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

Overview

The European Union is making significant strides toward sustainability with the implementation of the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). The first Ecodesign Forum took place in Brussels on 19-20 February 2025, marking a crucial step to operationalize the ESPR and its related energy labelling frameworks.

Purpose of ESPR

The ESPR aims to:

• Enhance the EU single market and product sustainability
• Reduce energy consumption
• Promote a circular economy
• Boost industrial competitiveness

By harmonizing rules across all Member States, ESPR removes trade barriers, ensures a level playing field, and fosters innovation. These efforts strengthen the EU’s reputation as a global leader in sustainable product policies.

The Ecodesign Forum

The Forum acts as a key consultation platform with nearly 130 members, including representatives from:

• EU Member States
• Industry stakeholders
• NGOs
• Academia

Members are selected based on expertise and sector representation, ensuring a balanced and transparent implementation process.

Applications for Forum membership remain open to accommodate evolving needs as ESPR work progresses.

Priority Products and Measures

The Forum debated the first five-year Working Plan priorities, which include:

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

Horizontal measures under consideration involve:

• Repairability scoring
• Recyclability and recycled content of electric and electronic equipment

Additionally, the Forum will develop delegated acts concerning the regulated destruction of unsold consumer products, focusing on apparel and footwear to enforce transparency and minimize waste.

Timeline and Future Steps

• By April 2025: Adoption of the first ESPR & Energy Labelling Working Plan
• By July 2025: Adoption of acts to prevent unsold product destruction

The Commission will design new Ecodesign requirements focusing on environmental impact reduction, improved consumer information, and enabling informed choices. There is also consideration for mandatory Green Public Procurement requirements to drive sustainable product demand further.

All rule-making will follow an inclusive, transparent process involving impact assessments and stakeholder consultations, with particular attention to fairness for SMEs.

Key Statements

Jessika Roswall, European Commissioner for Environment:
"The ESPR is a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and economic growth, creating a circular economy benefiting both environment and industry."

Stéphane Séjourné, Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy:
"The Ecodesign Forum is instrumental in advancing sustainable product policies that reduce waste, enhance resource efficiency, and promote the circular economy."

Additional Resources

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

Stay Informed: Subscribe to the EU Environment newsletter for the latest updates on EU environmental priorities.

This initiative represents a major step toward an ambitious and practical European Green Deal, emphasizing sustainability in product design and consumption patterns across the continent.

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.