The Joint Research Centre has published, in course of the last months, three reports providing methodological guidance to support the implementation of the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), with direct relevance for the textile sector.
The JRC documents are the following:
· Methodology for defining data requirements for the Digital Product Passport under the ESPR framework: the report proposes a step-by-step methodology under ESPR to define and prioritise data requirements for Digital Product Passport (DPP). It translates policy goals into structured data needs, assessing their value and feasibility to support consistent, scalable, and enforceable DPP implementation.
· Method for the identification and tracking of substances of concern in products and for the preparation of restriction measures on the use of substances in products: the report proposes a methodology to identify, track, and assess substances of concern in products. It outlines how to support future requirements by defining data needs, tracking obligations, and potential restrictions, while promoting safer alternatives and sustainable product design.
· Method for the ranking of potential requirements, based on expected impacts and costs: the report supports the implementation of ESPR by proposing a methodology to identify and rank improved design options for sustainable products. It expands existing approaches by considering system-level impacts and using tools such as life-cycle assessment and costing to evaluate environmental, economic, and societal performance.
For textile companies, these reports provide early insights into how sustainability, durability, and information requirements may be structured, helping the industry anticipate upcoming compliance obligations and adapt to future EU rules.