecodesign and Energy Labelling Working Plan 2025–2030, advancing the implementation of the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). This landmark regulation aims to establish sustainable products as the default standard across the EU, emphasizing key product attributes like durability, reparability, and recyclability. Upcoming Delegated Acts will specify detailed requirements.

Introducing the ESPR Readiness Assessment Tool

To support companies in aligning with ESPR obligations ahead of enforcement, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), alongside ERM, developed the Readiness Assessment Tool. This tool enables organizations to:

• Assess the availability and completeness of essential product information mandated by ESPR.
• Identify information gaps related to product compliance.
• Focus on specific product groups according to evolving Delegated Acts in future updates.

How the Tool Works: A Step-by-Step Approach

The tool is structured to address ESPR’s dual requirements on product performance and information disclosure outlined in Articles 6 and 7, segmented by product aspect (Article 5(1)) and lifecycle stage. Through a guided Excel interface, businesses can enter product data to:

• Generate a high-level readiness assessment.
• Understand compliance status regarding sustainability criteria.
• Prepare for forthcoming Digital Product Passport (DPP) mandates.

This proactive approach empowers companies to adapt early, minimizing compliance risks and bolstering sustainability governance.

Advancing Circularity through Data Exchange

Building on this initiative, WBCSD is integrating efforts within the Circularity Data Exchange (CDX) to facilitate improved sharing and accessibility of circularity data. This collaborative data platform aims to further support compliance with ESPR and other emerging sustainability frameworks.

Access and Support

• Download the Readiness Assessment Excel Tool: Available to companies preparing for ESPR compliance.
• Contact: For assistance, reach out to WBCSD experts at vandoorne@wbcsd.org and garin@wbcsd.org.

Related Resources from WBCSD

• Packaging Data Exchange: Towards a Global Data Standard (March 2025) — Addresses the need for harmonized packaging data sharing amid growing regulatory demands.
• Circular Transition Indicators (CTI) Enabling Solutions Guide (March 2025) — Helps companies evaluate their contributions to circularity.
• Building a Plastics Protocol for Corporate Plastics Disclosure (November 2023) — Guides transparent plastic impact communication in response to pollution challenges.

About WBCSD

The World Business Council for Sustainable Development is a global, CEO-led organization driving corporate sustainability and circular economy transformation. Their initiatives and tools, such as this Readiness Assessment Tool, support businesses in aligning with ambitious regulations like the ESPR to achieve a sustainable economy by 2050. —

Stay informed and prepared with the WBCSD ESPR Readiness Assessment Tool, your key resource for navigating upcoming sustainability product regulations in the EU.

Design Delight Studio curates high-impact, authoritative insights into sustainable and organic product trends, helping conscious consumers and innovative brands stay ahead in a fast-evolving green economy.