I recently wrote an article about the importance of new product development to business and of the vital role of sustainable and ultimately regenerative NPD.
My conclusion was that sustainable NPD was not only essential for protecting the environment and society but also for ensuring the long-term success of businesses, meeting consumer expectations, and fostering a healthier, more equitable society.
Increasingly regulators are also seeing as an area that requires legislation … enter The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR).
The 2023 Made in Britain export survey found that Europe is by far the most active export region for UK manufacturers, followed by North America, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, in that order. We must keep a very careful eye on new regulations in our largest export market.
The latest ONS data shows that in 2023, the EU accounted for 49% of UK goods exported and 55% of goods imported into the UK.
Enacted in July 2024, the ESPR represents a pivotal moment in the European Union’s drive toward sustainability, a more circular economy, and a stronger commitment to environmental responsibility and links into their work on combatting greenwashing.
As climate change and resource depletion become more pressing global challenges, the ESPR is designed to revolutionise product life cycles, making sustainable production, use, and disposal the new norm across Europe.
Background and objectives
The ESPR is part of the EU’s ambitious European Green Deal, which aims to make Europe climate-neutral by 2050. It expands on the 2009 Ecodesign Directive but takes it several steps further, covering a broader array of products and incorporating stricter requirements for sustainability. This regulation addresses various issues, including product durability, repairability, recyclability, and energy efficiency, targeting products that traditionally have significant environmental impacts throughout their life cycle.
The core objective of the ESPR is to ensure that products entering the EU market are designed to be sustainable, promoting responsible consumption and production patterns. The regulation also seeks to reduce the carbon footprint associated with product manufacturing and disposal, ultimately contributing to the EU’s overall environmental goals.
Key features of the ESPR
- Product design and circularity
One of the most innovative features of the ESPR is its focus on circular economy principles. Manufacturers will need to design products that last longer, can be easily repaired, and have recyclable or reusable components. This approach extends the product’s life cycle and reduces the extraction of raw materials, which has significant environmental benefits. - Digital product passports
A standout initiative within the ESPR is the introduction of Digital Product Passports, also referred to as ‘Material Passports’. These will contain detailed information about a product’s environmental impact, materials used, and repairability. The goal is to increase transparency for consumers, making it easier for them to choose sustainable products. Additionally, these passports will aid recycling and waste management companies by providing crucial data on how to handle end-of-life products. For those in the building materials market familiar with Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), this will take data and transparency to a new level. - New ecodesign requirements
The ESPR broadens the scope of ecodesign beyond energy-related products, applying the concept to a wider range of goods, including textiles, electronics, furniture, and construction materials. Products will now need to meet stringent criteria related not just to energy efficiency but also resource efficiency, repairability, and end-of-life disposal. - Mandatory recycled content and recyclability
The regulation will set mandatory minimums for recycled content in new products, aiming to close the loop on material use. Additionally, manufacturers will need to ensure that their products are designed to be easily recyclable, reducing the burden on waste management systems and ensuring valuable materials are recovered rather than lost in landfills. - Ban on destructive practices
In a push to prevent waste, the ESPR proposes a ban on premature obsolescence and the destruction of unsold or returned goods. This will particularly impact industries like fast fashion, where overproduction and waste have caused significant environmental problems. The regulation aims to incentivise more responsible production practices and reduce unnecessary waste.
Impact on key sectors
The ESPR will impact 29 product groups and especially industries with traditionally high environmental footprints such as:
- Textiles: The fashion industry, notorious for waste and pollution, will face new regulations regarding durability and recycling. This could mean a shift toward slower fashion trends, with an emphasis on repairable and long-lasting clothing.
- Electronics: The ESPR will require tech companies to make their devices more repairable, reducing electronic waste. Smartphones, for instance, will need to be designed with easy-to-replace batteries and spare parts, empowering consumers to extend the life of their gadgets.
- Construction Materials: The construction industry, responsible for a substantial portion of global carbon emissions, will see regulations on the reuse and recyclability of building materials. Sustainable construction practices will become standard, fostering innovation in green building solutions.
The full list of product groups with Ecodesign criteria are:
- Lighting
- Solid fuel local space heaters
- Space and water heaters
- Solid fuel boilers
- Air heating and cooling products
- Fridges and freezers
- Professional refrigerators
- Refrigerators with a direct sales function
- Vacuum cleaners
- Washing machines
- Tumble driers
- Air conditioners and comfort fans
- Industrial fans
- Ventilation units
- Air heating and cooling products
- Televisions
- Set-top boxes
- Cooking appliances
- Dishwashers
- Water pumps
- Circulators
- Power transformers
- External power supplies
- Computers and small servers
- Servers and data storage products
- Mobile phones, cordless phones, and tablets
- Electric motors
- Off mode, standby, and networked standby
- Welding equipment
Challenges and opportunities
While the ESPR is a progressive step toward sustainability, its implementation will not be without challenges. For manufacturers, adapting to these new requirements may involve significant upfront costs in redesigning products and supply chains.
However, the regulation also presents significant opportunities. Businesses that innovate in sustainable design and circular economy practices will be well-positioned to thrive in this new landscape. Consumers, increasingly concerned about environmental impact, are likely to favour brands that can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.
Implementation, new Act for the ESPR
Each regulated product group in the Ecodesign Directive will have its own ‘implementing act’. This is a piece of law, that makes the Ecodesign criteria mandatory.
Currently, the EU is developing the implementation of acts for new product groups and revising old ones. The new acts still enter into force under the current Ecodesign directive. Once the ESPR enters into force, it will take over these acts and replace the current Ecodesign directive.
For example, the newest implementing act on mobile phones and tablets, adopted in June 2023 and applied from June 2025, requires durable design, longer-lasting batteries, and (prolonged) availability of software updates and spare parts. Compared to previous energy-focused acts, this act demonstrates the Right-to-Repair approach.
Global implications
The ESPR is not just a European initiative but one with global ramifications. As one of the world’s largest markets, the EU’s regulatory standards often set the tone for other regions. Non-EU companies wishing to access the European market will need to comply with these regulations, which could drive changes in production processes worldwide. This regulation might also influence policymakers in other parts of the world to adopt similar measures, amplifying the global shift toward sustainability.
Conclusion
The European Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) is a landmark policy set to reshape the way products are designed, used, and disposed of in Europe. By focusing on durability, reparability, and recyclability, the ESPR seeks to make sustainability an integral part of the product life cycle. While the transition may pose challenges for industries, the regulation should be welcomed as a vital step toward a greener, more sustainable future.
For those British manufacturers exporting or seeking to export products to the EU the ESPR represents a great opportunity.
As the world grapples with environmental degradation and resource scarcity, the ESPR will provide a blueprint for how responsible regulation can steer markets toward sustainability, fostering innovation while protecting the planet for future generations.
By Made in Britain 1 month ago | By Made in Britain