On 23rd April 2024, the European Parliament reached a milestone, paving the way for a greener EU Single Market. They endorsed the legal framework on Eco-design for Sustainable Products Regulation, setting the stage for a more sustainable and circular future. Now, the Council needs to approve this significant legislation to be published in the Official Journal of the European Union.
Once published, the wheels start turning! The work will focus on defining eco-design minimum requirements in the different product categories while preparing for mandatory reporting of unsold goods and ending their destruction.
What will the introduction of ESPR mean?
The core aim of the ESPR is to establish tailored eco-design minimum requirements for various product groups, ensuring only compliant products circulate within the EU Single Market, boosting circularity and sustainability, and levelling the playing field for green products.
Delving into the Regulation reveals its multifaceted impact. It serves as a comprehensive framework, equipping authorities with new powers to enforce compliance while placing added responsibilities on companies. Understanding its nuances is key to grasping its wide-ranging implications.
ESPR as a toolbox
To achieve the ESPR objective, the legislative framework introduces a closed list of levers (Article 5) called eco-design requirements:
The introduction of these requirements will be based on this list of aspects, but the specific form will depend on the product group being legislated. A series of specific product parameters (Annex I) will be prioritised for each product group to achieve the minimum eco-design requirements.
While specific standards are still being developed, policymakers are highlighting sustainability factors for textiles, such as durability, recyclability, recycled content, and environmental footprint.
The ESPR legislative framework further distinguishes the category of these requirements between performance and information requirements.
Enhanced communication with consumers and stakeholders has been a priority for the Commission's Circular Economy Action Plan and the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles. While the Green Claims and Empowering Consumers Directives set the rules for voluntary communication, the ESPR framework complements the scheme by introducing mandatory elements aiming to bring the most relevant elements of sustainability closer to consumers and promote sustainability in the textile sector.
The tool to achieve this objective will primarily be the Digital Product Passport, which will introduce this electronic tool accompanying the product in its life-cycle to improve the transmission of information. The deployment of the DPP will be based on a right-to-know basis regarding the recipients and users of the information. The DPP content will be based on horizontal information requirements, such as product repairability and product-specific details.
Additional obligations to unsold consumer goods
The ESPR legal framework also introduces additional obligations on unsold goods, notably 1) the obligation to report the number and weight of unsold consumer goods and 2) the prohibition to destroy these products. More specifically:
All Disclosure Requirements
Textile Industry Specifics:
Exceptions to the prohibition:
When it comes to the timing of the entry into force of these additional obligations, twelve months after the ESPR legal framework is officially published in the Official Journal of the EU, all companies must meet the disclosure obligation for unsold consumer goods. For the apparel and footwear industry, it will be prohibited to destroy unsold consumer goods 24 months after publication, i.e., one year after the first disclosure of information.
The European Commission is expected to announce more precise wording and the full technical perspective of these additional obligations by mid-2025 through the publication of delegated and implementing acts.
Specific Impacts on the Textile Sector
The implementation of eco-design measures and the ESPR will have a significant and undeniable impact on the textile industry, partly because it will introduce eco-design parameters to an industry that has remained unregulated on this front. The official publication of the final ESPR text in the OJEU will mark the start of the process to define eco-design requirements, with the textile industry prioritised as the first sector to be regulated.
From a practical standpoint, the definition process for the textile sector has already begun, with the development of the JRC preliminary study for apparel textiles serving as the basis for the Delegated Act on eco-design obligations for textiles, expected by the end of 2025.
For the textile sector, it's crucial to closely monitor the definition process of various performance and information requirements. Discussions around these points are essential to kickstart preparations for the implementation of these standards. Moreover, understanding the final form of this framework is vital to mastering the intricate details and functioning of different components of the puzzle that is the Strategy for a Circular and Sustainable Textile Industry by 2030. This includes aspects like defining eco-modulation in the Waste Framework Directive, complementarity with the Textile Labelling Regulation, and the types of claims covered under the Green Claims Directive, among others.
Next steps in the process
The years 2024 and 2025 will be pivotal for the Policy Hub - Circularity for Apparel & Footwear in the context of the implementation of the ESPR. Right now, our efforts are centred on shaping the textile industry's stance on eco-design requirements while gathering crucial technical insights to bolster the process. We're also keeping a close eye on the various components' implementation and actively engaging with both industry players and policymakers.
Together, we're gearing up for the months ahead, ensuring we're well-prepared for the journey ahead.
