European Commission just announced Work plan for the period 2025–2030 for Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) , and Energy Labeling Regulations, to set sustainability requirements for products across the EU, and to improve access to information on environmental sustainability for consumers.
The new plan is a follow-up to an initial proposal in March 3, which aimed to replace Ecodesign Directive 2009 Capital only applies to energy related products. The new ESPR regulation was adopted by the EU Parliament in July 7., expanding its reach into all types of consumer products.
🔍 Ecodesign requirements will include:
Product durability
Reusability, upgradeability and repairability
Limit substances that hinder recycling
Energy and resource efficiency
Percentage of recycled materials
End-of-life remanufacturing and recycling capabilities
Climate and environmental impact of products
In addition, the EU will also develop a system Digital Product Passport help consumers and businesses access more transparent information when making purchasing decisions.
📌 Priority industries from now until 2030:
Steel and aluminum
Textile (focus is garments)
Furniture
Tires and mattresses
The commission said these product groups were selected because of their high potential for promoting a circular economy.
🇧🇷 Statement from the European Commission representative:
Jessika Roswall, Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, said:
“This initiative is a major step towards making the circular economy a reality and making sustainable products the norm in Europe. Clearly defining priorities will provide legal certainty, spur innovation and investment to support the transition.”
⚠️ Some industries are removed from the priority list:
Footwear
Detergent
Sơn
Lubricant
Chemistry
Although these industries were previously expected to be on the priority list, they were not included in the official plan this time.
European Environment Network (EEB) expressed disappointment, arguing that this undermines the enforcement potential of the ESPR framework.
Eva Bille, Head of the Circular Economy Department at the EEB commented:
“The complete exclusion of certain product groups, such as footwear, paints or chemicals, could undermine the positive impact of the ecodesign framework. If the product range is limited, the standards applied should at least be at the highest level – and any loopholes that allow low-quality goods to enter the market via online platforms should be closed.”