Study to support the sustainable products initiative

The Sustainable Products Initiative responds to the objectives of the European Green Deal and the Circular Economy Action Plan. It aims to make products placed on the Internal Market fit for a climate neutral, resource efficient and circular economy, reduce waste and ensure that the performance of frontrunners in sustainability becomes the norm. The proposal for an Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), published on 30 March 2022, is the cornerstone of the Commission’s approach to more environmentally sustainable and circular products. It builds on the Ecodesign Directive 2009/125/EC, which covers energy-related products, and expands the approach to make it applicable to the broadest possible range of products. Further, new elements are included in the legislative proposal: for example, digital product passports, which are intended to become the norm for all products regulated under the ESPR, and measures to prevent and stop the destruction of unsold consumer goods. Under this service contract, the study team scientifically assisted the European Commission in analysing questions related to the applicability, further details and operationalisation of certain articles, in preparation for and throughout the political negotiations of the ESPR proposal by the European Commission, Council and European Parliament, until the end of December 2023.