On 23rd April 2024, the European Parliament reached a milestone, paving the way for a greener EU Single Market. They endorsed the legal framework on Eco-design for Sustainable Products Regulation, setting the stage for a more sustainable and circular future. Now, the Council needs to approve this significant legislation to be published in the Official Journal of the European Union.
Once published, the wheels start turning! The work will focus on defining eco-design minimum requirements in the different product categories while preparing for mandatory reporting of unsold goods and ending their destruction.
What will the introduction of ESPR mean?
The core aim of the ESPR is to establish tailored eco-design minimum requirements for various product groups, ensuring only compliant products circulate within the EU Single Market, boosting circularity and sustainability, and levelling the playing field for green products.
Delving into the Regulation reveals its multifaceted impact. It serves as a comprehensive framework, equipping authorities with new powers to enforce compliance while placing added responsibilities on companies. Understanding its nuances is key to grasping its wide-ranging implications.
ESPR as a toolbox
To achieve the ESPR objective, the legislative framework introduces a closed list of levers (Article 5) called eco-design requirements:
The introduction of these requirements will be based on this list of aspects, but the specific form will depend on the product group being legislated. A series of specific product parameters (Annex I) will be prioritised for each product group to achieve the minimum eco-design requirements.
While specific standards are still being developed, policymakers are highlighting sustainability factors for textiles, such as durability, recyclability, recycled content, and environmental footprint.
The ESPR legislative framework further distinguishes the category of these requirements between performance and information requirements.
Enhanced communication with consumers and stakeholders has been a priority for the Commission's Circular Economy Action Plan and the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles. While the Green Claims and Empowering Consumers Directives set the rules for voluntary communication, the ESPR framework complements the scheme by introducing mandatory elements aiming to bring the most relevant elements of sustainability closer to consumers and promote sustainability in the textile sector.
The tool to achieve this objective will primarily be the Digital Product Passport, which will introduce this electronic tool accompanying the product in its life-cycle to improve the transmission of information. The deployment of the DPP will be based on a right-to-know basis regarding the recipients and users of the information. The DPP content will be based on horizontal information requirements, such as product repairability and product-specific details.
Additional obligations to unsold consumer goods
The ESPR legal framework also introduces additional obligations on unsold goods, notably 1) the obligation to report the number and weight of unsold consumer goods and 2) the prohibition to destroy these products. More specifically:
All Disclosure Requirements
Textile Industry Specifics:
Exceptions to the prohibition:
When it comes to the timing of the entry into force of these additional obligations, twelve months after the ESPR legal framework is officially published in the Official Journal of the EU, all companies must meet the disclosure obligation for unsold consumer goods. For the apparel and footwear industry, it will be prohibited to destroy unsold consumer goods 24 months after publication, i.e., one year after the first disclosure of information.
The European Commission is expected to announce more precise wording and the full technical perspective of these additional obligations by mid-2025 through the publication of delegated and implementing acts.
Specific Impacts on the Textile Sector
The implementation of eco-design measures and the ESPR will have a significant and undeniable impact on the textile industry, partly because it will introduce eco-design parameters to an industry that has remained unregulated on this front. The official publication of the final ESPR text in the OJEU will mark the start of the process to define eco-design requirements, with the textile industry prioritised as the first sector to be regulated.
From a practical standpoint, the definition process for the textile sector has already begun, with the development of the JRC preliminary study for apparel textiles serving as the basis for the Delegated Act on eco-design obligations for textiles, expected by the end of 2025.
For the textile sector, it's crucial to closely monitor the definition process of various performance and information requirements. Discussions around these points are essential to kickstart preparations for the implementation of these standards. Moreover, understanding the final form of this framework is vital to mastering the intricate details and functioning of different components of the puzzle that is the Strategy for a Circular and Sustainable Textile Industry by 2030. This includes aspects like defining eco-modulation in the Waste Framework Directive, complementarity with the Textile Labelling Regulation, and the types of claims covered under the Green Claims Directive, among others.
Next steps in the process
The years 2024 and 2025 will be pivotal for the Policy Hub - Circularity for Apparel & Footwear in the context of the implementation of the ESPR. Right now, our efforts are centred on shaping the textile industry's stance on eco-design requirements while gathering crucial technical insights to bolster the process. We're also keeping a close eye on the various components' implementation and actively engaging with both industry players and policymakers.
Together, we're gearing up for the months ahead, ensuring we're well-prepared for the journey ahead.
