The new Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR): Requirements for the eco-design of textiles and the possible transfer to an eco-design label

With the entry into force of the new ESPR ((EU) 2024/1781), the development and implementation of minimum ecological requirements for textiles, one of the first new product groups, will be examined.

The aim of the research project is, on the one hand, to support the European processes within the framework of the new ESPR for the textile product group. This includes supporting and commenting on the European preperatory study on textiles and providing technical expertise in commenting on proposed implementing measures for the Federal Environment Agency.

On the other hand, the project aims to support and evaluate the work surrounding the European process on PEFCRs for clothing. Furthermore, the research project aims to develop graduated ecodesign requirements for garments with a view to converting them into a potential ecodesign label. The following product aspects will be considered within the project:

• Durability
• Repairability
• Recyclability
• Environmental impact
• Percentage of recycled material
• Presence of substances of concern (SoCs)

The project is being carried out in cooperation with the Ökoinstitut e.V. and the Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences. The focus of the own research activities is on textile chemicals and the presence of substances of concern (SoCs).