This study aims to suggest a number of product groups and horizontal measures that may be suitable candidates for prioritisation under ESPR, once it enters into force. In this respect, it also provides a preliminary product ranking. The study focusses on identifying ‘new’ products and horizontal measures that are not currently within the scope of the Ecodesign Directive 2009/125/EC (which covers energy-related products only). The future ESPR working plan will cover both new products and energy-related products, and a separate initiative to prioritise requirements for energy-related products will take place, taking into account the progress made in implementing the the Ecodesign and Energy Labelling Working Plan 2022-2024.

This study is organised as follows:

• Step 1: Identification of potential end-use products, intermediate products and horizontal measures to be considered for first action under ESPR;
• Step 2: Suggested prioritisation of the identified end-use and intermediate products, based on considerations of estimated environmental impacts and improvement potential, amongst others.

An additional complimentary assessment of the potential contribution to the EU’s strategic autonomy is also included, in order to assess whether certain dependencies in the supply chain of end-use or intermediate products could be mitigated by enhancing the circularity of these products under ESPR.

Furthermore, a preliminary analysis on the quantification of the life cycle environmental impacts (related to the product groups prioritised in Step 2) and on the quantification of the potential savings (associated with the implementation of the horizontal measures identified in Step 1) is also included.

Stakeholder involvement is a crucial part of this JRC study, for data collection and joint analysis. Stakeholder contact is organised through an open public consultation (see here) targeting citizens, experts and stakeholders representing various facets of the product groups and supply chains involved, including manufacturers, remanufacturers, consumer organisations, waste operators, academia, and NGOs, as well as Member State representatives.

The results of the consultation will feed into the preparation of the first ESPR working plan, to be adopted only once ESPR is in force, in accordance with the relevant procedures it will set out. This JRC study will continue throughout 2023, and may include targeted consultation exercises, in case of needs.