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

Published: April 22, 2025
Source: World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD)

Overview

On April 16, 2025, the European Commission unveiled the Ecodesign and Energy Labelling Working Plan 2025–2030, marking a significant advancement in the EU’s commitment to sustainable products through the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). The regulation aims to make sustainability the norm by setting stringent requirements on durability, reparability, recyclability, and more.

To help businesses align with upcoming ESPR mandates, WBCSD, in collaboration with ERM, developed a Readiness Assessment Tool. This innovative resource aids companies in evaluating their preparedness for the new regulation by identifying information gaps and actionable areas ahead of full enforcement.

Key Features of the Readiness Assessment Tool

• Comprehensive Evaluation: The tool assesses both performance and information requirements outlined in Articles 6 and 7 of the ESPR.
• Structured Approach: Breaks down criteria by product aspects (Article 5(1)) and different lifecycle stages.
• User-Friendly Interface: Operates via a guided Excel format enabling companies to input data and obtain a high-level readiness rating.
• Future-Proofing: Designed to adapt to upcoming Delegated Acts and emerging Digital Product Passport (DPP) requirements.

Benefits for Companies

• Proactively identify weaknesses in current sustainability reporting.
• Understand the scope of ESPR compliance requirements.
• Facilitate early preparation to meet evolving EU regulations.
• Support internal decision-making on product design and lifecycle management.

Next Steps in Circularity Data Exchange (CDX)

Building on the tool’s foundation, WBCSD is advancing efforts within the Circularity Data Exchange (CDX) to enhance the accessibility and sharing of circularity data. This initiative is expected to further support companies in adhering to ESPR performance and information mandates.

How to Access the Tool

The Readiness Assessment Tool is available for download on the WBCSD website. For assistance or inquiries, contact:

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

Related Resources from WBCSD

• Packaging Data Exchange: Towards a global data standard to support sustainability reporting (Published March 27, 2025).
• Circular Transition Indicators (CTI) Enabling Solutions Guide: Help assess corporate contributions to circularity (Published March 13, 2025).
• Building a Plastics Protocol: Enhancing corporate transparency on plastic usage and impact (Published November 3, 2023).

About WBCSD

The World Business Council for Sustainable Development supports companies in driving sustainability performance as a core business strategy. Their initiatives and tools empower organizations to accelerate emissions reductions, enhance circularity, and transform value chains in alignment with the Vision 2050.

For more information and access to the Readiness Assessment Tool, visit WBCSD’s official website.

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.