European Council Adopts Comprehensive Ecodesign Regulation for Sustainable Products in the EU
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- Published: Tuesday, 28 May 2024 15:44
In a landmark move towards sustainability, the European Council has officially adopted the ecodesign regulation, setting stringent requirements for products sold within the European Union (EU). This regulation represents a significant enhancement over the previous ecodesign directive, broadening its scope to encompass all goods placed on the EU market, rather than being limited to energy products alone.
One of the standout provisions of the new regulation is the ban on the destruction of unsold textiles and footwear. While this ban includes temporary exclusions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), it signifies a strong move towards reducing waste and encouraging sustainable practices. The regulation also authorizes the European Commission to extend similar bans to other product categories in the future.
The regulation introduces comprehensive criteria that products must meet, which includes ensuring durability, reusability, upgradability, reparability, and efficiency in both energy and resource use. Furthermore, it sets forth rules regarding the use of substances that could inhibit circularity, mandates recycled content, and encourages remanufacturing and recycling processes.
A notable innovation within the regulation is the requirement for a Digital Product Passport. This passport aims to enhance transparency and traceability, helping consumers and regulators better understand the environmental impact and lifecycle of products.
To further promote the adoption of green products, the ecodesign criteria will be integrated into public procurement processes. This alignment aims to encourage public entities to prioritize sustainable products, setting a standard for the market. Additionally, the regulation will harmonize with the Digital Services Act, ensuring that products sold online meet the same rigorous standards as those sold offline.
Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Economy and Employment, Pierre-Yves Dermagne, emphasized the regulation's role in fostering a circular economy: "With the ecodesign regulation, we create the right incentives for the industry to think circular from the very design conception of the products they plan to produce and sell in the EU."
Following the Council’s approval, the legislative act will be signed by the Presidents of the European Parliament and the European Council. It will then be published in the Official Journal of the European Union, coming into force 20 days post-publication. The regulation will start applying 24 months after it enters into force, providing ample time for industries to adapt to the new requirements.
The previous Ecodesign Directive 2009/125/EC focused primarily on energy efficiency, successfully saving approximately €120 billion (~$130.58 billion) in energy costs and reducing annual energy consumption by 10 percent for the covered products. The new regulation, proposed by the Commission on March 30, 2022, represents an evolution in policy, reflecting the EU's broader sustainability goals. The Council adopted its general approach on May 23, 2023, and a provisional agreement with the European Parliament was reached on December 4, 2023.
As the EU moves forward with this ambitious regulation, it sets a global benchmark for sustainability, pushing industries towards innovative and environmentally friendly practices from the ground up. The ecodesign regulation not only addresses immediate environmental concerns but also paves the way for a more sustainable future.