On 23rd April 2024, the European Parliament reached a milestone, paving the way for a greener EU Single Market. They endorsed the legal framework on Eco-design for Sustainable Products Regulation, setting the stage for a more sustainable and circular future. Now, the Council needs to approve this significant legislation to be published in the Official Journal of the European Union.
Once published, the wheels start turning! The work will focus on defining eco-design minimum requirements in the different product categories while preparing for mandatory reporting of unsold goods and ending their destruction.
What will the introduction of ESPR mean?
The core aim of the ESPR is to establish tailored eco-design minimum requirements for various product groups, ensuring only compliant products circulate within the EU Single Market, boosting circularity and sustainability, and levelling the playing field for green products.
Delving into the Regulation reveals its multifaceted impact. It serves as a comprehensive framework, equipping authorities with new powers to enforce compliance while placing added responsibilities on companies. Understanding its nuances is key to grasping its wide-ranging implications.
ESPR as a toolbox
To achieve the ESPR objective, the legislative framework introduces a closed list of levers (Article 5) called eco-design requirements:
The introduction of these requirements will be based on this list of aspects, but the specific form will depend on the product group being legislated. A series of specific product parameters (Annex I) will be prioritised for each product group to achieve the minimum eco-design requirements.
While specific standards are still being developed, policymakers are highlighting sustainability factors for textiles, such as durability, recyclability, recycled content, and environmental footprint.
The ESPR legislative framework further distinguishes the category of these requirements between performance and information requirements.
Enhanced communication with consumers and stakeholders has been a priority for the Commission's Circular Economy Action Plan and the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles. While the Green Claims and Empowering Consumers Directives set the rules for voluntary communication, the ESPR framework complements the scheme by introducing mandatory elements aiming to bring the most relevant elements of sustainability closer to consumers and promote sustainability in the textile sector.
The tool to achieve this objective will primarily be the Digital Product Passport, which will introduce this electronic tool accompanying the product in its life-cycle to improve the transmission of information. The deployment of the DPP will be based on a right-to-know basis regarding the recipients and users of the information. The DPP content will be based on horizontal information requirements, such as product repairability and product-specific details.
Additional obligations to unsold consumer goods
The ESPR legal framework also introduces additional obligations on unsold goods, notably 1) the obligation to report the number and weight of unsold consumer goods and 2) the prohibition to destroy these products. More specifically:
All Disclosure Requirements
Textile Industry Specifics:
Exceptions to the prohibition:
When it comes to the timing of the entry into force of these additional obligations, twelve months after the ESPR legal framework is officially published in the Official Journal of the EU, all companies must meet the disclosure obligation for unsold consumer goods. For the apparel and footwear industry, it will be prohibited to destroy unsold consumer goods 24 months after publication, i.e., one year after the first disclosure of information.
The European Commission is expected to announce more precise wording and the full technical perspective of these additional obligations by mid-2025 through the publication of delegated and implementing acts.
Specific Impacts on the Textile Sector
The implementation of eco-design measures and the ESPR will have a significant and undeniable impact on the textile industry, partly because it will introduce eco-design parameters to an industry that has remained unregulated on this front. The official publication of the final ESPR text in the OJEU will mark the start of the process to define eco-design requirements, with the textile industry prioritised as the first sector to be regulated.
From a practical standpoint, the definition process for the textile sector has already begun, with the development of the JRC preliminary study for apparel textiles serving as the basis for the Delegated Act on eco-design obligations for textiles, expected by the end of 2025.
For the textile sector, it's crucial to closely monitor the definition process of various performance and information requirements. Discussions around these points are essential to kickstart preparations for the implementation of these standards. Moreover, understanding the final form of this framework is vital to mastering the intricate details and functioning of different components of the puzzle that is the Strategy for a Circular and Sustainable Textile Industry by 2030. This includes aspects like defining eco-modulation in the Waste Framework Directive, complementarity with the Textile Labelling Regulation, and the types of claims covered under the Green Claims Directive, among others.
Next steps in the process
The years 2024 and 2025 will be pivotal for the Policy Hub - Circularity for Apparel & Footwear in the context of the implementation of the ESPR. Right now, our efforts are centred on shaping the textile industry's stance on eco-design requirements while gathering crucial technical insights to bolster the process. We're also keeping a close eye on the various components' implementation and actively engaging with both industry players and policymakers.
Together, we're gearing up for the months ahead, ensuring we're well-prepared for the journey ahead.
