Designing More Sustainable Products: 18 High-Potential Categories Identified by the EU Joint Research Centre

Overview

On 22 November 2024, the Joint Research Centre published a report. The report checks product categories for a new law. This law is the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). It begins in July 2024. The law sets rules for sustainable design in Europe. It cuts environmental harm and boosts market strength.

ESPR Objectives and Approach

The ESPR law expands ecodesign rules. It now covers many products. It controls design from start to finish. It cuts waste and saves resources. It builds a circular economy. It helps reach climate goals. It lifts EU industry strength and autonomy.

JRC’s Product Prioritization Study

The JRC studied 33 product categories. They used 10 environmental criteria. They checked factors like climate, water, air, and biodiversity. They looked at waste, material use, and how long a product lasts. They also weighed economic importance, cost, and current rules.

Key Findings

• 18 product groups show high potential for ESPR rules.
• They have strong environmental effects and scope for improvement.
• Eleven groups are final products:
  • Textiles & footwear
  • Furniture
  • Tyres
  • Bed mattresses
  • Detergents
  • Paints & varnishes
  • Lubricants
  • Cosmetics
  • Toys
  • Fishing gear
  • Absorbent hygiene products
• Seven groups are intermediate products:
  • Iron & steel
  • Commodity chemicals
  • Non-ferrous, non-aluminium metals
  • Aluminium
  • Plastics & polymers
  • Pulp & paper
  • Glass

Horizontal Ecodesign Priorities

The report marks clear horizontal rules. These rules span across product types. They stress durability, repair, recycling, and recycled content. Durability and repair come first. They lower harm and extend product life.

Strategic Autonomy and Circularity

The study helps boost EU strategic autonomy. Many products depend on long supply chains. Better circular design and resource use shrink import needs. This change makes supply chains more resilient.

Next Steps

The report now guides the first ESPR Working Plan. This plan will start in early 2025 after talks with the Ecodesign Forum. Selected products will get detailed checks. Experts and stakeholders will shape firm design rules. This work meets EU environmental goals and respects planetary limits.

Importance for Sustainable Product Design

This move builds on the earlier Ecodesign Directive 2009/125/EC. The new law has a broader scope and greater ambition. It targets products with high environmental marks and circular benefits. The ESPR drives change in sustainable design and strengthens industry power.

References and Further Reading:

• Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation: Study on new product priorities
• Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (EU Regulation 2024/1781)

By setting clear product standards, the EU builds a global mark for sustainable design. The EU cuts environmental harm and drives both innovation and strength.

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