Benefits of ISO 14006 eco-design
ISO 14006 eco-design requirements
ISO 14006 on eco-design helps organisations integrate environmental criteria into product design and development, promoting more sustainable, efficient and innovative solutions. The ISO 14006 standard is structured to ensure robust and consistent implementation.
- When analysing the context and stakeholders, you must identify internal and external factors that influence eco-design.
- The leadership section requires management commitment through a clear environmental policy that includes a commitment to eco-design, effective communication and resource allocation to achieve continuous improvement in eco-design.
- Design planning includes the identification of risks, opportunities, environmental aspects and legal requirements related to product design. It considers environmental aspects and impacts throughout the product life cycle, promoting continuous improvement in environmental performance from the design stage onwards. In addition, specific eco-design objectives and plans must be established.
- In terms of support, the standard requires training, communication, document management and adequate resources.
- The operation block requires the integration of circular economy environmental criteria throughout the product design life cycle, from material selection to use and end of life.
- Performance evaluation involves measuring and analysing eco-design results to verify compliance with objectives.
- Finally, the improvement chapter promotes continuous improvement and the correction of deviations.
Applying ISO 14006 allows you to differentiate yourself in sustainability, reinforce innovation and improve your environmental reputation with customers and stakeholders.
FAQs on ecodesign and ESPR (Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation)
What is the relationship between ISO 14006 on eco-design and the ESPR Regulation?
ISO 14006 promotes eco-design by integrating environmental criteria throughout the product life cycle, while the ESPR Regulation imposes mandatory requirements for durability, reparability and circularity. The two frameworks are complementary: ISO 14006 facilitates adaptation to ESPR, improves product sustainability and helps meet future digital passport and European obligations.
What is the ESPR Regulation?
The ESPR (Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation) establishes mandatory requirements for products marketed in the EU to be more durable, repairable, recyclable, efficient and have a lower environmental impact throughout their entire life cycle.
The ESPR seeks to reduce the environmental impact of products, improve resource efficiency, increase circularity, curb premature obsolescence and facilitate repairs, reuse and recycling. It also promotes transparency through digital product passports.
To which products does the ESPR apply?
El Reglamento ESPR aplica a prácticamente todos los productos físicos vendidos en la UE, excepto alimentos, medicamentos y vehículos. Tendrá prioridad en sectores como textil, electrónica, baterías, muebles, productos de acero, aluminio y químicos.
Las empresas deberán modificar el diseño, incorporando el ecodiseño, fabricación y gestión de sus productos, mejorar procesos de trazabilidad, declarar impactos ambientales y demostrar conformidad con los requisitos. El ESPR implica cambios profundos en la cadena de valor.
What eco-design and ESPR requirements must products meet?
The ESPR introduces mandatory requirements such as:
- Greater durability and repairability.
- Energy and resource efficiency.
- Reduced use of hazardous substances.
- Minimum recycled material content.
- Design for disassembly, reuse and recycling.
- Restriction on the destruction of unsold products.
By complying with the requirements, you can obtain the Digital Product Passport (DPP), a mandatory digital file that will include information on the product’s environmental impact, composition, repairability and recyclability. It will enable the product’s life cycle to be tracked and improve transparency for consumers, manufacturers and authorities.
What are the benefits of complying with ESPR?
Compliance with the ESPR will bring competitive advantages such as:
- Guaranteed access to the European market.
- Improved reputation in sustainability.
- More efficient processes and reduced costs.
- Differentiation from less prepared competitors.
When it comes into force, market surveillance authorities will be able to inspect, withdraw or ban products that do not comply with the ESPR. Financial penalties are also envisaged for non-compliance or false environmental claims.
How can an ESPR consultancy specialising in sustainability and eco-design help?
An ESPR consultancy in sustainability and eco-design helps you to:
- Assess the impact of ESPR on your products.
- Design more sustainable products.
- Prepare the Digital Product Passport.
- Comply with mandatory requirements and avoid penalties.
- Improve your ESG strategy and circularity.