Regulation (EU) 2024/1781, known as the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), replaces Directive 2009/125/EC and significantly broadens the EU’s approach to product sustainability. 

The ESPR applies to nearly all physical goods placed on the EU market, excluding only a few categories such as food, feed, and medicinal products. It sets out horizontal and product-specific ecodesign requirements to improve product aspects including durability, reliability, upgradability, reparability, energy and resource efficiency, recycled content, and carbon footprint. It also introduces a Digital Product Passport (DPP), a digital identity card for products, components and materials. The DPP stores relevant information to support products’ sustainability, promote their circularity and strengthen legal compliance.

By harmonising rules across Member States, the ESPR prevents market fragmentation, supports innovation, and stimulates sustainable business models, particularly in repair, remanufacturing, and recycling. It aims to make sustainable products the norm, not the exception, thereby fostering consumer empowerment and competitiveness in a fair and green internal market.