This is Part 1 of the series "Get Ready for ESPR: Shaping the Future of Sustainable Business."

Sustainability is no longer optional with the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). Companies are facing a critical moment to make changes and adapt or risk falling behind. These new standards are not just a legal obligation; it is also an opportunity to improve efficiency, cut costs, and lead the way in a rapidly evolving market.

This 7-part series will help you understand and implement ESPR compliance. We will break down the regulation into actionable steps so that your company can not only meet the requirements but also turn compliance into a competitive advantage.

Beyond aligning with legal expectations, you’ll learn how ESPR compliance can:

• Streamline operations through sustainable product design.
• Reduce waste and resource consumption, lowering costs.
• Enhance brand reputation and customer loyalty by prioritising eco-friendly practices and prevent greenwashing.

Whether you’re a business leader, a product designer, or part of a sustainability team, the insights in this course will prepare you to confidently navigate ESPR and future-proof your operations.💡

This series will empower you to transform ESPR compliance from a hurdle into an opportunity, helping your business align with sustainable goals, improve operational efficiency, and reduce costs — all while staying ahead of regulatory demands.

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Understanding the ESPR to unlock opportunities (Part 1)

Gaining a deeper understanding of the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) can unlock many new opportunities. But first, let’s dive into the core principles of ESPR and why it’s set to redefine sustainable product design. 

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What is the ESPR and why is it important?

The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) is part of the EU Circular Economy Action Plan and the European Green Deal, designed to foster a more sustainable and circular economy. Officially in force as of 18 July 2024, this regulation aims to reduce environmental impact by improving product sustainability and circularity. ESPR replaces the previous Ecodesign Directive (2009/125/EC) and introduces significant changes to how products sold in the EU market are designed, produced, and disposed of.

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What are the core principles of ESPR?

To comply with ESPR, businesses must design their products with these key principles in mind:

• Energy efficiency: Reduced energy use throughout the product's lifecycle
• Extended lifespan: Products should last longer, encouraging longevity
• Repairability: Products should be easy to repair, minimising waste
• Recyclability: Designed for recycling or incorporating recycled content
• Sustainability: Fewer harmful substances and lower carbon footprint
• Information availability: Clear and accessible sustainability-related product information

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The ESPR timeline: What’s happening when?

To effectively prepare, businesses must be aware of key deadlines:

• July 2024: The regulation enters into force.
• January 2026: The European Commission will introduce a delegated act on digital product passports (DPPs) for textiles and furniture, to be enforced by July 2027.
• July 2026: Destruction of unsold consumer products listed in the ESPR is officially prohibited. On the same date, the EU Commission will also establish a digital registry to store unique identifiers of DPPs
• 2027: Next batch of products addressed by the regulation will be released
• 2030: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will be required to comply with certain rules, including restrictions on the destruction of non-compliant products.

The regulation will be rolled out progressively, so businesses need to stay informed about future updates.

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Key changes to the ESPR from previous regulations

ESPR brings important updates to the earlier Ecodesign Directive:

• Digital product passports (DPPs): These enhance transparency and traceability, providing vital information to consumers and businesses.
• Green public procurement: Encourages public sector purchases that align with sustainability goals.
• Destruction of unsold products: Prohibits the destruction of unsold products that don’t meet sustainability standards.

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Who is affected by ESPR?

ESPR impacts all actors in the product value chain:

• Manufacturers (EU-based and non-EU)
• Importers, distributors, and retailers
• Service providers involved in product life cycles

SMEs will receive tailored support to ensure compliance, including financial help and access to best practices.

Identifying products affected by ESPR

The regulation applies to most products in the EU market, with a few exceptions (e.g., food, medicines, some vehicles). The first batch of priority products to comply with ESPR includes: iron and steel, aluminium, textiles, furniture, tyres, detergents, paints, lubricants, chemicals, and energy-related products.

This is just the first batch. The EU will continue to add more products to the list of regulated items, with the next batch expected by 2027.

💡Insight: The free movement of goods

If a product complies with the regulation, it cannot be banned or restricted from the EU market by individual member states, even if it doesn’t meet their national laws. This ensures that businesses focusing on ESPR compliance can have access to the broader EU market without facing local trade barriers.

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Preparing for ESPR enhances business sustainability

By understanding the ESPR, you'll be better equipped to understand and prepare for the changes it will bring to your business. It’s not just about legal compliance; it’s about fostering a more sustainable future and improving the competitiveness of your business within the EU market.

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‍In Part 2, we’ll focus on identifying the specific requirements for your business under ESPR. 

📚 Explore the series at your own pace.

Part 2: Horizontal rules under ESPR

Part 3: Sustainable discarding and destruction of products under ESPR

Part 4: ESPR enhances traceability and transparency with digital product passports

Part 5: Specific ESPR requirements for manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers 

Part 6: Why stakeholder collaboration matters for ESPR compliance

Part 7: Turning compliance challenges into opportunities with ESPR

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