Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR)
What is the ESPR?
The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) is a central pillar of the EU’s strategy to make products more durable, repairable, safe, affordable and resource-efficient, and it is set to follow (and eventually fully replace) the Ecodesign Directive. The Regulation sets requirements to reduce environmental and carbon impacts and ensure products can be reused, repaired and recycled to a high standard.
The ESPR also introduces new transparency obligations, including the Digital Product Passport (DPP). Companies will need to provide clear and accessible product information through labels, packaging or digital tools. The rollout of ESPR requirements will start in 2026 and is expected to regulate almost all physical goods placed on the EU market or put into service.
The European Commission will adopt detailed rules for specific product groups, while companies adapt their products, supply chains and digital systems to comply. Already with the ESPR first working plan, the Commission identified a set of priority product groups and includes a list of products to be prioritised for energy labelling, in conformity with the Energy Labelling Framework Regulation. It also establishes horizontal ecodesign requirements, covering aspects such as repairability—including scoring—and the recycled content and recyclability of electrical and electronic equipment.
Why is it important?
Adhesives and sealants are essential to durable design and to enabling repair and recycling across a wide range of sectors, including medical equipment, textiles, packaging, construction products, electronic devices, automotive and transport.
Under the ESPR, products containing adhesives and sealants will be more closely documented and assessed. The DPP is particularly relevant, as manufacturers and downstream users must provide technical, performance and environmental data, and link relevant regulatory documents. Alignment with other legislation, including the CPR, is critical. The ESPR’s objectives reinforce the role of adhesives and sealants in extending product life and supporting circularity.
What are we asking for?
- Market appropriateness: Requirements must be technically feasible, aligned across legislation and not expose confidential information or overburden SMEs
- Technological neutrality: Recognise that modern adhesives and sealants can support dismantling, repair and recycling
- Regulatory consistency: Harmonise reporting and DPP systems across the ESPR, CPR and other EU rules to avoid duplicate obligations
- Alignment with standards: Ensure a predictable and timely standardisation process under CEN-CENELEC JTC 24
- Workability for industry: Keep industry closely involved in the DG GROW feasibility study and the Ecodesign Forum to ensure science-based and innovation-friendly requirements
Related documents and information:
- FEICA Position: The concept of Debonding-on-Demand technologies (May 2026)
- FEICA Position: Adhesives and sealants unique properties in electronics and disassembly functions (February 2023)