The first multi-year working plan (for 2025–2030) under the Energy Labelling Framework Regulation (ELFR) and the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) was approved by the European Commission on April 16, 2025. The ESPR, which creates the legislative foundation for imposing ecodesign standards with the goal of standardizing sustainable products in the EU, is operationalized in this strategy. 

Prioritization of Products and Measures

A prioritizing process for choosing which product groupings to regulate was required by the ESPR rule, which was approved in 2024. Iron and steel, aluminum, textiles, furniture, tires, paints, lubricants, chemicals, energy-related products, and information and communication technology products were among the first items on the list.

Based on extensive evaluation and stakeholder interaction, the 2025–2030 Working Plan improves this preliminary list and identifies the following objectives for creating new or revised ecodesign and labeling requirements: 

• Four final products: Textiles (specifically apparel); furniture; tyres; mattresses.
• Two intermediate products: Iron & Steel; aluminium.  
• Two horizontal requirements: Measures focusing on a) Repairability (including scoring); and b) Recycled content/Recyclability, targeting electrical and electronic equipment.
• Sixteen energy-related products: Including displays, EV chargers, household dishwashers, washing machines, professional laundry appliances, refrigerating appliances, mobile phones/tablets, etc.

Status of Chemicals

This first working plan does not include chemicals for immediate ecodesign rule-setting, despite the fact that they were highly ranked in preparatory research and approved in public discussions for their potential environmental gains. The reason for this is the ‘chemicals’ category’s wide range and considerable complexity, as it includes polymers, plastics, petrochemicals, and specialty chemicals.

By the end of 2025, the Commission will begin a study to address this complexity. The purpose of this study is to pinpoint areas of focus for product enhancements and provide a more accurate definition of the potential scope. The findings will guide any possible inclusion in this review or in a subsequent working plan. 

Impacts on Third Countries

The Working Plan emphasizes that all products, including imports, will be subject to future ESPR regulations. As a result, these regulations can have important global ramifications.

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