The ESPR creates a comprehensive framework for improving product sustainability by setting design requirements that enhance durability, reparability, energy efficiency, and recyclability. Unlike directives, it applies directly in all Member States without additional national laws.
One of its most notable elements is the introduction of the Digital Product Passport (DPP), a standardised digital record containing essential product information. The ESPR will gradually expand to cover a wide range of goods, from textiles and furniture to electronics. Businesses in Romania will need to prepare for these requirements by upgrading their data collection, design, and lifecycle management processes.
Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR)
The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), adopted as Regulation (EU) 2024/1781, is the cornerstone of the EU’s new approach to sustainable product policy. It replaces and expands the scope of the previous Ecodesign Directive, setting a comprehensive legal framework for improving the environmental performance of nearly all physical goods placed on the European market.
The regulation entered into force on 18 July 2024 and applies directly in all EU Member States, including Romania. This means it does not require transposition into national law, though each country will take steps to ensure effective monitoring and enforcement. The ESPR is central to the EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan and plays a key role in reducing product-related environmental impacts throughout the life cycle.
Unlike its predecessor, the ESPR extends beyond energy-related products. It covers a wide range of product categories such as textiles, furniture, steel, aluminium, chemicals, and information and communication technologies. It introduces performance and information requirements on durability, reparability, energy and resource efficiency, carbon footprint and recycled content.
One of its most visible innovations is the introduction of Digital Product Passports. These will be required for a growing number of products and will contain standardised, accessible information on materials, origin, environmental footprint, maintenance, and end-of-life options. This supports better consumer choices, facilitates repair and reuse, and improves traceability across supply chains.
The regulation opens new opportunities for data-driven sustainability services, compliance tools and interoperable platforms for product information exchange. We recommend early awareness and technical preparation, especially for SMEs working in sectors that will be prioritised in upcoming delegated acts.
Digital Product Passport (DPP)
The Digital Product Passport (DPP) is one of the core tools introduced under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). It is designed to make essential product information accessible to all actors across the value chain, from manufacturers and retailers to recyclers and consumers. By collecting and sharing structured data on materials, environmental footprint, reparability, and end-of-life treatment, the DPP supports more transparent and sustainable production and consumption.
The rollout of the DPP will be gradual, starting with industrial batteries and later extending to sectors such as textiles, electronics and construction materials. Each product covered by the regulation will be required to include a unique identifier linking to a digital record. That record will contain harmonised information presented in a standardised, machine-readable format. This will allow products to be easily tracked, evaluated and managed throughout their life cycle.
For businesses, the introduction of the DPP will mean implementing new data systems and working more closely with suppliers. While this involves a learning curve, it also creates an opportunity to streamline compliance processes and adopt more sustainable design practices. Digital service providers and innovation hubs will play an important role in helping companies navigate this transition.
Although Romania has not yet introduced a national platform for the DPP, the framework applies directly as part of the ESPR. Technical preparations are already being made under the country’s Circular Economy Action Plan, and local stakeholders are encouraged to begin early alignment with the expected requirements.
We see the Digital Product Passport as an important area for digital innovation. We are working with companies to explore how data collection, traceability and product labelling can be integrated into their digital transformation strategies.
