EU prepares new ecodesign rules. They will affect steel, clothing and furniture

The European Commission plans to make major changes to the framework for product ecodesign rules between 2025 and 2030. This will affect how key industrial sectors in the EU manufacture, label and market their products.

Under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) and the updated Energy Labelling Regulation, the EU will focus on regulating product design in sectors such as steel, aluminium, clothing and furniture, as well as products such as tyres and mattresses. The news was reported by ESG News.

The EU says these sectors were selected because of their significant environmental impact and high potential for implementing tools and practices that support the circular economy. The new rules broadly set a new standard for energy-efficiency requirements and criteria for durability, repairability, reusability and recyclability.

A key part of the EU’s plan is the so-called digital product passport. It will give consumers an overview of a product’s environmental footprint, composition and repairability. The passport will be complemented by a repairability rating to help consumers make informed decisions about their purchases and potential future costs, while also encouraging manufacturers to design products that last longer and are easier to repair.

According to the European Commission, setting clear priorities will provide legal certainty for industry and support innovation. Harmonised standards across the EU are intended to reduce trade barriers and lower compliance costs.

However, some, including the European Environmental Bureau, criticise the new rules for leaving out other key sectors. Product categories such as footwear, paints and chemicals will not be covered by the new rules for now. The bureau says this could limit the regulation’s overall impact.

The new regulation will be introduced gradually through delegated acts tailored to specific product groups. Each standard is expected to be developed with input from technical experts, stakeholders and member states through the so-called Ecodesign Forum. Targeted support will be provided to small and medium-sized enterprises to help them transition to new production methods.