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

Overview of ESPR and Its Significance

On April 16, 2025, the European Commission unveiled the Ecodesign and Energy Labelling Working Plan 2025–2030, marking a pivotal advance in enforcing the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). This regulation aims to establish sustainability as the standard for products across the EU, introducing mandatory requirements focusing on durability, reparability, recyclability, and more. Upcoming Delegated Acts will specify these product criteria in detail, driving businesses to adopt more sustainable production and reporting practices.

WBCSD’s Readiness Assessment Tool: Empowering Businesses

To help companies navigate and comply with the evolving ESPR framework, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), in collaboration with ERM, has developed a Readiness Assessment Tool. This tool facilitates:

• Evaluation of Key Product Information: Companies can assess the availability and completeness of vital product data required under ESPR for selected products or product groups.
• Gap Analysis & Early Action: Identifies areas where companies may lack critical sustainability information, enabling proactive improvements before full regulatory enforcement.
• Detailed Breakdown: Reflects the performance and information requirements outlined in ESPR Articles 6 and 7, segmented by product aspects (Article 5(1)) and lifecycle stages.
• User-Friendly Interface: An Excel-based guided system allows easy input of product data and provides a high-level readiness assessment.
• Future Flexibility: Planned tool enhancements may allow filtering aligned with specific product groups as new Delegated Acts emerge.

Supporting Circularity and Compliance

Beyond readiness assessments, WBCSD is extending this initiative through the Circularity Data Exchange (CDX) project. CDX aims to improve data sharing and access related to circular product attributes, facilitating ESPR compliance and supporting emerging requirements like the Digital Product Passport (DPP).

Access and Support

• The Readiness Assessment Tool is available for download from WBCSD’s website.
• For inquiries or assistance, contact:
  • vandoorne@wbcsd.org
  • garin@wbcsd.org

Related Insights and Publications

• Packaging data exchange (March 27, 2025): Toward standardized global packaging data for sustainability compliance.
• Circular Transition Indicators (CTI) Enabling Solutions Guide (March 13, 2025): Helping companies quantify their circularity contributions.
• Corporate plastics disclosure protocols (November 3, 2023): Enhancing transparency on plastic usage and impact.

Source: World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), April 2025 – Readiness Assessment Tool: Preparing for the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR)

This tool represents a crucial step for businesses aiming to embed sustainable design principles early, ensuring competitiveness and regulatory readiness in a transitioning European market.

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