On 23rd April 2024, the European Parliament reached a milestone, paving the way for a greener EU Single Market. They endorsed the legal framework on Eco-design for Sustainable Products Regulation, setting the stage for a more sustainable and circular future. Now, the Council needs to approve this significant legislation to be published in the Official Journal of the European Union.
Once published, the wheels start turning! The work will focus on defining eco-design minimum requirements in the different product categories while preparing for mandatory reporting of unsold goods and ending their destruction.
What will the introduction of ESPR mean?
The core aim of the ESPR is to establish tailored eco-design minimum requirements for various product groups, ensuring only compliant products circulate within the EU Single Market, boosting circularity and sustainability, and levelling the playing field for green products.
Delving into the Regulation reveals its multifaceted impact. It serves as a comprehensive framework, equipping authorities with new powers to enforce compliance while placing added responsibilities on companies. Understanding its nuances is key to grasping its wide-ranging implications.
ESPR as a toolbox
To achieve the ESPR objective, the legislative framework introduces a closed list of levers (Article 5) called eco-design requirements:
The introduction of these requirements will be based on this list of aspects, but the specific form will depend on the product group being legislated. A series of specific product parameters (Annex I) will be prioritised for each product group to achieve the minimum eco-design requirements.
While specific standards are still being developed, policymakers are highlighting sustainability factors for textiles, such as durability, recyclability, recycled content, and environmental footprint.
The ESPR legislative framework further distinguishes the category of these requirements between performance and information requirements.
Enhanced communication with consumers and stakeholders has been a priority for the Commission's Circular Economy Action Plan and the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles. While the Green Claims and Empowering Consumers Directives set the rules for voluntary communication, the ESPR framework complements the scheme by introducing mandatory elements aiming to bring the most relevant elements of sustainability closer to consumers and promote sustainability in the textile sector.
The tool to achieve this objective will primarily be the Digital Product Passport, which will introduce this electronic tool accompanying the product in its life-cycle to improve the transmission of information. The deployment of the DPP will be based on a right-to-know basis regarding the recipients and users of the information. The DPP content will be based on horizontal information requirements, such as product repairability and product-specific details.
Additional obligations to unsold consumer goods
The ESPR legal framework also introduces additional obligations on unsold goods, notably 1) the obligation to report the number and weight of unsold consumer goods and 2) the prohibition to destroy these products. More specifically:
All Disclosure Requirements
Textile Industry Specifics:
Exceptions to the prohibition:
When it comes to the timing of the entry into force of these additional obligations, twelve months after the ESPR legal framework is officially published in the Official Journal of the EU, all companies must meet the disclosure obligation for unsold consumer goods. For the apparel and footwear industry, it will be prohibited to destroy unsold consumer goods 24 months after publication, i.e., one year after the first disclosure of information.
The European Commission is expected to announce more precise wording and the full technical perspective of these additional obligations by mid-2025 through the publication of delegated and implementing acts.
Specific Impacts on the Textile Sector
The implementation of eco-design measures and the ESPR will have a significant and undeniable impact on the textile industry, partly because it will introduce eco-design parameters to an industry that has remained unregulated on this front. The official publication of the final ESPR text in the OJEU will mark the start of the process to define eco-design requirements, with the textile industry prioritised as the first sector to be regulated.
From a practical standpoint, the definition process for the textile sector has already begun, with the development of the JRC preliminary study for apparel textiles serving as the basis for the Delegated Act on eco-design obligations for textiles, expected by the end of 2025.
For the textile sector, it's crucial to closely monitor the definition process of various performance and information requirements. Discussions around these points are essential to kickstart preparations for the implementation of these standards. Moreover, understanding the final form of this framework is vital to mastering the intricate details and functioning of different components of the puzzle that is the Strategy for a Circular and Sustainable Textile Industry by 2030. This includes aspects like defining eco-modulation in the Waste Framework Directive, complementarity with the Textile Labelling Regulation, and the types of claims covered under the Green Claims Directive, among others.
Next steps in the process
The years 2024 and 2025 will be pivotal for the Policy Hub - Circularity for Apparel & Footwear in the context of the implementation of the ESPR. Right now, our efforts are centred on shaping the textile industry's stance on eco-design requirements while gathering crucial technical insights to bolster the process. We're also keeping a close eye on the various components' implementation and actively engaging with both industry players and policymakers.
Together, we're gearing up for the months ahead, ensuring we're well-prepared for the journey ahead.
