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Sector
Construction, Consumer Goods, Plastics, Manufacturing, Food and Agri,
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Target group
SMEs, designers, consulting firms
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Application
The European Union imposes (new) requirements on products to make them more durable, reliable, reusable, repairable, easier to maintain and recyclable, among other things. With an understanding of these regulations, companies and designers can better prepare and turn them into an opportunity to future-proof their organization.
How ESPR influences the future of product design: highlights from the Expert Café"
An online Expert Café was held on June 18, 2024, organized by Circonnect, the Department of Public Works and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management. This webinar focused on the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) and its impact on product design. Below is a review of the main presentations and discussions.
Welcome and introduction
Jeannette Levels-Vermeer, environmental & sustainability consultant and partner at LBP|Sight and Circonnect Expert team, opened the session. She emphasized the crucial role of circular design in reducing environmental impact and strengthening buisness. "Circular product design is the key to a future-proof business and a more sustainable future," Jeannette said. "Circonnect provides access to practical tools and applicable knowledge that individual companies and chains can use to take the next circular step."
Ecodesign Regulation for Sustainable Products (ESPR).
Sophie van Alen, sustainable product policy officer at the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, presented the latest developments surrounding the ESPR. This European regulation, part of the circular economy package, extends ecodesign guidelines to almost all physical products. This means that textiles and furniture must now meet strict requirements for durability, reparability and environmental impact. A digital product passport and more comprehensive energy labels become mandatory, with detailed information on repair, recycling and environmental impact. Sophie explained: "With this regulation, we want to extend the life of products and promote the circular economy."
During the Q&A session, Sophie answered several questions from the participants. A key question was how the Dutch NPCE (National Plan Circular Economy) and ecodesign legislation influence each other. Sophie clarified, "The NPCE identifies priority product groups that are also relevant to ecodesign. Our input is included in the European consultations, although our influence is limited to some extent."
Another question concerned the ban on destruction of unsold products. Sophie replied, "This ban focuses on products that are destroyed before they are put into use, including returned products."
Insights research 'Ecodesign & Chemicals in Furniture'
Roel Bottema, policy researcher at Technopolis, presented the results of his research on ecodesign and the use of chemicals in furniture. He pointed out the widespread presence of harmful substances such as flame retardants and dyes in furniture, which are essential for functional and aesthetic properties, but at the same time complicate recycling and increase environmental impact.
The research highlights the need to reduce their use, use alternative materials and develop better design requirements for disassembly and recycling. "The lifespan of furniture must be extended and the use of harmful substances reduced," Roel said. "This will not only reduce the environmental impact but also contribute to a healthier furniture industry."
Several questions were addressed during the Q&A session. When asked about the impact of cultural and socioeconomic differences on the lifespan of furniture in Europe, Roel replied, "In richer countries, new furniture is purchased more often, which shortens its lifespan. In countries with lower socioeconomic status, furniture is used longer."
Conclusion
This online Expert Café gave participants insight into the impact of the new ESPR regulation on product design and the urgency to reduce the use of harmful substances in furniture. In their contributions, Sophie van Alen and Roel Bottema underlined the importance of these changes and offered concrete tools for companies and to not only prepare for the new requirements, but also use them to build a future-proof business.
Want to watch the webinar again? You can find the button at the bottom of this page.
Presentation & additional knowledge
The presentation shown at the Expert Café is available for reference.
- Download the presentation -
The Expert Café refers to:
- The comprehensive information from the European Commission on the ESPR.
- The research report Ecodesign for furniture, by Technopolis.
You can watch the entire webinar back using the button below.
Watch the webinar back You go to a Dutch version