The European Commission’s Ecodesign for Sustainable Products and Energy Labelling Working Plan 2025-2030 sets the stage for a new era of sustainable products in the EU. While our previous update highlighted the broader scope of this plan, this piece dives into a critical element: the horizontal requirement for repairability. This requirement aims to embed repair into the very design of products, reducing waste and empowering consumers.
Ecodesign for a circular economy
The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) is the legal framework for setting ecodesign requirements. It works in conjunction with the Energy Labelling Framework Regulation to guide consumer choice towards more sustainable and energy-efficient options. The working plan outlines the specific products to be prioritized up to 2030 under these regulations.
Horizontal requirements: Repairability takes center stage
A key innovation of the ESPR is the concept of “horizontal requirements,” which apply ecodesign criteria across various product groups. Repairability is one such horizontal requirement, pushing for products that are designed for longevity and ease of repair.
This translates to several key aspects:
- Design for disassembly: Products must be designed to allow for easy disassembly and reassembly, making it simpler to access and replace components. Â
- Spare parts availability: Manufacturers will be obligated to make spare parts available to consumers and repair professionals. Â
- Access to repair information: Providing access to repair manuals and diagnostic tools is essential to facilitate repair.
Why repairability matters
The emphasis on repairability is driven by several factors:
- Environmental benefits: Extending product lifespan reduces the demand for new products, conserving resources and minimizing waste. Â
- Consumer empowerment: Repairability gives consumers greater control over their products and saves them money by enabling repairs instead of replacements. Â
- Economic opportunities: A thriving repair sector can stimulate economic growth and create new jobs.
Products in scope and timeline
On April 16, the EC announced its working plan for ESPR, which defines the target industries and focus for the next five years. The initial scope of products includes textiles/apparel, furniture, tires, and mattresses. Additionally, a range of electronics and energy-related products, as well as steel and aluminum as intermediate products, were also announced.
Importantly, repairability scoring is also under development. This system will provide clear, standardized metrics to help consumers assess and compare the repairability of different products. The final form of the repairability score is expected to be shaped through discussions in the Ecodesign Forum and subsequently embedded into Delegated Acts for different product groups (such as fashion and furniture).
Kezzler’s contribution
At Kezzler, we understand the importance of product lifecycle management and traceability. Our technology directly supports the goals of the Ecodesign Working Plan by enabling:
- Provide product information: Supporting the Digital Product Passport by enabling access to information on product composition, disassembly, and repair. Â
- Enhance supply chain transparency: Our solutions help track products across the entire value chain. This enables streamlined repair processes and the capturing of repair events, providing valuable data to drive continuous improvement in product quality and design.
The importance of Digital Product Passports (DPP) is also highlighted in new Gartner research, “Emerging Tech Impact Radar: Environmental Sustainability,” published on April 17, 2025. This report emphasizes the role of DPPs in driving responsible sourcing, reducing waste, and optimizing resource utilization, recognizing companies like Kezzler for providing solutions in this area.
Looking ahead
The EU’s emphasis on repairability is a game-changer for manufacturers, consumers, and the environment. It signals a shift towards a more sustainable model where products are valued for their longevity and repairability. Kezzler is committed to providing the technology and solutions to enable this transition.
You might also find this interesting
- Our previous update on the ESPR working plan
- Our white paper “Digital Product Passport: From Concept to Compliance”
- Our work in Cirpass-2
- Learn more about R-strategies in the circular economy