Advancing Sustainability through the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR)

Brussels hosted the first Ecodesign Forum on 19-20 February 2025. The forum marks a fresh start for the EU rule on sustainable design. The rule aims to make products greener. It cuts energy use. It builds a circular economy in the EU.

Key Objectives of the ESPR

• We match product rules across all EU states. This match cuts trade blocks and makes compete fair.
• We boost the circular economy. We design products to be fixed, to be recycled, and to use recycled parts.
• We spur new ideas and fair play. We help firms make products that use energy well.
• We cut damage to nature. We use firm design rules to lower waste and energy use.

The Ecodesign Forum: Stakeholder Collaboration

Nearly 130 members join the forum. They come from governments, businesses, non-profits, and schools. The forum builds clear rules with open talks. Members are picked for real skill. They represent many linked fields. Applications to join remain open, and they help keep the talks alive.

Priority Products and Measures

The forum shapes the first plan for Ecodesign and Energy Labelling. The plan may be set by April 2025. The chosen groups include:
• Textiles (apparel)
• Furniture
• Steel and aluminium
• Tyres
• Energy products from old actions

The plan focuses on these tasks:
• Fixing repair options (with score systems)
• Enhancing recyclability and adding recycled parts for electronics

Addressing Unsold Consumer Products

The forum will work on new rules for unsold clothing and shoes. These rules aim to stop wasteful acts. They also set clear rules for economic players.

Looking Ahead: Policy Development and Impact

By July 2025, the Commission will add extra rules to stop products from being wasted. New design rules will use deep studies and checks. They will balance gains for nature with costs for businesses, especially for small firms. Green Public Procurement rules may come to push the best market options.

Leadership Perspectives

Commissioner Jessika Roswall said ESPR is a promise for green change, fresh ideas, and growth. She sees it as a way to shift markets toward a circular economy.
Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné stressed that open talks help cut waste, boost care for resources, and drive sound growth.

For more details and updates, visit the official ESPR website and see resources in the Register of Commission Expert Groups.

Published by: Directorate-General for Environment, European Commission
Date: 19 February 2025

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