The proposal for a new Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) is the cornerstone of the Commission’s approach to more environmentally sustainable and circular products. The proposal builds on the existing Ecodesign Directive, which currently only covers energy-related products.
In 2013 the Commission procured a preparatory study on a possible ecodesign measure for professional washing machines, dryers and dishwashers. This was followed by a standardisation mandate, which was completed in 2018. The 2022-2024 Ecodesign Working Plan subsequently announced that the Commission intends to develop measures for professional laundry appliances and professional dishwashers.
This project concerns industrial and professional laundry appliances, including washing machines and dryers.
Since the publication of the preparatory study the policy context has changed significantly, including technological innovations, an update to the Methodology for Ecodesign of Energy-related Products (MEErP), and the proposal on the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR).
The ESPR proposal, soon to be adopted, establishes a framework to set ecodesign requirements for specific product groups to significantly improve their circularity, energy performance and other environmental sustainability aspects. It will enable the setting of performance and information requirements for almost all categories of physical goods placed on the EU market.
The new Ecodesign requirements will go beyond energy efficiency and aim to boost circularity, covering, among others:
The objectives of the project are:
1. Conduct a Preparatory Study on the potential for Ecodesign requirements, and energy labelling requirement if appropriate, based on the previous preparatory study but updating it in line with the current policy context;
2. Prepare a supporting study for the Impact Assessment for (a) potential regulatory measure(s);
3. Provide technical support to the Commission Services.
Fraunhofer ISI will be mainly involved in Task 7 of the MEErP (Policy Options and Scenarios) and in the Impact Assessment.
Reports and other related documents will be available on a project website (coming soon).
February 2024 until July 2025 or July 2026 (optional)
Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI