The importance of repair, as an effective strategy for product lifetime extension, is increasingly highlighted in product policy, now playing a central role in the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). The ESPR framework allows for the deployment of a number of tools and instrument, including Repairability Scoring. Furthermore, the first ESPR Working Plan specifically foresees the development of Repairability horizontal requirements, which has the potential to address a wide range of products with similar characteristics on this circularity aspect.
For the past decade, the JRC has been at the forefront of scientific research for EU policy with regards to repairability, from supporting regulatory processes under the Ecodesign Directive to defining and implementing a methodology for Repairability Indices. Most recently, JRC’s Circular Economy & Sustainable Industry unit (JRC-B.5) has been mandated the EC’s Directorate-General for Environment (DG ENV) to conduct a preparatory study for Repairability requirements under the ESPR Working Plan. The project started in April 2025.
This website provides information about all the research activity of the Product Policy Analysis team on repairability. Stakeholder involvement is crucial for data collection, analysis and feedback on the progress of studies. Engagement with stakeholders also takes place via project-specific stakeholder meetings.
