Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation

On July 18, 2024, the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) officially came into effect. For businesses operating in the EU (including if your products are sold on the European market), this marks a major shift in how products are designed, produced, and managed throughout their lifecycle. The ESPR is designed to make sustainable products with robust Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) the norm, strengthen Europe’s resource independence, and usher in a new era of circularity and resource efficiency. As experts in the field, we are already seeing a surge of interest from businesses trying to understand the impact of ESPR on their operations—so let’s break it down.

How is ESPR Different From Previous Legislation?

While the EU’s previous Ecodesign Directive focused mainly on energy-related products, such as household appliances, ESPR takes things much further. It introduces more rigorous sustainability criteria across almost all product categories, including raw materials, resource efficiency, and end-of-life disposal. This shift is not just about energy efficiency anymore—it’s about the entire lifecycle of a product, from cradle to grave.

Fig. 1 - Current Ecodesign energy labels

Key Changes Introduced by ESPR

• Product Scope Expansion: Unlike the Ecodesign Directive, which applied mostly to energy-related products, ESPR now covers nearly all product categories, with only a few exceptions like food, pharmaceuticals, and certain vehicles.
• Digital Product Passports (DPP): This is one of the most significant updates. Under ESPR, many products will need to come with a DPP, which will track detailed information about their environmental impact throughout their lifecycle.
• Focus on Circular Economy: ESPR puts a major emphasis on circularity, requiring that products be durable, repairable, and recyclable, with clear requirements for the use of recycled materials.

Key Timelines and What to Expect

Though ESPR is now in force, its implementation will be staggered over the next few years, allowing businesses time to prepare:

Fig. 2 - Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation Implementation Timeline

How Will ESPR Impact Your Business?

One of the most immediate impacts of ESPR is the requirement for more detailed Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs). Under the new regulation, companies must provide evidence that their products meet sustainability criteria across their entire supply chain. Without verified environmental documentation, such as LCAs, companies will struggle to comply with the new rules. And remember, regardless of where you manufacture, if you sell your products on the European market, you will need to comply with ESPR.

• Increased Compliance Requirements: Companies will need to conduct thorough assessments of their products’ environmental impact, including their carbon footprint, resource use, and recyclability.
• Potential Competitive Advantage: By getting ahead of ESPR requirements and conducting LCAs now, businesses can secure an early-mover advantage. Demonstrating compliance with ESPR regulations will not only keep you in line with the law but also appeal to environmentally conscious consumers and investors.

At MyCarbon, we specialise in delivering high-quality, detailed LCAs, and we’re here to help you not only meet but exceed ESPR’s requirements.

Digital Product Passports: A Game-Changer

The introduction of Digital Product Passports (DPPs) will be a critical component of ESPR. These passports will provide transparency on a product’s environmental impact across its entire lifecycle, including information on material composition, carbon footprint, and recyclability.

For businesses, this means that robust data collection and management systems will become essential. The DPP will not only be a tool for compliance but also a powerful marketing asset, allowing businesses to showcase their sustainability credentials to consumers and stakeholders alike.

Why Act Now?

Although some aspects of ESPR won’t be fully implemented until 2026, businesses should start preparing now. By conducting LCAs, you can gain a clear picture of your products’ environmental impact and identify areas for improvement. Companies that delay risk falling behind as the EU rolls out its ambitious implementation plan.

Get ESPR-Ready with MyCarbon

With ESPR changing the landscape of product design and sustainability, businesses that take action now will be well-positioned to thrive in this new era. Book a call with us today to learn how our LCA expertise can help you comply with ESPR and future-proof your business.

Let’s work together to make your products ESPR-compliant and lead the way toward a more sustainable future.

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