On 23rd April 2024, the European Parliament reached a milestone, paving the way for a greener EU Single Market. They endorsed the legal framework on Eco-design for Sustainable Products Regulation, setting the stage for a more sustainable and circular future. Now, the Council needs to approve this significant legislation to be published in the Official Journal of the European Union.
Once published, the wheels start turning! The work will focus on defining eco-design minimum requirements in the different product categories while preparing for mandatory reporting of unsold goods and ending their destruction.
What will the introduction of ESPR mean?
The core aim of the ESPR is to establish tailored eco-design minimum requirements for various product groups, ensuring only compliant products circulate within the EU Single Market, boosting circularity and sustainability, and levelling the playing field for green products.
Delving into the Regulation reveals its multifaceted impact. It serves as a comprehensive framework, equipping authorities with new powers to enforce compliance while placing added responsibilities on companies. Understanding its nuances is key to grasping its wide-ranging implications.
ESPR as a toolbox
To achieve the ESPR objective, the legislative framework introduces a closed list of levers (Article 5) called eco-design requirements:
The introduction of these requirements will be based on this list of aspects, but the specific form will depend on the product group being legislated. A series of specific product parameters (Annex I) will be prioritised for each product group to achieve the minimum eco-design requirements.
While specific standards are still being developed, policymakers are highlighting sustainability factors for textiles, such as durability, recyclability, recycled content, and environmental footprint.
The ESPR legislative framework further distinguishes the category of these requirements between performance and information requirements.
Enhanced communication with consumers and stakeholders has been a priority for the Commission's Circular Economy Action Plan and the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles. While the Green Claims and Empowering Consumers Directives set the rules for voluntary communication, the ESPR framework complements the scheme by introducing mandatory elements aiming to bring the most relevant elements of sustainability closer to consumers and promote sustainability in the textile sector.
The tool to achieve this objective will primarily be the Digital Product Passport, which will introduce this electronic tool accompanying the product in its life-cycle to improve the transmission of information. The deployment of the DPP will be based on a right-to-know basis regarding the recipients and users of the information. The DPP content will be based on horizontal information requirements, such as product repairability and product-specific details.
Additional obligations to unsold consumer goods
The ESPR legal framework also introduces additional obligations on unsold goods, notably 1) the obligation to report the number and weight of unsold consumer goods and 2) the prohibition to destroy these products. More specifically:
All Disclosure Requirements
Textile Industry Specifics:
Exceptions to the prohibition:
When it comes to the timing of the entry into force of these additional obligations, twelve months after the ESPR legal framework is officially published in the Official Journal of the EU, all companies must meet the disclosure obligation for unsold consumer goods. For the apparel and footwear industry, it will be prohibited to destroy unsold consumer goods 24 months after publication, i.e., one year after the first disclosure of information.
The European Commission is expected to announce more precise wording and the full technical perspective of these additional obligations by mid-2025 through the publication of delegated and implementing acts.
Specific Impacts on the Textile Sector
The implementation of eco-design measures and the ESPR will have a significant and undeniable impact on the textile industry, partly because it will introduce eco-design parameters to an industry that has remained unregulated on this front. The official publication of the final ESPR text in the OJEU will mark the start of the process to define eco-design requirements, with the textile industry prioritised as the first sector to be regulated.
From a practical standpoint, the definition process for the textile sector has already begun, with the development of the JRC preliminary study for apparel textiles serving as the basis for the Delegated Act on eco-design obligations for textiles, expected by the end of 2025.
For the textile sector, it's crucial to closely monitor the definition process of various performance and information requirements. Discussions around these points are essential to kickstart preparations for the implementation of these standards. Moreover, understanding the final form of this framework is vital to mastering the intricate details and functioning of different components of the puzzle that is the Strategy for a Circular and Sustainable Textile Industry by 2030. This includes aspects like defining eco-modulation in the Waste Framework Directive, complementarity with the Textile Labelling Regulation, and the types of claims covered under the Green Claims Directive, among others.
Next steps in the process
The years 2024 and 2025 will be pivotal for the Policy Hub - Circularity for Apparel & Footwear in the context of the implementation of the ESPR. Right now, our efforts are centred on shaping the textile industry's stance on eco-design requirements while gathering crucial technical insights to bolster the process. We're also keeping a close eye on the various components' implementation and actively engaging with both industry players and policymakers.
Together, we're gearing up for the months ahead, ensuring we're well-prepared for the journey ahead.
