Article by Tiziano Luccarelli, Sustainability and Circular Economy Lead at Kickstart Innovation
In a groundbreaking move, the European Union has introduced a new regulation aimed at making products more sustainable. The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), which entered into force on July 18, 2024, is set to revolutionize how products are designed, manufactured, and disposed of in the EU. This regulation supports ambitious climate goals and aims to foster a more circular economy, reduce waste, and provide consumers with high-quality, durable products. (the regulation)
What is the ESPR about?
The new regulation establishes a framework for setting ecodesign requirements for a broad range of products (ecodesign refers to the process of designing products with special consideration for their environmental impacts throughout their entire lifecycle). Ecodesign includes everything from raw material extraction to production, distribution, use, and if inevitable, end-of-life disposal.
The regulation seeks to address the following key areas:
Product durability and repairability: Ensuring products last longer and are easier to repair.
Resource efficiency: Using materials more efficiently to reduce waste.
Energy efficiency: Reducing the energy consumption of products.
Recyclability: Making products easier to recycle at the end of their life.
Why is this regulation important?
The EU has set ambitious climate and sustainability goals, aiming to become the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. Current production and consumption patterns are too linear—materials are extracted, used to make products, and then often discarded as waste. This not only depletes natural resources but also contributes to pollution and climate change. The new regulation aims to shift towards a circular economy, where products are reused, repaired, and recycled, minimizing waste and environmental impact.
Key features of the regulation
Ecodesign requirements for a wide range of products
Digital product passports
Ban on the destruction of unsold consumer goods
Support for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs)
Clear Labeling and Information for Consumers
So far, Ecodesign has specifically targeted certain consumer products, aiming to make them more sustainable throughout their entire lifecycle. The regulation establishes a framework for setting ecodesign requirements for a broad range of products, focusing on aspects such as durability, repairability, energy efficiency, and recyclability.
Targeted consumer products
1. Energy-Related Products
Examples: Household appliances (washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators), electronics (televisions, computers), lighting products.
Focus: Improving energy efficiency, reducing energy consumption during use, and enhancing repairability and recyclability.
2. Textiles and Apparel
Examples: Clothing, footwear, accessories.
Focus: Increasing durability and repairability, promoting recycling and reuse, and reducing waste from unsold inventory.
3. Furniture
Examples: Chairs, tables, mattresses.
Focus: Ensuring the use of sustainable materials, enhancing durability and recyclability, and facilitating repair and refurbishment.
4. Electronics and ICT Products
Examples: Mobile phones, laptops, tablets.
Focus: Extending product lifespans, improving repairability, reducing electronic waste, and ensuring the availability of spare parts.
5. Packaging
Examples: Packaging for consumer goods.
Focus: Minimizing the amount of packaging, promoting the use of recycled materials, and ensuring packaging is recyclable.
6. Household Goods
Examples: Cleaning products, personal care items.
Focus: Reducing the environmental impact of production and disposal, promoting the use of sustainable ingredients, and enhancing packaging sustainability.
Ban on the destruction of unsold goods
From my perspective, another impactful measure in the new regulation is the ban on the destruction of unsold consumer goods. The ban specifically targets unsold consumer apparel, clothing accessories, and footwear. This aims to combat the prevalent practice of disposing of excess inventory. Instead of being thrown away, these products must now be repurposed, recycled, or donated.
While the regulation initially focuses on textiles and footwear, it allows for the possibility of expanding the ban to include other consumer products if needed. The European Commission has the power to add new products to the list if they are found to have significant environmental impacts.
Products, not people
I am optimistic about the direction in which legislation is moving. The task of moving towards greater environmental compatibility must be predominantly on manufacturers and companies, not people.
As the regulation comes into effect, it will require the cooperation and commitment of all stakeholders to realize its full potential. By embracing these changes, we can collectively contribute to a greener, more sustainable future for generations to come.
If you are a startup active in food and retail and circular economy or interested in collaboration with corporates such as IKEA, you can learn more about our program and pre-register.
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