ESPR: Everything you need to know about the European Ecodesign Regulation

The ESPR regulation, or"Ecodesign for sustainable products regulation", is new European Union legislation designed to promote product sustainability. Replacing the current Ecodesign Directive, it introduces precise eco-design requirements for different product groups. Its adoption represents a significant step towards a more sustainable Europe. Let's take a look at the ins and outs of this regulation.

Introducing ESPR

Origins and objectives of ESPR

ESPR was born out of a desire to strengthen existing ecodesign regulations and broaden their scope to include almost all physical goods in the EU. European in origin, it is part of the EU's commitment to a sustainable circular economy.

The ESPR's main objectives are :

• Encouraging the design and manufacture of sustainable products
• Raising consumer awareness of the environmental impact of products
• Contribute to the transition to a more environmentally-friendly economy.

With ESPR, companies are required to implement an eco-design plan with three key objectives:

• Reduce the use of non-renewable resources
• Increasing the use of recycled materials
• Improve product recyclability.

In other words, ESPR aims to make sustainable products the new norm in the EU.

Key dates to know about ESPR regulations

The ESPR regulation has gone through several crucial stages.

• On December 11, 2019, the European Green Deal was adopted, laying the foundations for the ESPR.
• On March 11, 2020, the EU adopted a new action plan for the circular economy, aligned with the ESPR objectives.
• From September 14, 2020 to June 22, 2022, a public consultation and roadmap have been set up for the Sustainable Products Initiative.
• On March 30, 2022, the proposal for a regulation on the ecodesign of durable products was adopted.
• In December 2023, provisional agreement was reached on the ESPR regulation between the European Parliament and the Council.
• In May 2024, ESPR was officially adopted.

These dates mark important milestones in the development and approval of the ESPR.

What are the main measures of the European Ecodesign for Sustainable Products (ESPR) regulation?

The proposed ESPR regulation proposes several key measures to promote eco-design of products:

Definition of a general framework for promoting eco-design

This framework aims to encourage the design and manufacture of sustainable products, while raising consumer awareness of the environmental impact of the products they buy.

The draft regulation proposes several areas of action for product eco-design: durability, reusability, upgradability, repairability, maintainability, presence of hazardous substances, energy consumption and so on.

Setting information requirements :

These requirements aim to improve transparency and ensure that consumers and other market players have clear and accurate product information. This includes the creation of a digital product passport.

Rules for the destruction of unsold consumer goods

In the EU, many unsold products are simply destroyed, a practice that wastes precious resources. For the first time in the EU, the ESPR introduces measures to combat this practice, banning the destruction of unsold textiles and footwear, and paving the way for similar bans in other sectors, should the need arise.

Large and, eventually, medium-sized companies in all production sectors will be required to publish information on their websites every year, such as the number and weight of products they scrap, and the reasons for scrapping them.

‍

‍

Digital Product Passport (DPP) and ESPR

Definition of PLR

The Digital Product Passport (DPP) is a digital record that documents the entire life cycle of a specific product. It collects and shares key product information, such as provenance, materials used, environmental impact and disposal recommendations.

It was introduced by ESPR as a tool to promote sustainability, circularity and compliance with legal standards. In other words, the PLR aims to promote a more environmentally-friendly economy by improving product traceability and strengthening legal compliance.

DPP involvement in ESPR

The PLR serves to reinforce the application of the environmental criteria defined by the ESPR. It facilitates the collection, recording and sharing of product information, enabling compliance with these criteria to be verified.

Thanks to the PLR, consumers and all players in the value chain have access to reliable, consistent information on the product's entire life cycle.

Finally, the PLR plays a crucial role in waste management by facilitating the recycling and reuse of products, thus contributing to the transition towards a circular economy.

• Greater transparency: consumers have access to detailed information on the environmental footprint of products.
• Traceability: to track the product life cycle and identify opportunities for improving sustainability.
• Waste management: facilitates recycling and reuse, reducing the environmental impact of waste.

ESPR implications for 2024

The ESPR regulation, adopted in May 2024, comes into force in 2024. It has far-reaching consequences for a wide range of companies, imposing more extensive eco-design requirements for many product groups.

ESPR extends product regulation to cover almost all material goods in the EU, with a focus on sustainability. Companies must therefore integrate environmental criteria right from the product design phase.

Delegated acts, which detail the specific application of the regulation, will be published within 6 years of the regulation's adoption. They will enter into force unless the European Parliament or the European Council object within 3 months of their notification.

Non-compliance with ESPR regulations can entail significant risks for companies, underlining the importance of understanding and preparing for these new requirements.

Preparing for the ESPR

Preparing for ESPR requires a well-defined strategy. It's essential to start with a thorough analysis of your products to assess their compliance with ESPR environmental criteria. This includes assessing the environmental impact, energy efficiency and sustainability of each product.

We also recommend setting up a team dedicated to managing ESPR compliance. This team will be responsible for implementing the eco-design plan, collecting the data required for the Digital Product Passport (DPP), and monitoring regulatory changes.

Finally, it is crucial to develop clear communication aimed at consumers. This can include displaying ESPR information on product packaging, and preparing information for the PLR.

Here are a few key steps to prepare for the ESPR:

• Analyze and measure the impact of your products: assess your products' compliance with ESPR criteria.
• Setting up a dedicated team to manage ESPR compliance.
• Consumer communication: inform consumers about the company's eco-design efforts and the ESPR compliance of its products.

‍