An important milestone has been reached in the journey towards sustainable products in the European Union: on 18 July 2024, the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) came into force. VITO/EnergyVille has been actively involved in this journey over the years, working with key stakeholders on this regulation that aims to make sustainable products the norm across Europe.
Imagine a future where every product on the market is designed with the environment in mind – durable, reusable, and easy to repair. This vision has moved closer to reality with the formal adoption of the ESPR Regulation by the Council. This regulation goes beyond the previous Ecodesign Directive 2009/125/EC, covering not only energy-related products, but all types of goods sold in the EU.
Pierre-Yves Dermagne, Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for the Economy and Labour, put it succinctly: “With the Ecodesign Regulation, we create the right incentives for the industry to think circular from the very design conception of the products they plan to produce and sell in the EU.”
Key features of the ESPR Regulation
The new regulation introduces requirements to improve the durability, reusability, upgradeability, and reparability of products. It also addresses the presence of substances that inhibit circularity, promotes energy and resource efficiency, and encourages the use of recycled content. A notable feature is the introduction of the Digital Product Passport, which provides essential information on the sustainability of products. In public procurement, the Regulation requires the use of ecodesign criteria to promote the purchase of green products. It also bans the destruction of unsold textiles and shoes, with plans to extend similar bans to other products in the future.
Far-reaching impact
The ESPR is set to have wide-ranging impacts:
- For manufacturers: The regulation will drive innovation as companies adapt to new standards and encourage the development of sustainable design processes.
- For consumers: Buyers will benefit from products that are more durable, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective throughout their life cycle.
- For the environment: By reducing waste and conserving resources, the regulation will make a significant contribution to reducing the EU’s carbon and environmental footprint.
Implementation and next steps
With the ESPR Regulation officially coming into force on 18 July 2024, the focus is now on its implementation, of which the establishment of the Ecodesign Forum will be an important first step. This forum will bring together a wide range of stakeholders to contribute to the development of ecodesign requirements and work plans. The Commission will adopt and regularly update these plans, starting with the first ESPR working plan within nine months of the entry into force of the regulation, covering a minimum period of three years.
Our commitment to the green transition
VITO/EnergyVille’s involvement in the development of the ESPR Regulation reflects our long-standing commitment to environmental sustainability and innovation. This regulation is an important step towards achieving the goals of the Circular Economy Action Plan 2020 and supporting the EU’s energy efficiency targets by 2030.
In the coming period, we will continue to support the Directorate-General for Environment of the European Commission with the implementation of the ESPR and the promotion of sustainable products. More broadly, we look forward to continuing our efforts to foster more sustainable business models, protect the environment, and strengthen the competitiveness and resilience of the EU economy.
Want to know more?
For more information about our involvement in the ESPR Regulation and our ongoing sustainability initiatives, do not hesitate to reach out to our Business Developer Tatiana Pasquel. She will be happy to help you further.
