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

Overview of the Ecodesign Forum and ESPR

On 19-20 February 2025, the first Ecodesign Forum convened in Brussels to steer the implementation of the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), a landmark EU initiative aiming to enhance product sustainability, reduce energy consumption, and foster a circular economy within the single market. This effort not only supports environmental goals but also seeks to boost industrial competitiveness by establishing consistent sustainability rules across all EU Member States.

The Forum serves as a collaborative platform bringing together nearly 130 experts from Member States, industry, NGOs, and academia. This diverse group ensures transparency and broad stakeholder involvement while discussing ESPR implementation and related energy labelling.

Key Objectives of ESPR

• Promote Circular Economy: Drive product design that supports repairability, recyclability, and use of recycled content.
• Boost Innovation and Market Competitiveness: Encourage sustainable industrial practices and innovation.
• Standardize Regulations: Remove market barriers with harmonized rules benefiting consumers and businesses alike.
• Improve Consumer Information: Provide clear environmental information and energy labelling to empower informed choices.

Priority Products and Measures

The Forum is set to finalize the first Ecodesign and Energy Labelling Working Plan by April 2025, which highlights priority products and measures for the next five years. Proposed focus areas include:

• Textiles (apparel)
• Furniture
• Steel and Aluminium
• Tyres
• Energy-related products from previous Ecodesign plans

Additionally, two horizontal measures target:

• Repairability, including scoring systems
• Recyclability and recycled content specifically for electric and electronic equipment

The Forum will also prepare delegated and implementing acts addressing the destruction of unsold consumer products, aiming to harmonize disclosure rules and allow specific derogations for apparel and footwear under strict conditions.

Future Developments and Stakeholder Engagement

Following the Working Plan, new ecodesign and energy labelling requirements will be developed through thorough impact assessments with a strong emphasis on proportionality, particularly for SMEs. The process commits to openness and ongoing stakeholder consultation to ensure practical and ambitious sustainability measures.

The Commission also plans to introduce mandatory Green Public Procurement criteria to stimulate market demand for sustainable products.

Statements from EU Leaders

Jessika Roswall, European Commissioner for Environment, emphasized the regulatory framework as a commitment not only to sustainability but also to innovation and economic growth. She highlighted the EU’s dedication to creating a circular economy that benefits both the environment and industry through harmonized rules and transparency.

Stéphane Séjourné, Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy, described the Ecodesign Forum as a critical step toward reducing waste, improving resource efficiency, and driving the circular economy by ensuring practical collaboration among stakeholders.

Additional Resources

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

Published: 19 February 2025
Author: Directorate-General for Environment, European Commission

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