New rules on the eco-design of products are now ready to become binding legislation in all EU member states. On May 27, 2024, the European Council gave the final green light to the Regulation on Eco-design of Sustainable Products (ESPR), the cornerstone of the Commission's approach to more environmentally sustainable and circular products, which is based on the existing Eco-design Directive, which currently only covers energy-related products.
The regulation governs virtually all products placed on the market or put into service in the EU, not limited to consumer products. There are only very limited exclusions (e.g. food, feed, medicinal products).
The framework will allow for the setting of a wide range of requirements, including:
- Product Durability, Reusability, Upgradability & Reparability
- Presence of Substances that inhibit Circularity
- Energy & Resource Efficiency
- Recycled Content
- Remanufacturing & Recycling
- Carbon & Environmental Footprints
- Information Requirements, including a Digital Product Passport
The new regulation will improve EU products' circularity, energy performance and other environmental sustainability aspects.
After passing in European Parliament on April 23, 2024 and the adoption by Council, the rule now waits signature and publication in the Official Journal to become effective. Companies marketing products in the EU are advised to start assessing the impact of ESPR for their products and start getting prepared. This concerns especially first-priority products, including finished products such as textiles (especially clothing and footwear) and electrical and electronic products, as well as intermediate products such as aluminium, iron and steel.
As a recognized leader in Sustainability, SGS can support your preparations for ESPR in various ways, including:
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As an established sustainability leader with unrivalled expertise, SGS is your ideal partner to support your sustainability journey.
Please contact our Customer Service Team for more information!