Readiness Assessment Tool: Preparing for the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR)

Overview

On April 16, 2025, the European Commission adopted the Ecodesign and Energy Labelling Working Plan 2025–2030. This plan sets the stage for the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). The regulation builds its rules so that sustainability stays linked to every product design in the EU. It links new rules to product durability, reparability, and recyclability.

WBCSD and ERM now join efforts to support companies with a Readiness Assessment Tool. This tool checks current company practices and points out gaps before the rules take full effect. Each word in the tool connects tightly with the next idea so that meanings remain close and clear.

Key Features of the Readiness Assessment Tool

• Targeted Compliance Focus: The tool pairs ESPR Articles 6 and 7. It ties together performance benchmarks and information needs.
• Product Lifecycle Coverage: The tool splits assessments by product aspects and lifecycle stages. It binds each stage with the overall sustainability view.
• User-Friendly Interface: You enter data into a guided Excel workbook. This workbook links your information to a high-level readiness score.
• Proactive Preparation: The tool highlights areas that need early action. It connects these spots with upcoming rules, including the Digital Product Passport (DPP).
• Future Enhancements: Future versions may add filtering by product groups. This ties the tool closer to the latest regulatory details.

Strategic Importance

The ESPR shifts the EU toward a sustainable product ecosystem. Meeting its conditions early helps companies reduce risks while boosting competitive edges. Here, sustainability links directly to long-term leadership.

WBCSD now ties this effort into its Circularity Data Exchange (CDX) platform. The platform connects better data sharing with circularity and regulatory needs.

Access and Support

• If your organization wants to use this tool in its sustainability plans, you can download the Excel Readiness Assessment Tool from WBCSD.
• If you need help, contact WBCSD at:
  • vandoorne@wbcsd.org
  • garin@wbcsd.org

Related WBCSD Publications & Initiatives

• Packaging Data Exchange: Towards a Global Data Standard (March 2025)
  This guide links packaging data with compliance and environmental reporting.
• Circular Transition Indicators (CTI) Enabling Solutions Guide (March 2025)
  The guide ties innovative solutions directly to circularity needs.
• Building a Plastics Protocol for Corporate Disclosure (November 2023)
  It connects transparency in plastic use to efforts that reduce pollution.

About WBCSD

The World Business Council for Sustainable Development ties sustainable ideas into corporate governance, strategy, and operations across the globe. It links responsible business practices with competitive strength in support of Vision 2050. ---

Stay informed about sustainability regulations and tools by subscribing to WBCSD newsletters and following their insights on LinkedIn and YouTube.

Design Delight Studio curates high-impact, authoritative insights into sustainable and organic product trends, helping conscious consumers and innovative brands stay ahead in a fast-evolving green economy.