EU policy briefs

The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) aims to improve the sustainability performance of products placed on the EU market. Product performance requirements can help advance circularity, durability and resource efficiency across value chains. The framework should remain science-based, proportionate and practical for businesses of different sizes. Environmental performance requirements based on the full life cycle of products are needed to drive real sustainability improvements and create lead markets for renewable and circular solutions.

FFIF key message:
ESPR requirements should remain technology-neutral and be based on life-cycle environmental performance in order to support innovation and sustainable products.

The Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) methodology seeks to establish a common approach for assessing environmental performance. Comparable and transparent information can support informed decisions by policymakers, companies and consumers. Assessment methods must accurately reflect the full life-cycle performance of products and recognise the climate benefits of renewable materials, including biogenic carbon uptake, carbon storage and the replacement of fossil-based materials.

FFIF key message:
PEF methodologies should provide a science-based and fair assessment of products by recognising biogenic carbon, carbon storage and the life-cycle benefits of renewable materials.

The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) aims to improve packaging sustainability and resource efficiency across the EU. Renewable and recyclable fibre-based packaging solutions can contribute significantly to circular economy objectives and the replacement of fossil-based materials. A balanced framework should encourage innovation, consider actual environmental performance and ensure equal treatment of different packaging materials.

FFIF key message:
PPWR should support material-neutral regulation and recognise the contribution of renewable and recyclable fibre-based packaging to EU circular bioeconomy objectives and the replacement of fossil-based materials.

The Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUP) seeks to reduce litter and environmental impacts associated with plastic waste. The transition towards renewable and circular materials creates opportunities for innovation, investment and new product development. Policy measures should encourage sustainable alternatives while maintaining a level playing field across materials and technologies.

FFIF key message:
SUP implementation should promote renewable and circular alternatives through technology-neutral and science-based regulation.