On April 23, 2024, the European Parliament adopted the new Ecodesign Regulation for Sustainable Products (ESPR). Expected to come into effect in 2026, it will replace the Ecodesign Directive that has been in force since 2005, along with the national regulations derived from it. Arno Eversmeyer, a Lighting Applications expert at TRILUX, explains the status of affairs and what this specifically means for the lighting industry.

What will change with the transition from the Ecodesign Directive to the Ecodesign Regulation?

Ecodesign focuses on establishing minimum standards for the environmental impact of products. The previous directive primarily addressed energy consumption and was therefore known as the ErP Directive (Energy related Products). The new regulation expands the focus to include resource consumption, along with factors such as durability and ease of repair. One example of our commitment is our Extended Availability Promise, which ensures that customers can continue to purchase selected lights up to ten years after their initial purchase. Additionally, we guarantee the availability of spare parts for 15 years.

However, the exact assessment procedures are still being developed, and our experts are actively involved in this process.

What does the regulation mean for the development and production of our luminaires?

We have always prioritized quality and sustainability. in the development and production of our lights. This commitment includes core values such as high efficiency, a long product service life, good repairability and a guaranteed long-term supply of spare parts. In the future, the Ecodesign Regulation will require all companies to document the sustainability of their products according to defined standards - likely through a Digital Product Passport (DPP), a reparability index, and, where necessary, an extended product label.

What are the advantages for our customers?

The documentation requirements, for example via a DPP or an extended product label, will enable customers to objectively identify sustainable products. In the medium term, this will result in a better and more transparent selection of sustainable, high-quality products. Our solutions, which have already set benchmarks in many areas, will benefit from this increased transparency.

Are there any new materials or technologies that we will be using?

The development of new materials, products and processes in crucial for achieving a truly circular economy. We are already very active in this area, including through extensive in-house research and development. Additionally, we are also participating in external research projects, such as „SUMATRA“ (SUstainable MATerials in future luminaire designs – from Recycling back to Application), funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection. The knowledge gained from these projects form the foundation for developing sustainable luminaires.

What are your hopes for the future in the field of eco-design?

Above all, the industry needs practical regulations that support the continued development and market establishment of sustainable solutions, benefiting customers, employees and the environment. It is essential to have mechanisms in place that objectively verify sustainability and make it comparable across products.