Frequently Asked Questions
What is the EU Green Deal and ESPR
The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) is part of the EU Circular Economy Action Plan and the European Green Deal, designed to foster a more sustainable and circular economy. Officially in force as of 18 July 2024, this regulation aims to reduce environmental impact by improving product sustainability and circularity. ESPR replaces the previous Ecodesign Directive (2009/125/EC) and introduces significant changes to how products sold in the EU market are designed, produced, and disposed of. The following graphic from Trustrace is representative of the ESPR positioning within the EU Green Deal and the center oval shows the overlap between ESPR and Digital Product Passport. (DPP)
What is the DPP benefit for businesses
Increased communication with customers and consumers
New business model based on product life cycle
Brand awareness growth around product environmental benefits
New communication medium for brands with customers and build consumer trust
Protect against product counterfeiting
Reduce waste and resource consumption
Product enhancement from circular product design
Enhance traceability for supply chain components
What information should be in a DPP
There are over 100 data points that are necessary for DPP protocol. Following are some of the basic data points:
Product Identification: Product type, dimensions and materials
Supply Chain Traceability: End to End traceability for supplier manufacturing location(s) and related processes
Environmental Footprint: Lifecyle assessment data, carbon emissions, water and energy use
Circularity information: Instructions for use, maintenance, end of life, installation, disassembly, repairability, recyclability, durability and modularity.
Repairability, Recyclability and End of Life: Guidance for product maintenance or and/or repairing; What to do when a product is no longer functional.
Substances of concern: Data for chemicals and safety standards
Compliance data
How do I prepare for a DPP
Research and understand the regulations and their applicability to your business
Define the business strategy with clear goals and action steps
Engage with internal and external stakeholders
ID and assess data requirements and availability
Evaluate ESPR timeline and deadlines
Gap analysis
Define roles and responsibilities
Data management
Design & Engineering
Supply Chain
Product & Operations
Finance & Legal
Sales & Marketing
Gather baseline data
Review the general data requirements
Review product data
What is required vs what is available
What is the data format
Product components traceability
Supplier mapping
Product BOM
Materials mapping (Raw materials to final manufacturing
Part/component LCA (Life Cycle Analysis) as required for DPP
Pilot project
Product rich with data
Team engagement
Data system review
Gap analysis
Compliance review
Marketing product claims
Product mapping review
Supplier mapping review
Processes review
Substances of concern review
Instructions for: use, mtc, Eol, repairs, disassembly, recycling
Sustainability and circularity review
Gap analysis
For companies with products in the first phase for ESPR/DPP implementation now is a good time to initiate exploring and experimenting with the technology to ensure there is sufficient time to effectively bring the value chain stakeholder community on board with a solution before legislation impacts your business.