On 23rd April 2024, the European Parliament reached a milestone, paving the way for a greener EU Single Market. They endorsed the legal framework on Eco-design for Sustainable Products Regulation, setting the stage for a more sustainable and circular future. Now, the Council needs to approve this significant legislation to be published in the Official Journal of the European Union.
Once published, the wheels start turning! The work will focus on defining eco-design minimum requirements in the different product categories while preparing for mandatory reporting of unsold goods and ending their destruction.
What will the introduction of ESPR mean?
The core aim of the ESPR is to establish tailored eco-design minimum requirements for various product groups, ensuring only compliant products circulate within the EU Single Market, boosting circularity and sustainability, and levelling the playing field for green products.
Delving into the Regulation reveals its multifaceted impact. It serves as a comprehensive framework, equipping authorities with new powers to enforce compliance while placing added responsibilities on companies. Understanding its nuances is key to grasping its wide-ranging implications.
ESPR as a toolbox
To achieve the ESPR objective, the legislative framework introduces a closed list of levers (Article 5) called eco-design requirements:
The introduction of these requirements will be based on this list of aspects, but the specific form will depend on the product group being legislated. A series of specific product parameters (Annex I) will be prioritised for each product group to achieve the minimum eco-design requirements.
While specific standards are still being developed, policymakers are highlighting sustainability factors for textiles, such as durability, recyclability, recycled content, and environmental footprint.
The ESPR legislative framework further distinguishes the category of these requirements between performance and information requirements.
Enhanced communication with consumers and stakeholders has been a priority for the Commission's Circular Economy Action Plan and the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles. While the Green Claims and Empowering Consumers Directives set the rules for voluntary communication, the ESPR framework complements the scheme by introducing mandatory elements aiming to bring the most relevant elements of sustainability closer to consumers and promote sustainability in the textile sector.
The tool to achieve this objective will primarily be the Digital Product Passport, which will introduce this electronic tool accompanying the product in its life-cycle to improve the transmission of information. The deployment of the DPP will be based on a right-to-know basis regarding the recipients and users of the information. The DPP content will be based on horizontal information requirements, such as product repairability and product-specific details.
Additional obligations to unsold consumer goods
The ESPR legal framework also introduces additional obligations on unsold goods, notably 1) the obligation to report the number and weight of unsold consumer goods and 2) the prohibition to destroy these products. More specifically:
All Disclosure Requirements
Textile Industry Specifics:
Exceptions to the prohibition:
When it comes to the timing of the entry into force of these additional obligations, twelve months after the ESPR legal framework is officially published in the Official Journal of the EU, all companies must meet the disclosure obligation for unsold consumer goods. For the apparel and footwear industry, it will be prohibited to destroy unsold consumer goods 24 months after publication, i.e., one year after the first disclosure of information.
The European Commission is expected to announce more precise wording and the full technical perspective of these additional obligations by mid-2025 through the publication of delegated and implementing acts.
Specific Impacts on the Textile Sector
The implementation of eco-design measures and the ESPR will have a significant and undeniable impact on the textile industry, partly because it will introduce eco-design parameters to an industry that has remained unregulated on this front. The official publication of the final ESPR text in the OJEU will mark the start of the process to define eco-design requirements, with the textile industry prioritised as the first sector to be regulated.
From a practical standpoint, the definition process for the textile sector has already begun, with the development of the JRC preliminary study for apparel textiles serving as the basis for the Delegated Act on eco-design obligations for textiles, expected by the end of 2025.
For the textile sector, it's crucial to closely monitor the definition process of various performance and information requirements. Discussions around these points are essential to kickstart preparations for the implementation of these standards. Moreover, understanding the final form of this framework is vital to mastering the intricate details and functioning of different components of the puzzle that is the Strategy for a Circular and Sustainable Textile Industry by 2030. This includes aspects like defining eco-modulation in the Waste Framework Directive, complementarity with the Textile Labelling Regulation, and the types of claims covered under the Green Claims Directive, among others.
Next steps in the process
The years 2024 and 2025 will be pivotal for the Policy Hub - Circularity for Apparel & Footwear in the context of the implementation of the ESPR. Right now, our efforts are centred on shaping the textile industry's stance on eco-design requirements while gathering crucial technical insights to bolster the process. We're also keeping a close eye on the various components' implementation and actively engaging with both industry players and policymakers.
Together, we're gearing up for the months ahead, ensuring we're well-prepared for the journey ahead.
