Understanding the ESPR – Key Regulations Businesses Must Prepare For

Published: March 2025
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Table of Contents

• What is the ESPR?
• When Did the ESPR Come into Effect?
• What Is the Goal of the ESPR?
• What Is a Digital Product Passport (DPP)?
• Who Will Be Affected by the ESPR?
• How Will the ESPR Be Implemented?
• What Happens If You Ignore ESPR?
• How to Prepare
• Conclusion
• References

What is the ESPR?

The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) is the European Union’s key regulation for creating more sustainable products across the EU market.

It replaces the older Ecodesign Directive, which focused only on energy-related products. The ESPR is broader—it covers nearly all physical goods, including:

• Electronics
• Furniture
• Textiles
• Batteries
• Construction materials

Unlike directives, this regulation applies directly in all EU countries.

📚 Legal reference: Regulation (EU) 2024/1781, adopted 13 June 2024
✅ Entered into force: 18 July 2024

When Did the ESPR Come into Effect?

• Adopted: 13 June 2024
• In Force: 18 July 2024
• DPP Requirements: Introduced gradually from 2025–2027

Key sectors like textiles, electronics, construction, and batteries are the first to be affected.

What Is the Goal of the ESPR?

The ESPR supports the European Green Deal and the Circular Economy Action Plan.

Its core goals:

• ♻️ Reduce environmental and social impacts
• 🔁 Promote circular economy principles (repairability, reuse, recycling)
• 📉 Minimize resource waste and emissions
• 💡 Improve transparency via Digital Product Passports
• ❌ Prevent greenwashing and false sustainability claims

These targets create not just obligations—but business opportunities for those who lead in transparency and sustainability.

What Is a Digital Product Passport (DPP)?

The Digital Product Passport (DPP) is a mandatory tool under Article 9 of the ESPR. It collects and shares detailed product information across the value chain.

What’s in a DPP?

Each product will have a digital profile that includes:

• Material content (including recycled or hazardous substances)
• Environmental footprint
• Repairability and spare parts availability
• Lifespan and recycling options
• Energy/resource use
• Certifications and compliance documents

What Can DPPs Do?

• Let consumers scan a code for sustainability data
• Help repair services access spare parts info
• Help brands validate supplier claims
• Assist regulators with inspections
• Streamline documentation for audits

What Must Manufacturers Do?

You must ensure:

• A complete DPP exists for each product
• Data meets the product group’s requirements
• Information is verified and stored by certified providers
• Shared with sellers and platforms

Who Will Be Affected by the ESPR?

If you sell physical goods in the EU—whether you manufacture, import, or distribute—the ESPR applies to you.

Industries already targeted include:

• Textiles and fashion
• Batteries and accumulators
• Electronics and ICT equipment
• Furniture
• Construction materials

More sectors will be added based on environmental impact and market volume.

How Will the ESPR Be Implemented?

The ESPR is a framework regulation. Specific requirements will be defined through Delegated Acts, starting in 2025.

These will include:

• Performance standards (durability, energy use, etc.)
• DPP data requirements (Articles 9–12)
• Info-sharing rules (Article 13)

Each Delegated Act will define:

• What goes into the DPP
• How the product must perform
• Compliance timelines for each product group

📅 First deadlines expected: 2026–2027

What Happens If You Ignore ESPR?

Non-compliance isn’t optional. Penalties will vary by country but may include:

• Product bans in the EU
• Fines or sanctions
• Contract losses and partner pullouts
• Legal action from national authorities
• Reputational damage

Ignoring the ESPR puts your business—and your brand—at serious risk.

How to Prepare

Here’s how to start preparing now:

Action Plan

• Map your supply chain — know your materials and vendors
• Start collecting DPP data — especially around sustainability
• Use digital tools — platforms like Fluxy.One simplify DPP management
• Stay informed — follow Delegated Acts for your industry
• Go beyond compliance — transparency builds trust and competitive advantage

At Fluxy.One, we help small and mid-sized companies navigate this process with ease—no enterprise budget needed.

Conclusion

The ESPR is a major step toward a more sustainable European economy.

Digital Product Passports will transform the way we design, label, and sell products. While the regulation brings challenges, it also brings opportunity—for innovation, trust, and leadership in the green economy.

🟢 Your move:
Start now. Lead with transparency. Be ready for 2027.

References

• Official Regulation (EU) 2024/1781 – EUR-Lex

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