Advancing Sustainability through the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR)

On 19-20 February 2025, the first Ecodesign Forum convened in Brussels, marking a significant step in implementing the EU’s Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). This forum brings together nearly 130 experts from Member States, industry, NGOs, and academia to collaboratively advance sustainable product policies and energy labeling across the EU.

Key Objectives of the ESPR

The ESPR aims to:

• Strengthen the EU single market by harmonizing sustainability rules
• Reduce energy consumption of products
• Foster a circular economy
• Enhance EU industrial competitiveness
• Remove barriers for businesses and ensure a level playing field across Member States
• Encourage innovation and solidify the EU’s leadership in sustainability

Forum’s Role and Membership

The Ecodesign Forum serves as a transparent platform for stakeholder consultation on ESPR implementation and energy labeling. Membership remains open, promoting diverse and balanced representation to cover priority product sectors identified by the Commission’s Joint Research Centre.

Priority Products and Measures

The Forum is set to finalize the first Ecodesign and Energy Labelling Working Plan by April 2025, focusing on:

• Textiles (apparel)
• Furniture
• Steel and aluminium
• Tyres
• Continued focus on energy-related products
• Horizontal measures addressing repairability (including scoring), recyclability, and recycled content in electronics

Additionally, the Forum will develop regulations to prevent the destruction of unsold consumer products, specifying exceptions and disclosure obligations for businesses.

Implementation Timeline and Process

• April 2025: Adoption of the first ESPR and Energy Labelling Working Plan
• July 2025: Introduction of delegated and implementing acts to limit destruction of unsold products
• Future Ecodesign requirements will be developed through impact assessments, ensuring proportionality for all stakeholders including SMEs, and promoting inclusive stakeholder engagement.

Official Statements

European Commissioner Jessika Roswall emphasized the ESPR’s role in committing to innovation and a circular economy beneficial for both environment and industry. Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné highlighted the importance of stakeholder collaboration to transform sustainable product policies into tangible progress.

For more detailed information and ongoing updates, visit the official ESPR website. Stay informed about Europe’s transition to a sustainable, circular economy and how it impacts product design, manufacturing, and consumption across the continent.

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.