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EU to Introduce Legislation Promoting Sustainable Product Design

The Ecodesign Regulation, Repair of Goods Directive, and Empowering Consumers Directive are all part of the EU's broader Green Deal initiative to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.

Tamara Ciochina

The European Union is set to implement three key pieces of legislation aimed at encouraging more sustainable product design and extending product lifespans with a focus on energy-intensive products initially.

The Ecodesign Regulation, Repair of Goods Directive, and Empowering Consumers Directive are all part of the EU's broader Green Deal initiative to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.

The Ecodesign Regulation focuses on product development and manufacturing, setting new requirements for endurance, reusability, repairability, and energy and resource efficiency. The Empowering Consumers Directive places information obligations on sellers to help consumers make sustainable purchase decisions and avoid greenwashing claims. On the other hand, the Repair of Goods Directive aims to enhance consumer rights in product repair, extending warranty periods and ensuring access to spare parts and repair information.

Economic operators will face new obligations regarding product design, repair services, and consumer information under these legislations.

Manufacturers and sellers must comply with these new laws, which cover the entire product life cycle. Non-compliance could result in sanctions and liability for damages caused by eco-design failures.

Overall, these new EU laws signal a significant shift towards a more sustainable and circular economy, with greater emphasis on durability, repairability, and consumer empowerment in the marketplace.

Source: https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=2851a3b1-9f56-4401-99ab-07c9814628fa