European Commission Updates

Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR)

On July 18, 2024, the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) was officially enacted, marking a significant step in the European Commission’s efforts to promote environmentally sustainable and circular products. This regulation is a key component of the 2020 Circular Economy Action Plan and aims to address the environmental impact of products and their consumption within the EU. By focusing on sustainable product design, the ESPR is expected to contribute significantly to the EU's climate goals, double the circularity rate of material use, and achieve energy efficiency targets by 2030.

For more details, visit the European Commission's official page on the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation.

Next Steps for ESPR Implementation

With the ESPR now in effect, the next phase involves its implementation. The Commission is set to establish the Ecodesign Forum, which will serve as the main platform for stakeholder input in the ESPR process. The first ESPR working plan is expected to be consulted on and adopted by late 2024 or early 2025. This plan will outline the steps needed to ensure the regulation’s effective implementation.

For additional information, read more about the next steps for sustainable products under ESPR.

DPP Ecosystem News and Updates

Digital Product Passports (DPPs) Across the EU

As the ESPR comes into force, the required implementation of Digital Product Passports (DPPs) across various sectors by 2030 is imminent. This initiative will necessitate a significant overhaul of data management systems across supply chains. The establishment of the Ecodesign Forum, anticipated by late 2024 or early 2025, will play a crucial role in developing a working plan for DPP implementation by March 2025.

For more insights, check out the article on the EU’s regulation on Digital Product Passports.

European Parliament’s Study on DPPs for Textiles

A recent study commissioned by the European Parliament’s Panel for the Future of Science and Technology (STOA) has highlighted key requirements and recommendations for Digital Product Passports in the textiles sector. Conducted by the ESTIA Institute of Technology and Belharra, this research involved a comprehensive review of regulatory texts, scientific literature, and existing initiatives, supplemented by a survey of over 80 industry stakeholders.

Read the full study on the European Parliament's website.

Sustainable Products to Become the Norm for Consumers

The ESPR is designed to minimize the environmental and climate impacts of products available in the EU market. Building on the success of the existing Ecodesign Directive, which has helped EU households save over €200 annually through energy-efficient products, the ESPR will now extend these benefits to a broader range of products. The regulation sets out performance and information requirements in areas such as product durability, reusability, upgradability, reparability, and energy efficiency, among others. These rules will be progressively applied to specific product groups based on scientific evidence, economic analysis, and stakeholder consultations.

For more details, visit the European Commission's update on sustainable products.

Global DPP Expectations

By 2030, it is expected that over 62.5 billion Digital Product Passports will be created globally. While DPPs are planned for nearly all consumer sectors, the apparel industry is particularly ahead, with brands leveraging the technology to reduce overproduction, verify compliance, and ensure product authenticity.

For more information, read the article on global Digital Product Passports.

This month’s updates underscore the EU’s commitment to sustainable development and the critical role of regulations and digital innovations in achieving these goals. Stay tuned for more updates on the progress and implementation of these significant initiatives.