In its drive to become a competitive, climate-neutral, digital
and circular economy, the EU has introduced the Ecodesign for
Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). This legislative framework
seeks to make environmentally sustainable products the norm by
reducing their carbon and environmental footprint throughout their
life cycle and enhancing transparency of product information. The
ESPR sets out sustainability and circular economy requirements that
will influence product design, manufacturing and supply chains
across a wide range of industries. Implementation will be phased
between 2026 and 2030, with further details to be established
through delegated acts and product-specific rules. Businesses that
act early to align with these requirements will be the ones best
placed to compete. This article outlines the core elements of the
ESPR, focusing in particular on the textile, apparel, and footwear
sectors as key priorities for the EU, with a direct impact on
consumers.