New EU Law Sets Ambitious Ecodesign Requirements For Physical Goods
A new EU law has been enacted to establish comprehensive ecodesign requirements and information for nearly all physical goods entering the EU market. The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, which builds upon the existing Ecodesign Directive that currently only covers energy-related products, aims to enhance the circularity, energy efficiency, and overall environmental sustainability of products sold in the EU.
Ecodesign integrates environmental considerations into every stage of product development. This approach is crucial in addressing the high demand for efficient and sustainable products to reduce energy and resource consumption.
The EU’s commitment to environmental sustainability goes beyond energy efficiency. Under the new regulation, sustainable products must exhibit one or more of the following characteristics:
- Reduced energy consumption
- Extended lifespan
- Ease of repair
- Disassemblable parts for further use
- Fewer hazardous substances
- Easy recyclability
- Increased recycled content
- Lower carbon and environmental footprint throughout their lifecycle
Additionally, the Regulation introduces measures to prohibit the destruction of unsold textiles and footwear, with the potential to extend similar bans to other sectors based on evidence of need. Companies will also be required to publicly disclose annual data on discarded products, including their quantity, weight, and reasons for disposal. Furthermore, the Regulation mandates the inclusion of Green Public Procurement criteria, directing public spending towards more sustainable options. The EU’s public authorities spend approximately €1.8 trillion annually on goods, services, and works.
This new legislation builds on the EU’s longstanding efforts to benefit businesses, consumers, and the environment. In 2021 alone, existing ecodesign measures, which cover 31 product groups, resulted in €120 billion in energy savings for EU consumers and a 10% reduction in annual energy consumption by the regulated products.
