The Ecodesign Regulation (ESPR) – Sustainable products for Europe
Information and services on the ESPR
The Ecodesign Regulation (ESPR) - Sustainable products for Europe
The Ecodesign Regulation (ESPR for Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation), which came into force on July 18, 2024, is a central component of the European Green Deal. It replaces the previous Ecodesign Directive and creates a legal framework for making products in the EU more sustainable. Important: The regulation itself does not set direct requirements for individual products, but lays the foundation for specific implementing and delegated acts that define concrete requirements. Examples of such follow-up regulations are the Battery Regulation or future regulations for textiles and furniture.
A comprehensive framework instead of individual specifications
The Ecodesign Regulation is deliberately designed as a framework. It defines the objectives and principles for sustainable product design without immediately specifying product-specific details. These details will be regulated in subsequent legal acts for individual product groups.
Life cycle approach
The regulation requires that the entire life cycle of a product be taken into account—from manufacture to use to disposal. In future, companies will have to consider how materials are used, how long a product lasts, and how it can be recycled when developing new products.
Digital product passport
A key element is the digital product passport, which will become mandatory for many product groups. It contains information on energy efficiency, carbon footprint, recyclability, and spare parts. This creates transparency for consumers, companies, and authorities.
Ban on the destruction of unsold products
The regulation stipulates that certain consumer goods may no longer be destroyed from 2026 onwards. This applies primarily to clothing and electronics. The aim is to avoid wasting resources and promote reuse.
Focus on repairability and durability
Future product-specific requirements will ensure that products are easier to repair and can be used for longer. Manufacturers must provide spare parts and design products in such a way that repairs can be carried out without special tools.
The Ecodesign Regulation is a decisive step toward climate protection and resource efficiency. It supports the circular economy, reduces the ecological footprint of products, and strengthens the competitiveness of European companies. Consumers benefit from durable, repairable, and transparent products.
The first specific requirements will be laid down in delegated acts. The focus will be on:
- Textiles and footwear: high environmental impact from production and disposal (first delegated acts expected in 2027).
- Furniture: Promotion of recycling and durable materials.
- Metals such as iron, steel, and aluminum: Resource-efficient production and recycling (first delegated acts expected in 2026 and 2028, respectively).
- Chemicals and cleaning products: Reduction of harmful ingredients.
The implementation of the Ecodesign Regulation offers opportunities:
- Competitive advantages through sustainable products
- Access to new markets with high environmental standards
- Trust among customers who value sustainability
| REGULATION (EU) 2024/1781 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL establishing a framework for the setting of ecodesign requirements for sustainable products | Link |
| Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Protection, Nature Conservation, and Nuclear Safety: Ecodesign Regulation | Link |
| Federal Environment Agency: New Ecodesign Regulation for sustainable products comes into force | Link |
Services related to the Ecodesign Regulation
We would be happy to advise you on how to implement the requirements in your company and adapt your processes. Make an appointment now for a free solution check!
Or are you looking for training? At our ipCampus, you will find training courses worldwide and in many languages.