EU unveils strategy to enhance eco-friendly goods within its borders

The European Commission has announced a comprehensive working plan for the period 2025-2030, focusing primarily on the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) and the Energy Labelling Regulation.

Under this plan, European companies in sectors such as home appliances, electronics, heating and cooling equipment, lighting, and IT products are expected to introduce ecodesign requirements and energy labels under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulations and Energy Labelling Regulation.

The Commission is committed to considering the needs of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), particularly micro-enterprises and small mid-cap enterprises, when developing ecodesign requirements. To this end, tailored support will be provided to SMEs during the implementation of these new regulations.

The Ecodesign Forum, a platform for discussing sustainable product design, will play a crucial role in shaping these new regulations. The Commission also plans to introduce horizontal measures for the repairability of products like consumer electronics and small household appliances.

These measures will include a repairability score for certain products and requirements on the recyclability of electrical and electronic equipment. The priority products for ecodesign and energy labelling requirements include steel and aluminium, textiles (specifically apparel), furniture, tyres, and mattresses.

Product information will be made available via the Digital Product Passport or the European Product Registry for Energy Labelling (EPREL) for products with energy labels. The Commission's dedicated web page for the Sustainable Products Regulation offers valuable resources for businesses seeking more information.

In addition, the working plan includes horizontal measures for the repairability of consumer electronics and small household appliances. The future ecodesign and energy labelling requirements will cover product performance aspects like minimum durability, energy efficiency, availability of spare parts, and minimum recycled content.

The Commission's commitment to sustainability extends to the needs of SMEs, ensuring that these regulations are not only environmentally friendly but also economically viable for businesses of all sizes.