The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation aims to contribute to sustainable products in the EU. Lars Rensing explains how it aims to minimise waste.

Unpacking digital passports and ESPRToday, more than half of the world’s population owns a mobile phone, and many people are upgrading every few years to get the latest device with newer features. It comes as no surprise then that the waste of electrical and electronic equipment is one of the fastest growing solid waste streams in the world.

Due to growing concerns around how this waste impacts our environment the European Union (EU) has put steps in place to encourage a circular economy, bringing forward regulations that support more sustainable practices. The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) is part of the Circular Economy Action Plan, a framework that aims to improve the circularity and the practices that contribute to sustainability in order to make “sustainable products the new norm in the EU, by making them last longer, use energy and resources more efficiently, easier to repair and recycle, contain fewer substances of concern and include more recycled content”. This will also see the mandated implementation of digital product passports (DPPs).

The mandate will affect a wide range of industries and product categories placed on the EU market, regardless of where they were manufactured. The electronics and ICT industry is highlighted as a priority industry and as such will be one of the first that the mandate will apply to.

 

How will DPPs minimise waste?
DPPs can act as a digital twin of a physical product, securely keeping track of event, transactional and sustainability-based information across that product’s lifecycle.

By using a device, such as a smartphone, end users can scan a product’s QR code or a barcode and gain access to data pertaining to the product’s manufacturing process, its carbon footprint, warranty information, instruction manuals, or how to responsibly dispose of the product when it comes to end-of-life.

Electronic devices and equipment often consist of various materials. Some, such as lead or mercury, can be hazardous and if they are not disposed of responsibly they can pose a serious risk to the environment, as well as to humans. Beyond enhancing transparency surrounding the sourcing and sustainability of materials, DPPs can offer insights into the precise composition of a product and guidelines on its safe and responsible disposal or recycling.

According to estimates, more than 50 million metric tons of e-waste are generated globally every year, averaging 7kg of e-waste per capita (source: Statista). Responsible disposal of the products that the electronic industry is accountable for is becoming a growing business imperative, especially considering the increased interest in extended producer responsibility.

DPPs can open up a new direct sales channel for electronics businesses; complementary products could be recommended within the DPP and compatibility checked.

Getting started
Preparation for the electronics industry starts with assigning a DPP lead, who will be responsible for researching the regulation and understanding how it specifically impacts the business.

A business strategy should outline clear goals and actions, bearing in mind the data the regulation will likely ask to be recorded. This may involve internal departments and collaborating with suppliers for data collection.

ESPR is providing the push to make the adoption of sustainable practices a reality for electronics businesses. While the impending deadlines might seem daunting, and the process will certainly be a challenge, those who begin the process early will reap the most rewards by having the opportunity to explore how DPPs can help support other business priorities.

Critically, the electronics industry has a chance to be at the forefront of the circular economy movement with timely implementation and diligence.

Sustainable design
ESPR will replace the Ecodesign Directive 2009/125/EC, writes Caroline Hayes.

The new Ecodesign and energy labelling working plan (2022-2024) builds on the 2019 Directive and introduces new energy-related products, with consumer electronics (smartphones, tablets and solar panels) described by the European Commission (EC) as the fastest-growing waste stream. ESPR rules will apply to all products for sale in the EU, regardless of where they are produced.

The EC estimates that in 2021, the Ecodesign Directive saved €120bn in energy expenditure for consumers and reduced the energy consumed by products by 10%.