The EU’s vision for the new Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), adopted on 18 July 2024, seems almost too good to be true. This updated regulation promotes not only energy efficiency, but also resource efficiency, aiming to make products largely from recycled materials and designed for durability and repairability (see ESPR: Part 1 for more). A new digital product passport will provide consumers and recyclers with information on repairability and refurbishment. Notably, France has already introduced a similar repair index for products such as lawnmowers, washing machines, smartphones, televisions and laptops, similar to the EU energy label for large appliances.

A Boost for the Economy

The ESPR is at the heart of the EU’s 2019 Green Deal, which aims to transform the European economy towards circularity and ultimately climate neutrality by 2050. As well as having a significant positive impact on the environment, the EU expects it to boost the economy and make it more resilient by reducing dependence on increasingly expensive raw material imports. Consumers are also expected to benefit, as they will buy fewer new products and save money. ESPR aims to put an end to the throwaway culture and linear value chains, ushering in a green economy and a sustainable future for the EU.

Mixed Reactions

As discussed in our ESPR: Part 2 article, there are mixed feelings about the ESPR among designers, manufacturing executives and institutional representatives. Overall, there is a mixture of excitement, pragmatism and concern. Adrien Hobt of PCH Innovations sums up the mood: ‘We are only at the beginning’.

Special Rules for SMEs

Large companies have already started to prepare for ESPR, but established small businesses face greater challenges. Manfred Wolf of lighting manufacturer Serien Lighting fears that ‘this well-intentioned regulation – for a better world – could further accelerate the disappearance of small businesses’. Start-ups, on the other hand, tend to be more agile and often have sustainability built into their strategies. The EU recognises the challenge of integrating the ESPR for SMEs and promises special measures and funding to help.

Large Investments

Ecodesign is only the starting point. The regulation requires changes across the entire value chain, including sourcing, design, manufacturing, distribution, use and disposal – the entire product lifecycle. ‘These are very significant strategic changes for a company, taking years and requiring significant investment’, says Nico Janssen of carpet manufacturer Object Carpet, which has recently introduced ‘Niaga’, a circular manufacturing process for floor coverings. Some companies are evolving into new business models, such as Bosch Home Appliances, which has been leasing new and refurbished major appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers through its BlueMovement programme since 2017. ‘We see this as a model for the future’, says Florian Walbert from Bosch, citing usage rates that are doubling every year. Extending the life of products is challenging traditional business models, forcing companies to focus more on usage and maintenance.

Lingering Questions

Many aspects of the ESPR remain unresolved. ‘What does durability and repairability even mean?’ asks Max Marwede of Fraunhofer IZM, pointing out the lack of common standards for such criteria. In addition, there are potential conflicts between energy efficiency and resource efficiency measures in terms of reducing carbon footprints. ‘Attempting to tackle a big problem all at once could create an even bigger one.’ he notes.

Further Information:

• European Union: Summary of key points of the new ESPR
• European Union: Platform on Circular Economy
• Indeed Innovation: Understanding the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR): A Guide for Sustainable Manufacturing
• Nike Circular Design Guide for orientation