New EU requirements make it easier to consume sustainably

The EU's Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) will mean new requirements for producers and better opportunities for consumers to make sustainable choices. IVL experts Maja Häggström and Arvin Ghasemi explain what the new framework means in practice.

On 16 April 2025, the European Commission adopted the first working plan for 2025-2030 under the framework of the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). The framework specifies sustainability requirements for products sold in the EU.

The ESPR is an important step towards a more circular and sustainable EU, and will affect both producers and consumers throughout the Union. By setting harmonized requirements for products sold in the EU, the ESPR is expected to promote innovation and increase demand for sustainable products, says Maja Häggström, sustainability expert at IVL.

Digital Product Passports boost transparency

The ESPR aims to reduce environmental impacts and resource use, and to strengthen EU competitiveness. Part of this is the development of Digital Product Passports (DPPs) to improve transparency and information on product sustainability.

The new working plan will affect a wide range of stakeholders, including producers, consumers, government agencies and international actors. End products such as textiles, furniture, tires and so-called intermediate products such as steel and aluminium, as well as electronics, are prioritized. For some products the requirements are to be met as early as 2027.

For producers, it means new requirements for sustainability information and performance, such as whether products are repairable and recyclable and whether they contain recycled materials. For consumers, it means better information that can make it easier to make informed choices. Government agencies will play a key role in ensuring compliance, says Arvin Ghasemi, chemicals expert at IVL.

In the short term, the ESPR will require businesses to adapt to meet the new requirements, which may involve initial costs. For small and medium-sized enterprises, the requirements can be challenging. It is therefore important that the EU supports businesses during the transition.

In the longer term, the new requirements are expected to lead to lower energy consumption, reduced climate impact and increased resource efficiency. And hopefully increased competitiveness for European businesses.

Production outside the EU also affected

The requirements within the EU will also affect production outside the Union. By imposing requirements on all products sold in the EU, including imported goods, they will affect global supply chains and drive higher sustainability standards outside the EU as well.

This can lead to increased competitiveness for EU companies, but also to tensions if other countries see the requirements as trade barriers. At the same time, it can inspire other regions to follow the EU's example and adopt similar rules, which would strengthen the global sustainability agenda, says Maja Häggström.

Businesses will better understand their value chain and the needs of consumers. And hopefully, consumers will save money through longer product life and lower energy costs," says Arvin Ghasemi.

IVL is conducting several projects related to ESPR and DPPs, including digital product passports in the construction sector.

For more information, contact:
Maja Häggström, tel. +46 (0)10-7886707, maja.haggstrom@ivl.se
Arvin Ghasemi, tel. +46 (0)10-7886527, arvin.ghasemi@ivl.se