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

Overview

The Ecodesign Forum, held in Brussels on 19-20 February 2025, marks a significant milestone in implementing the European Union’s Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). This regulation aims to boost sustainability, energy efficiency, and circular economy principles within the EU single market, while enhancing industrial competitiveness.

Purpose of the Ecodesign Forum

The Forum brings together nearly 130 stakeholders—including Member States, industry representatives, NGOs, and academia—to collaboratively discuss and support ESPR and related energy labelling implementation. This participatory approach ensures transparency and balanced representation across sectors.

Key Objectives of ESPR

• Enhance product sustainability across the EU market with harmonized rules.
• Reduce energy consumption and environmental impact.
• Promote circular economy principles to minimize waste and boost resource efficiency.
• Remove barriers and create a level playing field for businesses operating across Member States.
• Encourage innovation and strengthen the EU’s leadership on sustainability.

Priority Product Focus

The Forum reviewed proposed priority products and horizontal measures for the next five years, pending Commission approval. These include:

• Textiles (apparel)
• Furniture
• Steel and aluminium
• Tyres
• Energy-related products (carried forward from previous plans)
• Horizontal measures on repairability (including scoring), recyclability, and recycled content, especially for electric and electronic equipment.

Regulation on Unsold Consumer Products

Discussions also covered delegated acts concerning the destruction of unsold consumer goods, focusing on derogations from the ESPR ban on destroying unsold apparel and footwear, and establishing disclosure obligations for economic operators.

Next Steps

• The first ESPR and Energy Labelling Working Plan is expected to be adopted by April 2025.
• Measures to prevent destruction of unsold products are targeted for adoption by July 2025.
• New Ecodesign requirements will be developed through rigorous impact assessments, ensuring proportionality for all stakeholders, including SMEs.
• Potential introduction of mandatory Green Public Procurement to stimulate demand for sustainable products and foster lead markets.

Official Statements

• Jessika Roswall, European Commissioner for Environment, highlighted the ESPR as a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and economic growth, emphasizing the creation of a circular economy benefiting both environment and industry.
• Stéphane Séjourné, Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy, stressed the importance of stakeholder collaboration to reduce waste, improve resource efficiency, and advance the circular economy.

Additional Resources

For more detailed information, stakeholders and interested parties can access the following:

• Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation – EUR-Lex
• First Ecodesign Forum Agenda
• Register of Commission Expert Groups
• ESPR Official Website

The ESPR is a crucial EU initiative driving sustainable product design and consumption, aligned with the broader European Green Deal goals, solidifying the EU’s commitment to a sustainable and competitive future.

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