Ecodesign: new forum to develop sustainability criteria for products

The European Commission has established the Ecodesign Forum, a new expert group that will play a crucial role in implementing the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR).

This forum, comprising 250 members, will bring together experts appointed by Member States, alongside representatives from industry, civil society and academia.

The primary objective of the Ecodesign Forum is to advise on the development of ecodesign requirements for various products.

It will also contribute to the preparation of the ESPR working plans, which will outline priority products and measures to be addressed over specific periods.

By acting as a consultative body to the European Commission, the forum aims to ensure that the ecodesign process is informed by a wide range of expertise.

The ESPR, which came into effect in July 2024, serves as a cornerstone for promoting sustainable products within the EU.

Its goals include improving product circularity, energy efficiency, recyclability and durability.

The regulation establishes a comprehensive framework for mandatory environmental performance standards applicable to nearly all physical products, with very few exceptions.

The call for applications to join the Ecodesign Forum opened in November 2024, with the first assessment deadline set for 5 December 2024.

While this initial phase will focus on assessing applications received by that date, the call will remain open for other stakeholders who wish to apply in the future.