The new Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR): Requirements for the eco-design of textiles and the possible transfer to an eco-design label
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).
Matthäi, Anett; Moch, Katja ; Dr. Teufel, Jenny ; Lorösch, Hannah; Dr. Klinge, Johannes ; Low, Clara ; Prof. Dr. Muschkiet, Markus ; Mauter, Sabrina ; Prof. Dr. Rabe, Maike ; Danneh, Alena ; Lumpp, Malina ; Rau, Benita ; Reuters, Marie Christine (2026)
Matthäi, Anett; Moch, Katja ; Dr. Teufel, Jenny ; Lorösch, Hannah...
The new Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (EU) 2024/1781 (ESPR) establishes a comprehensive legal framework within the EU that aims to make sustainable products the norm. It introduces measures such as ecodesign requirements, digital product passports, and physical labels, with the intention of encouraging sustainable choices and market surveillance. Textiles are among the first product groups to be targeted with these requirements due to their environmental impact, and an ongoing preparatory study is being conducted by the Joint Research Centre (JRC). This study at hand was commissioned by the German Environment Agency (UBA) and was conducted by the Oeko-Institut in collaboration with two universities of The study’s methodology included literature review, expert consultation, market analysis, and stakeholder workshops. The developed requirements relate to durability, repairability, recyclability, recycled content, and substances of concern. Three product examples were in the focus of the study: T-shirts, jeans and functional jackets.Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation: requirements for the ecodesign of textiles and the possible transfer to an ecodesign label
Open Access
Peer Reviewed
applied sciences: the Hochschule Niederrhein and the Hochschule Hof. The study aims to support the development of ecodesign requirements for textiles and to explore how these requirements can be communicated effectively through an ecodesign label.
Projektleitung
T +49 9281 409-8592 anett.matthaei[at]hof-university.de