Boosting Circular and Efficient Products in the EU: European Commission's 2025-2030 Plan

The European Commission has unveiled its ambitious 2025-2030 working plan under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) and Energy Labelling Regulation. This initiative aims to revolutionize the EU market by prioritizing sustainability, circularity, and energy efficiency in product design, aligning with the Clean Industrial Deal and the Competitiveness Compass.

Key Priorities for Sustainable Products

The Commission has identified priority products to introduce ecodesign requirements and energy labelling over the next five years. These include:

• Steel and Aluminium

• Textiles (with a focus on apparel)

• Furniture

• Tyres

• Mattresses

These products were selected based on their potential to drive the circular economy forward. Harmonized sustainability requirements at the EU level aim to enhance the single market, prevent trade barriers, and strengthen the global competitiveness of businesses offering sustainable products.

Horizontal Measures for Repairability and Recyclability

The working plan introduces horizontal measures aimed at improving the repairability and recyclability of consumer electronics and small household appliances. Key initiatives include:

• Repairability Score: Products with significant repair potential will be assigned a repairability score.

• Recyclability Requirements: Focused on electrical and electronic equipment to promote resource efficiency.

Product Performance and Information

Future ecodesign and energy labelling requirements will address:

1. Product Performance: Minimum durability, energy/resource efficiency, availability of spare parts, and minimum recycled content.

2. Product Information: Key features such as carbon and environmental footprints will be accessible via the Digital Product Passport or the European Product Registry for Energy Labelling (EPREL).

   
   

Support for SMEs

Recognizing the challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the Commission will provide tailored support to micro-enterprises and small mid-cap enterprises to help them adapt to the new requirements.

Next Steps

The implementation of ecodesign and energy labelling requirements will follow a transparent process, involving preparatory studies, impact assessments, and stakeholder consultations. Delegated acts will set specific requirements for individual products or groups by 31 December 2026 for energy-related products.

Background on ESPR

Adopted in July 2024, the ESPR builds on the EU's existing ecodesign and energy labelling frameworks. It focuses on improving product sustainability through enhanced circularity, energy performance, recyclability, and durability while bolstering the Single Market and EU economy resilience.

Conclusion

The 2025-2030 working plan is a bold step toward fostering a sustainable future in the EU. By prioritizing circularity and energy efficiency, the European Commission is not only addressing environmental challenges but also empowering consumers and businesses to make sustainable choices. This initiative is set to make a significant impact on the EU’s journey toward a greener, more competitive economy.