The new EU Ecodesign Regulation will bring about significant changes in product design. The aim is to make sustainable products the norm, which reduces the burden on the environment and benefits consumers. In 2022, the European Commission presented a proposal for a new Ecodesign Regulation that goes beyond the previous Ecodesign Directive. While the latter focused primarily on the energy efficiency of electrical appliances, the new regulation aims to make almost all products recyclable and reduce environmental and climate impacts. On December 5, 2023, the European Parliament and the Council reached an agreement. The new Ecodesign Regulation replaces that of 2005 and also takes into account criteria such as durability, reuse, repairability, recyclability and energy and resource efficiency. The only exceptions are food and feed, medical devices, plant and animal products, vehicles and national security products. The regulations for the product groups are gradually being established by delegated acts. The work program for these acts will be published in the first nine months after the regulation comes into force and updated regularly. Prioritized product groups include iron & steel, aluminum (clothing & shoes), furniture (including mattresses), tires, detergents, lubricants, chemicals, data processing products and electronics . According to the current text, the first delegated acts may not be adopted until twelve months after the regulation comes into force. A ban on the destruction of unsold clothing and shoes will take effect two years after it comes into force. SMEs will be given longer transition periods, micro-entrepreneurs are exempt. The Commission can extend the ban to other product groups. The Ecodesign Regulation also intervenes in public procurement in order to lead to green procurement through implementing acts on technical specifications, award criteria, conditions for contract execution or targets. However, this must not result in disproportionate costs. A digital product passport will become mandatory. In addition to general product information, it will also contain disposal instructions to ensure that all actors along the value chain have relevant information on ecological sustainability.

The benefits of the new EU Ecodesign Regulation for manufacturers, consumers and the environment summarized

Sustainability and environmental friendliness:

• Reduction of environmental impact: Less resource consumption and better recyclability reduce environmental impact and the carbon footprint.
• Circular economy: Products are designed to be recycled and reused, reducing waste and conserving resources.

Cost savings:

• Longer durability and repairability : Consumers save money in the long term through longer-lasting and repairable products.
• Energy and resource efficiency : More efficient products reduce operating costs, especially in terms of energy consumption and maintenance.

Product quality and reliability:

• Higher quality standards : Stricter quality and durability requirements increase reliability and customer satisfaction.

Transparency and consumer information:

• Digital Product Passport : Contains important information about products such as environmental sustainability, disposal instructions and repair options, making it easier to make informed purchasing decisions.
• Sustainability information : Easily accessible information on environmental sustainability strengthens trust in brands and products.

Regulatory compliance and future security:

• Regulatory Compliance : Compliance with the latest requirements minimizes legal risks and improves brand image.
• Ban on the destruction of goods : The ban on the destruction of unsold clothing and shoes promotes more responsible and sustainable product use.

Public procurement:

• Green procurement requirements : Integrating sustainability criteria into public procurement increases the demand for environmentally sustainable products and creates business opportunities for environmentally friendly companies.

We support you

We at Interzero are your competent contact for sustainability . Our vision: a future without waste. To achieve this, we offer resource-saving solutions and close cycles – from analyzing your packaging with ” Made for Recycling ” to optimization with ” Made4Circle “. Use our know-how to implement the Ecodesign Regulation and benefit in your line of business.

Contact us to make a positive contribution to the environment together. Contact us now!