The European Union took a significant step towards a greener future when it approved a new regulation in July of this year that tightens the ecological standards for some groups of products. The new regulation aims to extend the life of these products, facilitate their repair and increase the share of recycled materials. What specific changes can consumers expect and how will they affect their wallets?
The new regulation as the next step towards sustainability
The new regulation of the European Union on ecodesign no. 2024/1781, also known as ESPR (Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation) replaces the older directive from 2009 and brings fundamental changes in the area of regulation of ecological aspects of products on the European market. The main objective of the ESPR is to adapt the legislative framework to current challenges, including the technological progress that has occurred since the approval of the previous directive. “While the original directive focused primarily on energy-related products such as electrical appliances and heating equipment, the new regulation allows for the introduction of environmental requirements for most products placed on the market.” adds Eduarda Hekšová, director of consumer organization dTest.
The goal of the regulation is not only “greener” production, but also the support of the circular economy throughout the EU. The newly adopted standards can thus fundamentally affect the European market and regulate the movement of low-quality imported products. Like the energy label directive, this regulation is also part of the Circular Economy Action Plan under the Green Deal for Europe, known as the “Green Deal”. ESPR is a framework regulation that will be gradually supplemented by implementing acts of the European Commission for individual product groups. These regulations will be adopted after consultation with manufacturers and other experts. So far, the specific impacts for individual products are unclear.
How will the regulation be translated into practice?
Among other things, manufacturers will be required to provide information on the compatibility of their products with spare parts from other manufacturers and to provide general information on the environmental impact of their products. Manufacturers should fulfill such an obligation by means of digital data passports or even energy labels, as long as the Commission’s implementing act orders such an obligation. The regulation aims to eliminate misleading claims about the environmental friendliness of products and will introduce a ban on the disposal of unsold consumer goods such as clothing and footwear.
For example, practices that intentionally shorten the life of products should also be prohibited. “If consumers have experienced their new appliance stop working for no apparent reason just before the end of the warranty, the new regulation should ensure that such situations do not happen again.” explains Eduarda Hekšová.
Digital data passport: an effective tool or another bureaucracy?
The ambitious goals of this amendment are to be achieved, among other things, through digital product passports, which will make information about individual products accessible and transparent. The digital product passport is intended to provide consumers and other interested parties with important information about a specific product. “Through the digital passport, consumers should be familiar with a specific description of the product, with installation instructions, with information on use, maintenance and repair, but they should also be provided with details on the composition of the product, especially if the product contains dangerous substances.” adds Eduarda Hekšová. The product passport will be accessible, for example, via the QR code on the product, which will allow easy scanning and data acquisition. From July 2026, there will be a register where this data will be collected and available for comparison and search. The introduction of these passports will clearly bring a greater administrative burden for producers, but at the same time it should promote greater transparency and accountability in the market.
Will the regulation be reflected in the final price of the products?
It is certain that the regulation will bring higher production costs for a significant part of the producers. Above all, where environmental requirements are significantly tightened, for example in the textile, furniture or electronics industry. Manufacturers will have to invest in more ecological materials and more energy-saving processes, which may also lead to an increase in the price of some products. “For consumers, the regulation may bring higher product prices in the future, but in the long term, consumers can also save thanks to more energy efficient and durable products.” predicts Eduarda Hekšová. Therefore, it remains to be seen how these rules will manifest themselves in practice and how quickly the European market can adapt to the new requirements for sustainability.
dTest is the largest Czech consumer organization that has been operating on the market since 1992. This non-profit organization is the publisher of the consumer magazine dTest, which is published on the Slovak and Czech markets. The results of independent and objective product tests, warnings about dangerous and health-impairing products, information on consumer rights and advice on how to effectively exercise these rights are published on the pages of the monthly magazine. dTest is part of the international organization International Consumer Research and Testing (ICRT) and the European Consumer Organization BEUC. More information can be found at www.dtest.sk
Source: www.nextech.sk
