The European ecosystem is moving, and it is moving fast. The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, known as ESPR, expands the range of products covered while maintaining those already included in the Ecodesign Directive. ESPR introduces new types of ecodesign requirements that are pivotal to ensuring an effective implementation of sustainability and circularity principles.
At the heart of this dynamic is the CEN and CENELEC Coordination Group on Ecodesign (CEN CLC/COG Ecodesign). Chaired by Fern Snowden and coordinated by its secretary Alice Dorandeu under the secretariat of AFNOR CEF, the COG monitors developments related to the ESPR and the transition from the Ecodesign Directive. The COG coordinates the work mandated by the European Commission among the different CEN and CENELEC Technical Committees, which also include the CEN CLC/JTC 24 ‘Digital Product Passport Framework and System’. JTC 24 develops the Digital Product Passport (DPP) architecture, carrying out essential work on DPP interoperability in preparation for product data exchange among the stakeholders involved in circularity. As a requirement originating from EU legislation, the DPP is expected to have a strong impact on sustainability implementation that extends beyond the EU’s borders.
Through ESPR, but not limited to it, the European Commission is implementing the Green Deal, which is a complex and broad framework that calls for close monitoring by the COG, technical expertise from the industries, and dialogue with the authorities.
The European Commission recently organized its second Ecodesign Forum session, where CEN and CENELEC, represented by Benjamin de Ville de Goyet, were given the opportunity to contribute to the implementation of the ESPR. The platform provides an opportunity for industry to be informed by the Commission on the most recent ongoing regulatory developments and the challenges ahead, reflecting the fast pace of current developments.
And since the future is moving quickly, we will move with it. With new end-use and intermediate product groups identified as priorities by the Commission, such as textiles, furniture, mattresses, tyres, iron and steel, and aluminium, the need for expertise is growing. The COG and the different CEN and CENELEC Technical Committees are already working on these developments and welcome new contributors. Join us and help shape the standards of tomorrow.
Benjamin de VILLE de GOYET
bdeville@cencenelec.eu
