The European Commission is advancing its efforts toward a more sustainable future, with textiles and footwear emerging as leading candidates for prioritization under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR).
This insight comes from a new study conducted by the Joint Research Centre (JRC), which evaluates product groups and requirements for the first ESPR Working Plan. While nothing is final yet, this 390-page report provides valuable context for what could come next.
What is the ESPR and why does this study matter?
The ESPR, which came into force earlier this year, is a cornerstone of the EU’s sustainability strategy. Its aim? To make sustainable products the norm across all industries.
The JRC’s report is a significant step toward shaping the first ESPR Working Plan, expected to be adopted within nine months of the regulation’s enforcement. (before April 2025) The study evaluates which product groups—like textiles, footwear, furniture, and tyres—should be prioritized based on their environmental impact, circularity potential, and market relevance.
However, it’s important to note that this report does not bind the European Commission. The final priorities may differ, depending on broader policy discussions and stakeholder consultations.
What Did the study reveal?
The JRC study assessed various product groups across key parameters, including:
- Environmental impact and improvement potential
- Market relevance and readiness for policy intervention
- Alignment with EU strategic goals, such as material efficiency and open strategic autonomy
The findings?
- Textiles and footwear scored highly across multiple categories, making them strong candidates for early action under the ESPR.
- Other product groups, like furniture and tyres, also showed significant promise, particularly for material efficiency improvements.
While the results are encouraging, they remain recommendations. The final ESPR Working Plan will reflect broader policy considerations and stakeholder input.
What does this mean for companies in textiles and footwear?
Though the ESPR Working Plan is still in development, this report highlights critical areas businesses should prepare for:
- Potential new ecodesign requirements:
Products may need to meet standards for durability, repairability, and recyclability. - Transparency obligations:
A Digital Product Passport (DPP) could become mandatory, requiring detailed supply chain information. - Circular business model incentives:
Reuse, resale, and recycling initiatives are likely to gain momentum.
What’s next?
The first ESPR Working Plan is expected to be adopted after a consultation phase with the Ecodesign Forum. Until then, businesses should:
- Stay informed: This JRC report offers a detailed glimpse into future policy directions.
- Assess readiness: Conduct internal audits to identify gaps in durability, traceability, and circularity.
- Build partnerships: Collaborate with stakeholders to align with anticipated requirements.
Want to dive deeper? Read the full report here!
Curious how to adapt to these changes? Connect with us at Ellie.Connect for expert guidance and actionable insights.
