Less waste and certainly no destruction of new goods: This is a central point of the new EU Ecodesign Directive. Overall, products should become more durable.
The European Union wants to ensure that durable products last longer, are repairable and more sustainable. The new eco-design regulations that the EU Parliament and countries agreed to last night are intended to contribute to this.
“The Ecodesign Directive is a proven instrument,” explains CDU MEP Peter Liese. “According to the European Commission, in recent years we have saved as much energy as Italy and Sweden use – every year.”
Ban comes into force gradually
The revised rules are intended, among other things, to help ensure that less clothing waste is produced. “In the future, larger retailers will not be allowed to simply destroy unsold clothing in the European Union,” says Green MEP Anna Cavazzini. The EU is finally putting a stop to an “unbelievable practice”.
The ban also affects shoes and clothing accessories. It should take effect two years after the law comes into force. There are exceptions for small companies, while medium-sized companies get a little more time; a transition period of six years applies to them.
Priority for certain product groups
In addition, Parliament and the states require companies to report on the amount of products they dispose of – and also state why they disposed of them. In the future, the EU Commission may propose extending the stricter environmental requirements to other product categories.
“As a parliament, we have placed a great deal of focus on ensuring that products that have the greatest climate impact are treated first,” says Cavazzini. “This also includes furniture, detergent and tires – these should be given priority.”
Other products that the Commission can regulate in a more environmentally friendly way include iron, steel, aluminum, lubricants, paints and chemicals.
More influence for parliament
“The agreement brings more rights for Parliament. If the European Commission, in our view, proposes nonsense, we can stop it,” emphasizes CDU politician Liese. “It is also wise to remove cars from the scope.”
So-called “digital product passports” are also part of the agreement: They are intended to make it easier for consumers to compare sustainable products. A repair index is intended to make it transparent how easily a product can be repaired.
Both institutions still have to agree to the agreement reached by the negotiators from the states and parliament, but this is considered a formality.
Paul Vorreiter, ARD Brussels, tagesschau, December 5th, 2023 12:27 p.m