The new EU Ecodesign Regulation and its impact on manufacturers and distributors
“”, says the Envolta Global team.
What changes compared to the previous framework?
The former Ecodesign Directive (2009/125/EC) focused mainly on energy-related products (household appliances, lighting, etc.). With the new regulations, practically all physical goods (except for some specific products such as food, medicines or feed) are subject to more demanding eco-design criteria.
The Regulation introduces horizontal criteria (durability, repairability, recyclability, modularity, recycled content, efficient use of resources, among others).
It also includes the Digital Product Passport (DPP), which will require products to carry digitally recorded information on their characteristics, composition and potential for reuse, recycling or repair.
The European Commission will adopt delegated acts with specific requirements per product category (e.g. electronic products, textiles, furniture, components). These events will be accompanied by transition periods so that companies can adapt to them.
Information and transparency obligations are established: operators will have to provide technical data, monitoring of product performance and verifiable documentation.
When are the requirements activated?
Although the framework regulation is already in force, the specific requirements for many categories have not yet been adopted through delegated acts.
From 19 July 2025, the Commission will be able to start adopting these specific requirements by product categories.
Companies will have to anticipate their adaptation plans to meet the deadlines established in the delegated acts.
Implications for manufacturers and distributors
Product Design Review From Scratch
The new regulations require environmental criteria to be considered from the design phase: optimization of materials, modularity, ease of repair, compatibility with spare parts, among others.Investment in innovation and development
Companies will have to allocate resources to the search for sustainable materials, recycling or reuse technologies, modular design, etc.Increased regulatory complexity
It will be necessary to foresee different requirements depending on the product category, each delegated act, and to keep up to date with future changes.Transparency and traceability
The Digital Passport and the documentary requirements imply that manufacturers and distributors will have to collect and manage more data: composition, life cycle, part compatibility, repair history, etc.Competitive advantage and sustainable differentiation
Those who anticipate, adapt their processes and credibly communicate their ecological performance will be able to differentiate themselves from competitors who face change reactively.Risk of sanctions or reputational disrepute
Breaches or green claims without technical support can lead to sanctions or accusations of greenwashing. Having solid data and certifications will be more important than ever.
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