EU ESPR Working Plan prioritises Ecodesign and Digital Product Passports (DPP)
20/04/2025
On 15 April 2025, the EU announced the first Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) Working Plan, prioritising product groups for Ecodesign and Digital Product Passport (DPP) requirements. Here is what UK fashion and textile businesses need to know..
Priority product groups
- Clothing and apparel remain in the initial priority group. Previously, this fell under the broader ‘textiles’ category, which also included footwear. However, the footwear industry is now expected to comply with the legislation at a later stage.
- Other prioritised products under the DPP legislation include textiles, furniture, tyres and bed mattresses.
Key changes
- Ecodesign requirements: The ESPR could introduce new Ecodesign requirements for textiles, focusing on improving durability, repairability, and recyclability. This could include setting minimum standards for product performance and sustainability.
- Digital Product Passport (DPP): Textiles will need to have a Digital Product Passport, providing information about the product’s sustainability, origin, and compliance with regulations. This aims to enhance transparency and traceability.
- Chemical restrictions: The regulation could expand the list of restricted substances in textiles, including harmful chemicals and substances that pose risks to human health and the environment.
- Energy and resource efficiency: The ESPR could set requirements for energy and resource efficiency in the production of textiles, promoting the use of recycled materials and reducing waste.
The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) is still in development, and Digital Product Passports (DPPs) will not be mandatory any sooner than 2027.
UKFT will continue to provide updates on the ESPR and DPP implementation. UKFT members are welcome to reach out to the Compliance & Regulation team at UKFT for further information on compliance with this regulation and its delegated acts. Contact info@ukft.org for more information.
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