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

The European Union is making significant strides toward sustainability with the launch of the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). This landmark regulation aims to transform product design to foster environmental responsibility, reduce energy consumption, and promote a circular economy across the EU.

The Ecodesign Forum: Catalyst for Change

On 19-20 February 2025, the inaugural Ecodesign Forum convened in Brussels, bringing together nearly 130 experts from Member States, industry, NGOs, and academia. This diverse group ensures a transparent and collaborative implementation process for the ESPR and associated energy labelling rules.

Key Objectives:

• Harmonize sustainability criteria across all EU member countries
• Remove trade barriers and ensure a level playing field in the single market
• Encourage innovation in sustainable product design
• Strengthen the EU’s leadership in environmental sustainability and industrial competitiveness

Priority Areas and Upcoming Actions

The Forum discussed the draft Ecodesign and Energy Labelling Working Plan, which sets the agenda for regulatory actions over the next five years. Proposed priority product groups include:

• Textiles (apparel)
• Furniture
• Steel and aluminium
• Tyres
• Energy-related products (carried over from previous plans)

Horizontal measures will address product repairability (including scoring systems), recyclability, and recycled content standards, particularly for electronic and electrical equipment.

Addressing Unsold Consumer Products

Delegated acts on the destruction of unsold apparel and footwear are also in preparation. These acts aim to enforce a ban on wasteful destruction practices while establishing clear disclosure obligations for economic operators.

Timeline and Future Prospects

• April 2025: Adoption of the first ESPR and Energy Labelling Working Plan
• July 2025: Finalization of acts to prevent destruction of unsold products

New ecodesign requirements will focus on improving environmental impact, providing transparent information to consumers, and supporting conscious purchasing decisions. Additionally, the EU plans to introduce mandatory Green Public Procurement criteria to drive demand for sustainable products and stimulate lead markets.

Inclusive, Science-Based Approach

All regulatory measures will be developed through rigorous studies and impact assessments to ensure proportionality, especially for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The process remains open, inclusive, and responsive to stakeholder input, with ongoing opportunities for expert participation in the Forum.

Leadership Commitment

European Commissioner Jessika Roswall emphasized the ESPR’s role as a “commitment to innovation, sustainability, and economic growth,” highlighting the EU’s dedication to building a circular economy beneficial to both the environment and industries. Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné underscored the importance of stakeholder collaboration to achieve tangible progress in waste reduction, resource efficiency, and circular economic development.

For more detailed information and updates, visit the ESPR official webpage and consult the Register of Commission Expert Groups.

Published by the Directorate-General for Environment | 19 February 2025

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