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

Overview of the ESPR and Policy Context

On April 16, 2025, the European Commission adopted the Ecodesign and Energy Labelling Working Plan 2025–2030. The plan sets clear priorities for product categories. It also points the regulatory direction under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). This regulation makes sustainable products the EU standard. It requires manufacturers to meet strict criteria for product durability, reparability, recyclability, and transparency in information. New Delegated Acts will soon list these details. They push the market toward circular economy ideas.

WBCSD’s Readiness Assessment Tool

The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) built the Readiness Assessment Tool with ERM. The tool helps companies check their product data. It follows rules from ESPR Articles 6 and 7. It scans product details and finds missing sustainability data as mandated by Article 5(1). It also checks readiness at each product lifecycle stage.

The tool works as a guided Excel interface. It lets firms review their compliance with ESPR rules. It also helps them prepare for the upcoming Digital Product Passport (DPP) rules.

Features and Future Development

• The tool now covers wide product or product group reviews.
• Future versions will add filters for specific groups in line with forthcoming Delegated Acts.
• The tool will work with the Circularity Data Exchange (CDX) platform. This makes data sharing easier for compliance and sustainability reports.

Importance for Businesses

Using the tool, companies can quickly find gaps in their data. This helps them meet regulatory deadlines. The tool makes it easier to match product development and reporting to EU sustainability rules. It also boosts a product’s transparency, durability, and recyclability. All these points can sharpen a company’s edge in the market.

Access and Support

WBCSD offers the Excel-based Readiness Assessment Tool on its website. For help, reach out at:

• vandoorne@wbcsd.org
• garin@wbcsd.org

Related Resources

WBCSD also has other useful materials. These guides support circular economy practices. They include:

• Global packaging data standards for regulatory needs.
• Circular Transition Indicators (CTI) for checking circular benefits.
• Protocols for corporate plastics disclosure.

Conclusion: The ESPR marks a key change in EU sustainability plans. It imposes strict product standards and boosts transparency. WBCSD’s Readiness Assessment Tool helps companies meet these challenges. It supports the move toward truly sustainable products and aligns with the EU’s Green Deal goals.

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.