Crunch time for textile and footwear brands - April 19th and ESPR updates

The European Union’s commitment to sustainability has brought significant regulatory changes that aim to reduce environmental impact across industries. One of the most notable initiatives is the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), a framework designed to make products more durable, repairable, and recyclable. For the textile and footwear sectors, the ESPR is set to have transformative effects, and one crucial date stands out in this process: April 19, 2025.

This date marks the adoption of the first working plan for ESPR implementation, setting the stage for sweeping changes in how products are designed and managed throughout their lifecycle. For brands in the textile and footwear industries, understanding and preparing for these changes is vital.

What is ESPR, and why is it important?

The ESPR goes beyond traditional ecodesign rules that focus mostly on energy efficiency. Instead, it adopts a more comprehensive approach to circularity, covering the entire lifecycle of a product. This includes material sourcing, manufacturing, usage, and end-of-life management.

Textiles and footwear, as resource-intensive industries, are a key focus of the ESPR. Sustainability has long been a concern in these sectors due to their reliance on natural resources, environmental footprint, and waste generation. The ESPR will demand significant adaptations that encourage brands to prioritize circularity, transparency, and innovation.

April 19, 2025

April 19, 2025, is when the first working plan of ESPR is planned to be adopted. This plan is pivotal because it sets the foundation for the regulation’s rollout and focuses on practical implementation over the coming years. Specifically, the plan will:

• Identify priority product groups (e.g., textiles and apparel) for ecodesign rules.
• Establish measures to improve repairability and encourage the inclusion of recyclable and recycled content in products.
• Lay the groundwork for Digital Product Passports (DPPs), which will become mandatory for certain categories by 2027.
• Address green public procurement and the lifecycle performance of products to reduce environmental and social impact.

These steps will significantly impact how the textile and footwear industries operate, requiring businesses to rethink product design, material choices, and supply chain collaboration.

Key Changes for Brands

The adoption of the first working plan will bring several game-changing changes for these industries:

• Digital Product Passports (DPPs): DPPs will provide detailed information on a product’s materials, environmental footprint, and end-of-life options. This not only promotes circularity & transparency but also helps consumers and regulators make informed decisions.
• Repairability and Recyclability Standards: Products will need to meet new benchmarks for durability and ease of repair. This might introduce measures like repair scoring and mandatory use of recyclable materials.
• Prohibition on Destroying Unsold Goods: Beginning in 2026 for large enterprises, this rule will aim to minimize waste and encourage resource-efficient solutions for leftover inventory.
• Enhanced Supply Chain Collaboration: Brands will need to work closely with suppliers to meet stricter compliance requirements and improve their environmental reporting.
• R&D Innovations: To meet new ecodesign requirements, brands must explore alternative materials and sustainable production techniques.

Preparing for the Changes Ahead

To meet these ambitious goals by the time they become mandatory, textile and footwear brands need to act now. Companies should start by:

• Assessing current practices and identifying gaps in sustainability.
• Implementing systems for tracking material data and lifecycle assessments.
• Exploring partnerships with suppliers to ensure compliance with recyclability, repairability, and carbon footprint requirements.

How Trimco Group Can Help

With deep expertise in providing innovative labeling solutions and sustainability insights, Trimco Group can assist brands by:

• Kickstarting Digital Product Passport projects that meet regulatory standards and align with brand needs.
• Offering the advantages of ProductDNA to ensure transparency in compliance across the supply chain.

April 19th, 2025 is a turning point for achieving sustainable transformation in the textile and footwear industries. While the road ahead requires substantial effort, businesses that act early will position themselves as leaders in the future of responsible production.

Source: europa.eu