The European Commission on Wednesday adopted a sweeping new five-year roadmap under its Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, setting the stage for a significant push toward circular, repairable and energy-efficient products across the bloc.
The 2025–2030 working plan outlines a list of priority products — including steel, aluminum, textiles, furniture, tyres and mattresses — targeted for new ecodesign and energy labelling requirements to improve sustainability and reduce environmental impact.
“This initiative builds on a 20-year global ecodesign success story,” said Stéphane Séjourné, executive vice-president for prosperity and industrial strategy. “It will deliver significant benefits for all Europeans, create opportunities for businesses and employment, and protect the planet through proven emissions reductions.”
Circular Economy Push
The updated framework is a key pillar of the EU’s Clean Industrial Deal and the Competitiveness Compass, intended to advance Europe’s green transition while supporting economic resilience.
The new measures will impose harmonized sustainability requirements across the single market to prevent trade barriers, reduce administrative burdens, and promote fair competition among firms offering eco-friendly products.
The Commission also announced new horizontal rules focusing on the repairability and recyclability of consumer electronics and small appliances.
A new “repairability score” will be introduced for selected products, while electrical and electronic equipment will face stricter recyclability standards.
The product groups were chosen based on their potential contribution to the circular economy, following extensive consultation with Member States, industry stakeholders, and the Ecodesign Forum.
Performance and transparency standards
Future ecodesign rules will cover product performance criteria — such as minimum durability, energy and resource efficiency and spare parts availability — and product information standards.
Key environmental details, including carbon and ecological footprints, will be available via digital tools like the EU’s Digital Product Passport and the European Product Registry for Energy Labelling.
Jessika Roswall, commissioner for environment, water resilience and a competitive circular economy, called the plan “a major step toward making the circular economy a reality on the ground.”
“By setting clear priorities, we are providing legal certainty and predictability for industries, fostering innovation and accelerating the decarbonization of key value chains to reinforce the EU’s competitiveness,” Roswall said.
The Commission confirmed that future requirements will be adopted through delegated acts on a product-by-product basis, supported by technical studies and impact assessments.
Special consideration will be given to the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises, with tailored support measures planned.
Ongoing work on energy-related products from the 2022–2024 plan will continue in parallel, with existing ecodesign rules for items such as dishwashers, EV chargers and displays to be updated by the end of 2026.
The ESPR, adopted in July 2024, replaces and expands the EU’s earlier ecodesign framework. It aims to enhance product sustainability across the market while bolstering the EU’s industrial competitiveness and climate goals.
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