ESPR - Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (EU) 2024/1781
ESPR - Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (EU) 2024/1781 establishes a new framework for ecodesign requirements for sustainable products, replacing the older Directive 2009/125/EC. It is a key part of the EU’s Green Deal and Circular Economy Action Plan, aiming to improve product sustainability, reduce environmental impact, and promote circularity across the EU market.
Textiles and Plastics
- The regulation applies to all physical goods placed on the EU market, with some exceptions (e.g. food, feed, medicines, vehicles).
- Textiles and plastics are explicitly within scope, meaning they will be subject to future product-specific ecodesign requirements
Ecodesign Requirements
- Durability, reusability, upgradability, and reparability
- Energy and resource efficiency
- Recycled content and recyclability
- Restrictions on substances that hinder circularity (e.g. certain dyes or plasticizers)
- Carbon and environmental footprint reduction
- Ban or limitation on destruction of unsold goods, especially relevant for fast fashion and plastic packaging
Green Public Procurement
- Public authorities may be required to only purchase products that meet certain sustainability criteria.
- This could drive demand for eco-friendly textiles and plastic alternatives
Market Surveillance and Enforcement
- Stronger mechanisms to ensure compliance, including customs checks and market withdrawals for non-compliant products.
Digital Product Passport (DPP)
The Digital Product Passport (DPP), a cornerstone of the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, is set to transform transparency across product value chains. By offering detailed, reliable information about a product’s origin, materials, environmental footprint, and end-of-life handling, the DPP bridges the gap between growing consumer demand for transparency and the current lack of accessible product data.
Each DPP will include a unique product identifier, compliance documentation, and details on substances of concern. It will also provide essential resources such as user manuals, safety instructions, and disposal guidance. This comprehensive digital record will not only support better supply chain management and regulatory compliance but also help companies mitigate risks related to product authenticity and environmental impact.
Aligned with open data principles, the DPP promotes transparency by making product information publicly accessible. This approach encourages data sharing, industry collaboration, and the development of more sustainable practices. By standardizing and opening up product data, the DPP fosters accountability and empowers stakeholders across the value chain.
In essence, the Digital Product Passport marks a major step forward in sustainable product governance. As the EU moves toward full implementation, the DPP will help create a more transparent, responsible, and circular marketplace—benefiting businesses, consumers, and the environment alike.
In a Nutshell
- A Digital Product Passport (DPP)
- is a mandatory digital identity for products, including textiles and plastic goods.
- A DPP contains data on:
- Materials used and their origin
- Repair and recycling information
- Environmental impact across the product lifecycle
- A DPP aims to increase transparency and support circular business models
What is the timeline for the DPP?
The Digital Product Passport (DPP) timeline is guided by the European Union’s Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), which came into force on July 18, 2024. Batteries, particularly industrial and electric vehicle batteries, will be the first category to adopt this requirement, with legal enforcement starting in 2026.
After batteries, next in line for DPP adoption are textiles and electronics. Deployment roadmaps for these categories, published in early 2024, outline a phased implementation extending through 2027. These developments ensure a gradual and comprehensive integration of the DPP across industries.
Some crucial DPP dates manufacturers should keep in mind:
| Product category | Expected DPP implementation |
|---|---|
| Batteries | Implementation starting 2026 with ongoing preparations and pilots. |
| Textiles | Deployment roadmaps in place; phased implementation starting 2024–2027 |
| Electronics | Deployment roadmaps in place; phased implementation starting 2024–2027 |
| Construction products | Regulation signed in 2022; DPP implementation dates to be determined |
| Other products | To be defined in the final version of the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation |
The importance of data for the digital product passport
Even if the exact deadlines for certain product categories remain flexible, the digital product passport timeline serves as a critical indicator of when industries must prepare.
In the meantime, the best way for brands and manufacturers to prepare is to get their product data in order. That includes defining clear processes for data collection and storage, alerting suppliers about new transparency requirements, and identifying knowledge gaps that might slow down the path to compliance.
The DPP plays a pivotal role in promoting sustainable production and consumption practices by tracking environmental impact metrics. These include a product’s carbon footprint, energy efficiency during manufacturing and use, and recyclability potential. By integrating this data into the DPP, manufacturers can showcase their commitment to sustainability, and consumers can make more informed, eco-conscious purchasing decisions
