Skip to content
ESPR
ESPR Timeline

Understanding the Ecodesing for Sustainable Products Regulation

The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) is a comprehensive framework aimed at promoting sustainability across EU member states by enhancing transparency and focusing on the circular economy. Rather than dictating specific actions, the ESPR sets criteria that products must meet to be classified as sustainable, including durability, recyclability, and minimal environmental impact. This regulation is designed to drive sustainable practices and provide clearer information for consumers and stakeholders on a product's environmental footprint.
The digital product passport
 
The ESPR introduces several key features to ensure products meet sustainability standards. It prohibits the destruction of unsold goods, promoting resource efficiency. A central element of the regulation is the Digital Product Passport (DPP) - a “digital twin” that contains essential product information. While the exact details are still being determined, the DPP is expected to cover areas such as transparency, circular economy principles, and environmental impact. This passport is consumer-focused, helping buyers make more informed, sustainable choices by presenting information in an accessible and easy-to-understand format. Through the ESPR, the EU is working to create a unified approach to sustainable product design and consumption.
ESPR Digital Product Passport

Does the Ecodesing for Sustainable Products Regulation  affect your company?

The ESPR is set to be implemented in 2027, and while it’s not yet legally mandatory, it will apply to all companies once in force. This means that regardless of your company’s size, you will need to comply with the new sustainability and product design requirements when the regulation takes effect.

Although some overarching guidelines are still being finalized, it’s clear that you will need to ensure your products meet specific sustainability standards. Preparing now will help you stay ahead of these future requirements, ensuring a smoother transition when the regulation is fully implemented.

Circularity, transparency, environmental

How to work with the Ecodesing for Sustainable Products Regulation ?

Although the ESPR is not legally required yet, it’s important to work proactively by taking initiative and starting preparations now. Begin by securing a baseline understanding of your products, then gradually become more detailed in your approach as regulations evolve.

You can organise your documentation into three main areas to ensure a comprehensive approach:


  1. Transparency: Document your supply chain by gathering as much data as possible about the products you sell. Identify your suppliers and sub-suppliers, and use your Bill of Materials (BOM) to enhance visibility across your supply chain. This transparency will be key when the ESPR takes effect.

  2. Circularity: Integrate circular economy principles into your value chain, both upstream and downstream. Focus on creating more durable products by refining design processes and choosing preferred materials that support sustainability. Also, consider the product's lifecycle - what are the customers' possibilities for disposal of the product once they no longer need it?

  3. Environmental Impact: Work with suppliers that hold certifications and, if possible, partner with companies that specialise in environmental impact calculations. Testing materials will also help ensure compliance with future requirements.

By collecting and managing data now, you’ll be in a better position to adapt to Digital Product Passports (DPPs) when they are introduced, ensuring that your business stays ahead of upcoming regulatory changes.

How is the Ecodesing for Sustainable Products Regulation  connected to other initiatives, regulations and laws?

The ESPR aligns with the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) by focusing on minimizing environmental impacts. While the CSDDD addresses due diligence across the entire value chain, the ESPR focuses specifically on the products themselves, ensuring that companies take responsibility for their product’s lifecycle.


The ESPR also complements the EU Taxonomy for Sustainable Activities by establishing criteria for what creates an environmentally sustainable product, making it easier for businesses to classify their products under the taxonomy's 6 environmental areas. This alignment promotes consistency in sustainability efforts across the EU, helping companies navigate the overlapping regulatory landscape and adopt more sustainable business practices.