The European Union has taken another step in the development of sustainability and energy efficiency by adopting a new ecodesign regulation on June 13, 2024—European Parliament and Council Regulation (EU) 2024/1781. This regulation establishes a framework for setting ecodesign requirements for sustainable products, amends Directive (EU) 2020/1828 and Regulation (EU) 2023/1542, and repeals Directive 2009/125/EC (hereafter referred to as the Ecodesign Regulation).
The Ecodesign Regulation came into effect on July 18, 2024, and will eventually fully replace the Ecodesign Directive 2009/125/EC, which currently sets energy efficiency requirements for 31 product groups, including computers, fans, washing machines, phones, refrigerators, and light sources. According to estimates by the European Commission, the previous directive has allowed for savings of €120 billion in energy costs in 2021 alone, as well as a 10% reduction in the annual energy consumption of products covered by the ecodesign requirements.[1]
The Ecodesign Regulation includes transitional provisions that allow for the adoption of implementing measures under Directive 2009/125/EC after the regulation comes into force. Consequently, the Ecodesign Regulation will gradually replace the existing framework by December 31, 2026.
It should be noted that the Ecodesign Regulation is designed as a horizontal framework, allowing new requirements to be introduced for products with the aim of reducing their environmental impact throughout their life cycle, promoting the circular economy, and improving resource efficiency overall. Significantly, the regulation aims to substantially expand the range of products to which the new requirements can apply. In fact, almost any product or intermediate product could potentially fall within the scope of the Ecodesign Regulation.
Based on the Ecodesign Regulation, in March 2025 and every three years thereafter, the European Commission will issue a work plan outlining the scope of products that will eventually be subject to the new sustainable product requirements. The specific requirements for each product group will be discussed in the Ecodesign Forum, where representatives of the relevant industries can participate. Based on the results of these consultations, the European Commission will issue delegated acts for each specific product group. After the issuance of any delegated act, companies will be given 18 months to comply with the requirements.
The European Commission initially plans to include products such as iron and steel, aluminum, textiles (especially clothing and footwear), furniture (including mattresses), tires, detergents, paints, lubricants, and chemicals within the scope. The first specific ecodesign requirements for product groups are expected to be adopted in 2026 and would be applicable starting from 2027/2028.
Thus, the Ecodesign Regulation will continue to build on the requirements introduced by the Ecodesign Directive, further enhancing standards for product energy efficiency, material efficiency, durability, repairability, and lifespan.
Another new and significant requirement arising from the Ecodesign Regulation is the introduction of digital product passports. These passports are intended to provide detailed information about the product's composition, repairability, and recyclability. Digital product passports are expected to make information about specific products more easily accessible to both businesses and consumers.
A new requirement that could significantly help reduce waste and promote sustainability is the ban on destroying unsold consumer products. This requirement will apply to large companies selling textiles and footwear from July 19, 2026, and to medium-sized companies in these sectors from July 19, 2030. Small and micro-enterprises are exempt from this requirement.
The new regulation opens up opportunities for businesses to enhance competitiveness and innovation while enabling consumers to make more informed choices that are environmentally friendly, as well as offering the possibility to purchase products that use fewer resources and last longer.
[1] European Council's press release, 17.05.2024. https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2024/05/27/green-transition-council-gives-its-final-approval-to-the-ecodesign-regulation/