On 23rd April 2024, the European Parliament reached a milestone, paving the way for a greener EU Single Market. They endorsed the legal framework on Eco-design for Sustainable Products Regulation, setting the stage for a more sustainable and circular future. Now, the Council needs to approve this significant legislation to be published in the Official Journal of the European Union.
Once published, the wheels start turning! The work will focus on defining eco-design minimum requirements in the different product categories while preparing for mandatory reporting of unsold goods and ending their destruction.
What will the introduction of ESPR mean?
The core aim of the ESPR is to establish tailored eco-design minimum requirements for various product groups, ensuring only compliant products circulate within the EU Single Market, boosting circularity and sustainability, and levelling the playing field for green products.
Delving into the Regulation reveals its multifaceted impact. It serves as a comprehensive framework, equipping authorities with new powers to enforce compliance while placing added responsibilities on companies. Understanding its nuances is key to grasping its wide-ranging implications.
ESPR as a toolbox
To achieve the ESPR objective, the legislative framework introduces a closed list of levers (Article 5) called eco-design requirements:
The introduction of these requirements will be based on this list of aspects, but the specific form will depend on the product group being legislated. A series of specific product parameters (Annex I) will be prioritised for each product group to achieve the minimum eco-design requirements.
While specific standards are still being developed, policymakers are highlighting sustainability factors for textiles, such as durability, recyclability, recycled content, and environmental footprint.
The ESPR legislative framework further distinguishes the category of these requirements between performance and information requirements.
Enhanced communication with consumers and stakeholders has been a priority for the Commission's Circular Economy Action Plan and the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles. While the Green Claims and Empowering Consumers Directives set the rules for voluntary communication, the ESPR framework complements the scheme by introducing mandatory elements aiming to bring the most relevant elements of sustainability closer to consumers and promote sustainability in the textile sector.
The tool to achieve this objective will primarily be the Digital Product Passport, which will introduce this electronic tool accompanying the product in its life-cycle to improve the transmission of information. The deployment of the DPP will be based on a right-to-know basis regarding the recipients and users of the information. The DPP content will be based on horizontal information requirements, such as product repairability and product-specific details.
Additional obligations to unsold consumer goods
The ESPR legal framework also introduces additional obligations on unsold goods, notably 1) the obligation to report the number and weight of unsold consumer goods and 2) the prohibition to destroy these products. More specifically:
All Disclosure Requirements
Textile Industry Specifics:
Exceptions to the prohibition:
When it comes to the timing of the entry into force of these additional obligations, twelve months after the ESPR legal framework is officially published in the Official Journal of the EU, all companies must meet the disclosure obligation for unsold consumer goods. For the apparel and footwear industry, it will be prohibited to destroy unsold consumer goods 24 months after publication, i.e., one year after the first disclosure of information.
The European Commission is expected to announce more precise wording and the full technical perspective of these additional obligations by mid-2025 through the publication of delegated and implementing acts.
Specific Impacts on the Textile Sector
The implementation of eco-design measures and the ESPR will have a significant and undeniable impact on the textile industry, partly because it will introduce eco-design parameters to an industry that has remained unregulated on this front. The official publication of the final ESPR text in the OJEU will mark the start of the process to define eco-design requirements, with the textile industry prioritised as the first sector to be regulated.
From a practical standpoint, the definition process for the textile sector has already begun, with the development of the JRC preliminary study for apparel textiles serving as the basis for the Delegated Act on eco-design obligations for textiles, expected by the end of 2025.
For the textile sector, it's crucial to closely monitor the definition process of various performance and information requirements. Discussions around these points are essential to kickstart preparations for the implementation of these standards. Moreover, understanding the final form of this framework is vital to mastering the intricate details and functioning of different components of the puzzle that is the Strategy for a Circular and Sustainable Textile Industry by 2030. This includes aspects like defining eco-modulation in the Waste Framework Directive, complementarity with the Textile Labelling Regulation, and the types of claims covered under the Green Claims Directive, among others.
Next steps in the process
The years 2024 and 2025 will be pivotal for the Policy Hub - Circularity for Apparel & Footwear in the context of the implementation of the ESPR. Right now, our efforts are centred on shaping the textile industry's stance on eco-design requirements while gathering crucial technical insights to bolster the process. We're also keeping a close eye on the various components' implementation and actively engaging with both industry players and policymakers.
Together, we're gearing up for the months ahead, ensuring we're well-prepared for the journey ahead.
