Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) – A Comprehensive Overview by TÜV SÜD Indonesia

The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) is a landmark European Union policy within the European Green Deal aiming to enhance the environmental sustainability of products throughout their life cycle. It effectively replaces the earlier Ecodesign Directive (2009/125/EC) and expands its scope to cover nearly all physical goods sold in the EU market.

What is the ESPR?

• Scope: Unlike its predecessor which focused primarily on energy-related products, the ESPR applies broadly to physical products including textiles, furniture, electronics, steel, chemicals, tyres, and more.
• Objective: To minimize environmental impact from raw material extraction all the way through to product disposal or recycling.
• Key Features:
  • Sets new performance and information requirements to ensure products are durable, repairable, reusable, and recyclable.
  • Introduces the Digital Product Passport (DPP), a digital tool enhancing product data transparency for consumers, regulators, and recyclers.

Importance of ESPR

• Waste Reduction: Encourages production of longer-lasting and repairable goods, thereby reducing landfill waste.
• Sustainable Innovation: Drives advancements in eco-friendly materials and designs by incentivizing manufacturers.
• Transparency: Facilitates easy access to detailed sustainability data via the DPP.
• Competitive Edge: Businesses complying with ESPR benefit from growing consumer demand for sustainable products.
• Carbon Footprint Reduction: Optimizes resource efficiency, supporting climate change mitigation targets.
• Consumer Benefits: Provides products that are more environmentally friendly, durable, and easier to repair.

Products Covered and Exclusions

Covered:

• Iron, steel, aluminium
• Textiles and footwear
• Furniture and mattresses
• Tyres, chemicals, paints, lubricants, detergents
• Electronics and ICT devices
• Energy-related products

Excluded:

• Food and animal feed
• Medicinal and veterinary products
• Living plants, animals, micro-organisms
• Human-origin products and reproduction-related biological materials
• Vehicles (regulated separately)

Timeline & Implementation

• The first working plan for priority product groups will be adopted by April 19, 2025.
• Initial product-specific requirements are expected to be enforced starting in 2027.
• A ban on destroying unsold textiles and footwear will come into effect from July 19, 2026.
• Businesses are advised to start preparing immediately as regulations and delegated acts are progressively established.

Key Elements of ESPR

1. Ecodesign Requirements

   • Products must meet strict sustainability criteria verified through conformity assessments.
   • EU declarations of conformity are mandatory.
   • Market surveillance and enforcement with penalties for non-compliance will be handled by member states.

2. Digital Product Passport (DPP)

   • A digital record containing crucial product info such as material composition, carbon footprint, repair and recycling guidance.
   • Promotes transparency and circularity.

3. Destruction of Unsold Goods

   • Companies must disclose how they handle unsold goods.
   • The destruction of unsold textiles and footwear is banned from mid-2026 onwards.

4. Penalties

   • Non-compliance may result in fines and exclusion from public contracts across the EU.

How Businesses Can Prepare

• Product Assessment: Conduct lifecycle assessments focusing on durability, repairability, and recyclability.
• Data Management: Compile comprehensive data for the DPP, including supply chain and materials information.
• Sustainable Design: Shift towards eco-friendly materials, modular designs, and recyclable packaging.
• Collaboration: Engage with experts and certification bodies for audits, compliance guidance, and verification.

TÜV SÜD’s Role in Supporting ESPR Compliance

TÜV SÜD offers expert support to manufacturers and retailers, helping them:

• Determine if their products fall within the ESPR scope.
• Understand evolving requirements and timelines.
• Navigate ongoing standardisation and compliance challenges.
• Strategically plan product development for ESPR readiness.

By collaborating early with TÜV SÜD, businesses can streamline compliance, mitigate regulatory risks, and strengthen their market position with eco-friendly products.

Related TÜV SÜD Services

• Chemical Analysis & Testing
• Circular Economy Solutions
• Durability Verification & Certification
• Carbon Footprint Verification and Life Cycle Assessment
• Recycled Content Certification
• Restricted Substances List Testing
• RoHS Compliance Testing
• Sustainability Software Evaluation

Conclusion

The ESPR marks a transformative shift towards sustainable product design in Europe, encouraging circular economy principles and environmental responsibility. Businesses across industries should proactively adapt to these regulations to ensure compliance, seize market opportunities, and contribute to global sustainability goals.

For more information or to consult TÜV SÜD Indonesia on ESPR compliance strategies, contact them at +62 21 2903 5015 or visit their LinkedIn page.

Source: TÜV SÜD Indonesia – Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) Overview

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.