Brussels, 19 February 2025
“Check against delivery”
Ladies and gentlemen,
I am delighted to be here today at the first meeting of the Ecodesign Forum.
Thanks to all of you for being here.
As the first European Commissioner with “competitive circular economy” in my portfolio title, I want to emphasise how vital the circular economy is for the EU’s competitiveness. More than ever in today’s uncertain world.
Let me pause a little bit here. The world around us is clearly changing. And the EU needs to change as well.
We live in a new reality.
And the competition for, and the access to, resources and critical raw materials are at the centre of this new reality.
The Competitiveness Compass adopted by the Commission a few weeks ago, sets out the direction of travel for this mandate. It focusses on the innovation gap, competitiveness, decarbonisation and economic security.
Circularity fits all these four building blocks. It is innovative. It is good for business. Importantly, it makes us less dependent on third countries. And it helps our climate and environment too.
You have probably heard that we intend to present a Circular Economy Act in 2026.
We will prepare it carefully. In close coordination with stakeholders.
But for me, it is important that we take action already now. We need to use all the tools in our existing toolbox to promote a circular production and use cycle, instead of a linear approach.
This is where this Forum has such an important role to play. And I want to thank you for your time and your engagement.
You will advise us on the implementation of the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, or ESPR.
The ESPR is one of the cornerstones of our circular economy strategy. And it is not something for the future. The ESPR is happening here and now, and we want to get it right.
The design phase of products is crucial. It impacts the entire lifecycle, from raw materials to recyclability and repairability.
It provides clarity to producers. And it will ensure that consumers can buy with confidence, knowing that products meet high circularity standards.
Of course, there is also an important level playing field issue here. We need to improve market monitoring and market surveillance. We need to make sure that our companies and their products are not disadvantaged compared to imported products from third countries.
The ESPR will significantly advance our goal of a clean, decarbonised, and resource-efficient EU economy.
As part of the Clean Industrial Deal, it will enhance our industry competitiveness, essential for Europe’s prosperity.
One important dimension is our current lack of a real market for secondary raw materials.
The EU uses 8 billion tons of raw materials annually, yet only 12% are recycled. The ESPR can help by setting minimum requirements for recycled content, improving access to quality secondary materials.
The EU has a strong track record with ecodesign and energy labelling, achieving to date a 12% reduction in energy consumption – corresponding to more than Belgium’s and Czechia’s combined energy usage. This benefits our strategic autonomy and supports businesses. 93% of consumers recognise the energy label, boosting demand for higher-rated products. This has led to lower energy bills for consumers.
ESPR aims to replicate this success on a larger scale, starting with the design of products like textiles, furniture, steel, and aluminium. We will also continue to work on energy-related products.
The following aspects will also be in focus:
- Repairability: Introducing repair scores and durability requirements.
- Recyclability: we will study recyclability and increasing the recycled content.
A new feature of ESPR is the Digital Product Passport. It offers transparent sustainability information to consumers, repairers, recyclers, and authorities, regardless where they are in the value chain.
Green Public Procurement is another key ESPR element. Green Public Procurement can support lead markets and stable demand and encourage company investment.
With EU public authorities spending approximately EUR 1.8 trillion, mandatory Public Procurement rules can significantly boost demand for sustainable products and drive investment.
Ladies and gentlemen,
I am also pleased to see that we are getting close to delivering another important novelty of ESPR, which is the prevention of the destruction of unsold consumer products.
Today, between 4 and 9% of all textile products put on the European market are destroyed without ever being used. We are talking about up to nearly 600 000 tonnes of textiles each year.
Many citizens are outraged by this – and rightly so.
For the first time at EU level, the ESPR introduces measures to address this wasteful practice by introducing a ban on the destruction of unsold textiles and footwear.
I know that not everyone is happy with this ban. But let’s take a step back and remember the purpose.
This is not a ban to annoy companies or introduce red tape.
It is an attempt to fix a broken system of supply and demand. Producing 600 000 tons of textiles and not selling it makes no sense. It is a shameful waste of resources. And it harms our environment.
Let me conclude by coming back to your important role in the implementation of ESPR.
We need your advice and input.
Our shift towards a competitive, decarbonised, and circular economy requires engagement from experts, practitioners, scientists, companies, and users.
This forum brings us together to drive innovation, competitiveness, and benefits for consumers, society, and the environment.
I look forward to working with you all. Together, we can transform the European economy for the better.
Thank you, and I wish you a productive meeting.
Source – EU Commission