On 23rd April 2024, the European Parliament reached a milestone, paving the way for a greener EU Single Market. They endorsed the legal framework on Eco-design for Sustainable Products Regulation, setting the stage for a more sustainable and circular future. Now, the Council needs to approve this significant legislation to be published in the Official Journal of the European Union.
Once published, the wheels start turning! The work will focus on defining eco-design minimum requirements in the different product categories while preparing for mandatory reporting of unsold goods and ending their destruction.
What will the introduction of ESPR mean?
The core aim of the ESPR is to establish tailored eco-design minimum requirements for various product groups, ensuring only compliant products circulate within the EU Single Market, boosting circularity and sustainability, and levelling the playing field for green products.
Delving into the Regulation reveals its multifaceted impact. It serves as a comprehensive framework, equipping authorities with new powers to enforce compliance while placing added responsibilities on companies. Understanding its nuances is key to grasping its wide-ranging implications.
ESPR as a toolbox
To achieve the ESPR objective, the legislative framework introduces a closed list of levers (Article 5) called eco-design requirements:
The introduction of these requirements will be based on this list of aspects, but the specific form will depend on the product group being legislated. A series of specific product parameters (Annex I) will be prioritised for each product group to achieve the minimum eco-design requirements.
While specific standards are still being developed, policymakers are highlighting sustainability factors for textiles, such as durability, recyclability, recycled content, and environmental footprint.
The ESPR legislative framework further distinguishes the category of these requirements between performance and information requirements.
Enhanced communication with consumers and stakeholders has been a priority for the Commission's Circular Economy Action Plan and the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles. While the Green Claims and Empowering Consumers Directives set the rules for voluntary communication, the ESPR framework complements the scheme by introducing mandatory elements aiming to bring the most relevant elements of sustainability closer to consumers and promote sustainability in the textile sector.
The tool to achieve this objective will primarily be the Digital Product Passport, which will introduce this electronic tool accompanying the product in its life-cycle to improve the transmission of information. The deployment of the DPP will be based on a right-to-know basis regarding the recipients and users of the information. The DPP content will be based on horizontal information requirements, such as product repairability and product-specific details.
Additional obligations to unsold consumer goods
The ESPR legal framework also introduces additional obligations on unsold goods, notably 1) the obligation to report the number and weight of unsold consumer goods and 2) the prohibition to destroy these products. More specifically:
All Disclosure Requirements
Textile Industry Specifics:
Exceptions to the prohibition:
When it comes to the timing of the entry into force of these additional obligations, twelve months after the ESPR legal framework is officially published in the Official Journal of the EU, all companies must meet the disclosure obligation for unsold consumer goods. For the apparel and footwear industry, it will be prohibited to destroy unsold consumer goods 24 months after publication, i.e., one year after the first disclosure of information.
The European Commission is expected to announce more precise wording and the full technical perspective of these additional obligations by mid-2025 through the publication of delegated and implementing acts.
Specific Impacts on the Textile Sector
The implementation of eco-design measures and the ESPR will have a significant and undeniable impact on the textile industry, partly because it will introduce eco-design parameters to an industry that has remained unregulated on this front. The official publication of the final ESPR text in the OJEU will mark the start of the process to define eco-design requirements, with the textile industry prioritised as the first sector to be regulated.
From a practical standpoint, the definition process for the textile sector has already begun, with the development of the JRC preliminary study for apparel textiles serving as the basis for the Delegated Act on eco-design obligations for textiles, expected by the end of 2025.
For the textile sector, it's crucial to closely monitor the definition process of various performance and information requirements. Discussions around these points are essential to kickstart preparations for the implementation of these standards. Moreover, understanding the final form of this framework is vital to mastering the intricate details and functioning of different components of the puzzle that is the Strategy for a Circular and Sustainable Textile Industry by 2030. This includes aspects like defining eco-modulation in the Waste Framework Directive, complementarity with the Textile Labelling Regulation, and the types of claims covered under the Green Claims Directive, among others.
Next steps in the process
The years 2024 and 2025 will be pivotal for the Policy Hub - Circularity for Apparel & Footwear in the context of the implementation of the ESPR. Right now, our efforts are centred on shaping the textile industry's stance on eco-design requirements while gathering crucial technical insights to bolster the process. We're also keeping a close eye on the various components' implementation and actively engaging with both industry players and policymakers.
Together, we're gearing up for the months ahead, ensuring we're well-prepared for the journey ahead.
