VIDEO: What’s changing with new Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation?

Planned obsolescence, poor quality, or simple accidents are just some of the reasons why products break and are thrown away, often to be immediately replaced by new products that will know the same fate.

This wasteful way of producing and consuming products is not sustainable, with consumers and the environment paying the price for poorly designed and short-lived products. However, changes in the way products are designed can make a big difference to ensure products last longer, are easier to repair and recycle, and are more energy and resource-efficient.

As explained in this episode of 'The Road to Green' by Euronews, the EU has introduced the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) to extend the lifetime of products and make sustainable products the norm. The Regulation will also ensure consumers can make informed and sustainable purchases.  

The Regulation will allow the EU to set design requirements for a wide range of products to be sold in the EU. The digital product passport will be introduced for all products regulated under the ESPR and will provide information on where products come from, and how easy they are to repair.  

The ESPR is a framework legislation, meaning that precise rules for specific products will be rolled out progressively. The Regulation will also cut waste by banning large and medium enterprises from destroying unsold textiles and footwear. This aims to encourage manufacturers to factor in sustainability and environmental concerns when producing items for the European market.  

This Regulation should help the EU double its use of recycled material and meet its energy targets by 2030. 

In this episode, Euronews provides a comprehensive overview of the regulation and the potential impacts and advantages it will have for consumers and the environment.

Watch the new video below.

You can find our full news release on the ESPR here.