A New Framework for Sustainable Products
The European Commission’s Ecodesign for Sustainable Products and Energy Labelling Working Plan 2025–2030 identifies the first product groups prioritised under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR).
The plan aims to expand the EU market for products that are more durable, repairable, recyclable and energy-efficient. Harmonised requirements will apply across the EU, including to imported goods. Businesses outside the European Union will therefore also need to comply when placing products on the EU market.
Priority Products and Indicative Dates
The Commission selected the priority products according to their environmental impact, market size and potential for improvement. The indicative timetable is:
- 2026: iron and steel
- 2027: textiles and apparel, tyres and aluminium
- 2027: horizontal repairability requirements, potentially including a repairability score
- 2028: furniture
- 2029: mattresses
- 2029: recycled content and recyclability requirements for electrical and electronic equipment
These dates concern the expected adoption of the measures. Detailed obligations will be established through delegated acts following preparatory studies, impact assessments and stakeholder consultation. A mid-term review is expected in 2028.
Energy-Related Products: Measures Through 2030
Sixteen energy-related product groups from the previous programme will continue under the working plan. These include household dishwashers and washing machines, professional laundry equipment, refrigeration appliances, electronic displays, electric vehicle chargers, light sources, mobile phones, tablets, tumble dryers and heating products.
Depending on the category, businesses may face revised ecodesign requirements, updated energy labels or both. Measures scheduled between 2026 and 2030 may cover energy consumption, durability, material efficiency, product performance and technical information.
Digital Product Passports and Product Information
A central element of the ESPR will be the Digital Product Passport. Products covered by future ecodesign measures will generally require one unless an equivalent digital information system already exists.
The passport may include information on material composition, substances of concern, safe use, repair, recycling and disposal. It is intended to improve traceability throughout the value chain and provide reliable product information.
What Businesses Should Prepare For
Companies operating in the priority sectors should begin preparing for more detailed product-level requirements. Key steps include:
- Identifying products covered by the working plan
- Monitoring delegated acts and adoption dates
- Reviewing durability, repairability and recyclability
- Collecting reliable material and sustainability data
- Preparing systems for digital traceability and product information
The exact obligations will depend on each product-specific measure, but the working plan already indicates the sectors, timelines and compliance areas that will shape EU ecodesign rules through 2030.
link: Commission rolls out plan to boost circular and efficient products in the EU
Product List – Energy Efficient Products – European Commission
