The first meeting of the Group of Experts on Ecodesign for Sustainable Products and Energy Labelling (the Ecodesign Forum) started in Brussels on Wednesday (19 Feb) and will continue in person and online until Thursday (20 Feb).
The Forum is key to implementing the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) and, where appropriate, related energy labels.
The ESPR aims to enhance the single market and product sustainability, reduce energy consumption and promote a circular economy in the EU, as well as boost industrial competitiveness. Consistent rules across all Member States will remove barriers and ensure a level playing field. Furthermore, ecodesign and energy labelling rules will encourage innovation and strengthen the EU's reputation as a leader in sustainability.
The Ecodesign Forum serves as a key consultation body to discuss the implementation of the ESPR and energy labelling. With almost 130 members, the Forum brings together a variety of relevant stakeholders, including Member States, industry, NGOs and academia, to ensure a transparent and participatory implementation of the ESPR and energy labelling regulation.
Participants were selected for their experience, representativeness and expertise on priority products listed under the ESPR and in the report of the Commission’s Joint Research Centre on possible priority products. Efforts were made to ensure a cross-sector balance of participants.
Applications still open
As work under the ESPR progresses, the Forum’s composition is set to evolve. Applications for Forum membership therefore remain open, and new members or observers can be admitted at any time. Relevant documents and information about the Forum can be found online by visiting the Register of Commission Expert Groups and Other Similar Entities.
The Rules of Procedure and draft possible priorities of the first Ecodesign for Sustainable Products and Energy Labelling Working Plan will be debated on the first day. The plan will outline priority products and measures to be addressed during ESPR implementation over the next five years.
Subject to the views of stakeholders and final adoption by the Commission, the proposed priority products include textiles (apparel), furniture, steel, aluminium and tyres, energy-related products brought forward from the last Ecodesign and Energy Labelling Working Plans, as well as two horizontal measures on repairability (including scoring), and recyclability and recycled content of electric and electronic equipment.
The Forum will also discuss the preparation of delegated and implementing acts concerning the destruction of unsold consumer products. The acts will set out derogations from the ESPR’s ban on the destruction of unsold apparel and footwear and establish uniform conditions for implementing the disclosure obligation for economic operators destroying unsold consumer products.
First working plan
Looking ahead, the Commission plans to adopt the first ESPR and Energy Labelling Working Plan by April 2025, followed by the adoption of the two acts to prevent the destruction of unsold products by July 2025. New Ecodesign requirements – i.e. harmonised performance and/or information rules – will be developed and adopted for some of the most impactful products on our market to reduce their negative environmental impact, improve environmental information and thus enable conscious consumer choices.
Additionally, mandatory Green Public Procurement requirements may be introduced to boost demand for most sustainable products and create lead markets.
Any new Ecodesign or energy labelling rules on products or horizontal aspects will be developed via thorough preparatory studies and impact assessments. They will be designed to be proportionate for all affected stakeholders, including SMEs. All product design rules will be developed through an iterative, open and inclusive process that involves and consults relevant stakeholders.
European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, Jessika Roswall, present at the first meeting of the Ecodesign Forum, said:
"We stand at a pivotal moment in our journey towards a more sustainable future. The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation is not just a regulatory frameworki, t is a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and economic growth. Our work with the Ecodesign Forum underscores the EU's dedication to creating a circular economy that benefits both our environment and our industries. By harmonising rules and fostering transparency, we are paving the way for a market that values sustainability and drives positive change."
Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy, Stéphane Séjourné, said:
“The launch of the Ecodesign Forum is a key step in advancing Europe’s sustainable product policies. By bringing stakeholders together, we ensure ambitious and practical measures to reduce waste, improve resource efficiency, and drive the circular economy. I look forward to our continued collaboration to turn these commitments into real progress for businesses, consumers, and the environment.”
More information
Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation - EUR-Lex
Details
- Publication date
- 19 February 2025
- Author
- Directorate-General for Environment
