ESPR Working Plan Explained – Blog

The European Commission has just updated its Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) working plan for 2025–2030. If you make, sell, or buy products in the EU, these changes will affect you. Here’s a clear, jargon-free breakdown of what’s changing, why it matters, and how Kinset can help you turn these new rules into an opportunity.

What Is the ESPR Working Plan?

The ESPR is the EU’s flagship regulation for driving product sustainability. Its updated working plan sets out which product categories will be prioritised for new requirements over the next five years, with the aim of making sustainable products the standard across Europe.

Why Was the ESPR Established?

The ESPR was created to raise the bar for environmental performance across the EU market. By focusing on smarter product design and resource use, it supports both the EU’s climate goals and the free movement of sustainable goods. The plan covers products representing over €1 trillion in annual sales, including €600 billion in energy-related goods and nearly €500 billion in new categories. These products account for a significant share of the EU’s climate and resource impacts, making the ESPR a key driver for both environmental progress and economic competitiveness.

Which Products Are in Focus?

Textiles and apparel (primarily clothing) are the only product group included in the first wave of new ESPR requirements.
Footwear is not included in this initial plan. Instead, it’s being treated as a separate category due to its unique materials, functionality, and supply chain. The European Commission will conduct a dedicated study on footwear’s environmental impact and the potential for future regulation, with results expected by the end of 2027.
Furniture (including mattresses), tyres, iron and steel, and aluminium are also included in the broader scope of the plan.
Energy-related products, such as home appliances and electronics, will see updated requirements as the ESPR replaces the previous Ecodesign Directive.

What Will Change? Five Key Areas

Stronger Sustainability Requirements
Products covered by the ESPR will need to meet more ambitious standards for durability, repairability, recycled content, and overall environmental impact. Many will feature a “repairability score” and provide clear information about lifespan and ease of repair or recycling, helping both businesses and consumers make more sustainable choices.

Digital Product Passports, Standardisation, and Traceability
A major feature of the ESPR is the rollout of Digital Product Passports (DPPs) for most regulated products. Here’s how this will work in practice:

Unique Identification:
Each product will have a unique digital identity, typically accessed via a QR code, barcode, or RFID tag on the product or packaging. This links directly to the product’s DPP.
Standardised Data and Interoperability:
The European Commission is developing clear standards for how information is stored and shared. This means all DPPs will use the same data formats and infrastructure, making it easy for different IT systems across the EU to access and exchange information.
Comprehensive Product Information:
DPPs will include details like material composition, substances of concern, repair and recycling instructions, and documentation such as warranties or certificates. This information must be structured, machine-readable, and kept up to date throughout the product’s life.
Traceability Across the Supply Chain:
With these standards in place, products can be tracked from manufacturing to end-of-life. This helps companies, authorities, and consumers trace a product’s journey, verify its authenticity, and make informed decisions about repair, reuse, or recycling.
Supporting Sustainable Trade:
By making product data accessible and reliable, DPPs encourage the adoption of traceability solutions and support sustainable trade both within and beyond the EU.

This approach not only boosts transparency and compliance but also streamlines supply chain management and helps build trust with customers and partners.

Enhanced Labelling and Product Information
For many products, the DPP will be the primary source of sustainability information. Some products may also feature an ESPR label or other EU labels, such as those under the Textile Labelling Regulation (currently under review). These labels will provide clear, reliable information on product features like carbon footprint, water use, durability, repairability, and recyclability. A harmonised label for durability guarantees is also in development, making it easier for consumers to identify longer-lasting products.

Customs and Market Surveillance
Customs authorities will play a central role in checking that products entering the EU comply with ESPR requirements, using data from the Digital Product Passport during import processes. In addition, the ESPR encourages closer, data-driven collaboration between customs and market surveillance authorities, particularly for online sales and high-risk supply chains. This joint approach is designed to quickly identify and block non-compliant products, ensuring a safer and more sustainable internal market for everyone.
Why This Plan Matters for the Market
The ESPR is about more than compliance, it’s about setting a new standard for sustainable products in Europe. By harmonising requirements and focusing on high-impact categories, the plan supports fair competition, reduces unnecessary costs, and advances the EU’s environmental and economic goals.

How Kinset Helps You Stay Ahead

At Kinset, we see regulatory change as an opportunity for growth. Here’s how we support your ESPR journey:

Automated Compliance Tracking: Centralise and manage your sustainability data to monitor ESPR requirements across your portfolio.
Seamless Digital Product Passports: Generate and maintain DPPs with ease, supporting transparency and building stakeholder trust.
Real-Time, Streamlined Reporting: Save time and reduce risk with automated, up-to-date reporting tools.
Future-Ready Adaptability: As ESPR evolves, Kinset evolves with you keeping your business prepared for new product categories and regulatory updates.

In Summary

The ESPR working plan for 2025–2030 is a pivotal step toward a more sustainable, circular, and competitive European market. It’s about raising standards for products and equipping businesses with the tools to lead in this new landscape.

Want to see how Kinset can help you turn compliance into a competitive edge? Contact our team today.

Watch this space for further updates and actionable guidance from Kinset as the ESPR working plan unfolds.