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

Overview of the Ecodesign Forum Meeting

On 19–20 February 2025, Brussels hosted the first Ecodesign Forum meeting. In this meeting, nearly 130 people—from Member States, industry, NGOs, and academia—came together. They exchanged ideas and built links. Each person shared a direct role in shaping sustainable product design and energy labelling. This open approach makes policy work simple and clear.

Objectives of the ESPR

The ESPR works to boost product sustainability in the EU single market. It cuts energy use, builds a circular economy, and raises industrial strength. All these goals come from clear, common rules for all Member States. These close links between rules help clear market gaps, spark innovation, and show the EU as a leader in sustainable standards.

Key Discussion Points and Priorities

At the Forum, members reviewed the Rules of Procedure. They set draft priorities for the first Ecodesign and Energy Labelling Working Plan. They chose key product groups. Textiles, furniture, steel, aluminium, tyres, and some energy products are in focus. Two measures got extra care. One measure makes repairability clear with a scoring guide. The other measure raises recyclability and recycled content for electronic goods. The Forum also planned next steps for acts on unsold products. These acts will stop waste and demand clear reporting on unsold apparel and footwear.

Implementation Timeline

• In April 2025, the ESPR and Energy Labelling Working Plan will be adopted.
• In July 2025, new rules will stop unsold product destruction.
• Soon after, new edesign rules will set clear performance and information standards. These aim to cut environmental impact and give consumers firm product details.
• Mandatory Green Public Procurement rules should follow. They aim to drive demand for sustainable products and boost market leadership.

Stakeholder Engagement and Transparency

This process invites everyone to join. New experts and observers add their input. Preparatory studies support each step by linking research closely with impact assessments. This careful work respects all voices, including those of SMEs. In every step, clear, one-to-one conversations shape the process.

Leadership Perspectives

Jessika Roswall, European Commissioner for Environment, views the ESPR as a clear mix of innovation, sustainability, and growth. She stresses that close, shared rules and open transparency form the basis of a sustainable market.

Stéphane Séjourné, Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy, says the Forum shows practical ways to cut waste, boost resource efficiency, and drive the circular economy. His words tie together benefits for businesses, consumers, and the environment.

Further Information

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

Stay informed on European sustainability initiatives via the EU Environment newsletters.

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

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