Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR): Full potential of digital technologies remains untapped

Today the European Parliament voted on the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, taking a step closer to optimising the use of resources across the economy. However, DIGITALEUROPE emphasizes the need to fully harness the potential of digitalisation for the circular economy transition.

DIGITALEUROPE’s Director General Cecilia Bonefeld-Dahl said:  

“Digital products are essential for the success of the twin transition, shaping our daily lives and enabling better resource management, longer product lifespans, and optimised supply chains. The EU should avoid unnecessary policy fragmentation through setting a common list of requirements to be harmoniously implemented across all member states. Fragmentation can further jeopardize the EU’s leadership in the green transition. 

On e-labelling, we are concerned over the limited use of digital labels in the ESPR. Digital labels, such as QR codes, offer reliable access to updated information and help save precious resources. They should be fully embraced by manufacturers. According to the E-labelling initiative, the printed compliance statement coming with smartphones costs every year in the EU 4,800 trees and 480 million litres of water.”  

DIGITALEUROPE also supports the Digital Product Passport as a tool to reinforce circular economy practices. 

 “Our industry supports the Digital Product Passport as it creates opportunities to share information among all partners across the value chain. ​If well-designed, the DPP can help streamline compliance documentation.​ However, any data management solution should be decentralised to ensure that the European Commission, Member States and industry can access and manage it effectively”,  she added.