Preparing for the EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation: The WBCSD Readiness Assessment Tool
On April 16, 2025, the European Commission advanced its sustainability agenda by adopting the Ecodesign and Energy Labelling Working Plan 2025–2030. This plan prioritizes product groups and policies under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), aiming to make sustainable products the default across the EU market. The upcoming regulation will introduce specific mandatory criteria—including durability, reparability, and recyclability—to drive circularity in product design.
Introducing the ESPR Readiness Assessment Tool
In collaboration with ERM, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) has launched a Readiness Assessment Tool to help companies evaluate their current preparedness for the ESPR requirements. This tool enables businesses to:
- Assess the availability and completeness of key product data required under ESPR
- Identify information gaps and priority actions ahead of full enforcement
- Evaluate compliance readiness concerning product performance and information disclosure obligations, as outlined in Articles 6 and 7 of ESPR
The tool employs a step-by-step approach, breaking down assessment criteria by product aspects (durability, reparability, etc.) and lifecycle stages, guiding users via an Excel interface for ease of use.
Digital Product Passport (DPP) Alignment
An important feature of the tool is its alignment with the forthcoming Digital Product Passport requirements, empowering companies to prepare for comprehensive data reporting that supports product circularity and transparency.
Future Developments & Circularity Data Exchange Integration
WBCSD is actively expanding this initiative as part of the Circularity Data Exchange (CDX) project to enhance data sharing and accessibility. This will facilitate smoother compliance with ESPR’s evolving performance and information mandates, fostering a more connected circular economy ecosystem.
Accessing the Tool and Support
Businesses interested in leveraging the Readiness Assessment Tool to navigate the ESPR compliance landscape can download the Excel-based tool directly from the WBCSD platform. For additional guidance or queries, contact:
Related Resources from WBCSD
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Packaging Data Exchange: Towards a Global Data Standard (March 27, 2025)
A key resource addressing packaging sustainability and regulatory compliance through enhanced data exchange. -
Circular Transition Indicators (CTI) Enabling Solutions Guide (March 13, 2025)
A guide for companies innovating to drive circularity for clients and partners. -
Building a Plastics Protocol for Corporate Plastics Disclosure (November 3, 2023)
Insights into increasing corporate transparency around plastics usage and impact.
By equipping businesses with practical tools and strategies, WBCSD continues to advance its mission to embed sustainability as a core driver of competitiveness, supporting the transition toward a regenerative and inclusive economy in line with its Vision 2050.
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.
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