Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation ⚖️

👋 Hello Loopers,

Today's newsletter is packed with essential updates on the latest EU regulations impacting product design and disposal. It's a crucial time for us all to focus on sustainability—after all, there's no Planet B

Today we are covering:

The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) has officially arrived, setting the stage for a new era in product design and sustainability across the EU. This regulation isn't just a policy—it's a game-changer for businesses, consumers, and the environment.

ESPR is fundamentally altering how products are designed by prioritizing circularity, energy efficiency, and overall eco-friendliness. By setting stricter standards, the ESPR ensures that products are durable and repairable and designed with the end of their lifecycle in mind.

📦 Digital Product Passports: these digital IDs are designed to provide detailed information about a product’s sustainability credentials, including its materials, repairability, and recyclability.

By 2030, it’s estimated that DPPs could help reduce product waste by 20% and increase recycling rates across the EU.

🛑 Stopping the destruction of unsold goods: one of the most significant changes under ESPR is the new mandate on transparency for the disposal of unsold goods. This particularly targets sectors like textiles and footwear, which have historically contributed to significant waste.

The EU disposes of 4 million tons of textiles annually. With ESPR, companies must now report and justify the destruction of unsold items, pushing for more sustainable alternatives like recycling or implementing buyback programs.

💼 Sustainable Public Procurement: is now required to meet sustainable criteria under ESPR. This will redirect substantial funds towards products and practices that are better for the environment, promoting green innovation across industries.

Public sector spending accounts for 14% of the EU’s GDP. This shift could significantly accelerate the adoption of sustainable products and services across Europe.

Is your business ready to make the shift? Sharpei is here to support your journey towards sustainability. We offer solutions like subscriptions, rentals, and buybacks that reduce waste, extend product life, and help you meet ESPR requirements with ease.

We’ve made it clear that the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) is here, and while it's all about saving the planet, not every industry is exactly jumping for joy. Let's spill the tea on who’s sweating the most under these new sustainability rules.

👗 Fashion & Textiles: Time to clean out the closet

The fashion industry has long been the poster child for waste, with 92 million tons of textile waste generated annually. With ESPR, the days of tossing out last season’s unsold goods are numbered. Now, brands must come clean about what they're trashing. Transparency is in, and waste is out—literally.

💻 Electronics: Charging up for change

That drawer full of old phones and chargers? Now imagine that on a global scale—welcome to the e-waste crisis the electronics industry is grappling with. With ESPR’s emphasis on Digital Product Passports and circular design, tech companies are under pressure to do more than just innovate—they need to regenerate. The new standard? Building gadgets that last longer, are easier to repair, and launching buyback programs to clean up their own mess. It’s time for the industry to step up and take responsibility for the entire lifecycle of their products.

🛋 Furniture: Not just a pretty face

ESPR is shining a light on the furniture industry, pushing it out of the shadows of “fast furniture” and into a future where sustainability reigns. The days of disposable designs are over—this regulation demands pieces that are not only stylish but also durable, repairable, and recyclable. Say goodbye to that quick-fix bookshelf and hello to furniture that stands the test of time. It's no longer enough for furniture to look good—it needs to live long. Implementing rental programs or circular markets offers a smart solution, ensuring that products have a second, third, or even fourth life.

🚗 Automotive: From gas guzzlers to green machines

The automotive industry isn't getting off easy either. With ESPR pushing for energy efficiency and longer-lasting parts, car manufacturers are being driven towards greener pastures. It’s no longer just about how fast or fancy a car is—it’s about how sustainable it is from bumper to bumper. The industry is being nudged (okay, shoved 🥵) towards electric, sustainable, and circular models, meaning there’s no more cruising by on outdated, eco-unfriendly designs.

🔥 So, Who's really feeling the burn? If your industry thrives on trends, tech, or turnover, ESPR is here to disrupt your game. But don’t fret—this is your chance to innovate, elevate, and lead in sustainability. Because let’s face it: the future isn’t just green—it’s mandatory. 🌿

Today, I had the pleasure of speaking with Ignacio Barriendos Hoppichler, CEO & Founder of DoGood People, a company dedicated to empowering organizations to drive positive impact by engaging employees to actively contribute to their company's ESG goals.

What inspired you to start DoGood and what are your future goals for the company?

I: I: In 2019 I had already spent eight years running my first company, an HR consulting firm. During this time, I realized the world needed change and conducted research that revealed that 95% of people wanted to make a difference, but they were facing three main obstacles: they didn’t know what to do, they didn't know how to do it, and they felt alone. Simultaneously, companies were experiencing pressure from regulations and stakeholders, including investors and customers, to transition towards sustainability and set ESG goals. This led me to create DoGood People, a solution designed to empower employees to contribute to their company's sustainable transformation and ESG Strategies. The DoGood app breaks down sustainability goals into actionable tasks and training modules, helping employees understand what to do and how to do it, and fosters a community where everyone can see the cumulative impact of their efforts.

At the moment, we are preparing the company to be the global leader in our market niche, solidifying our presence in Spain and formalizing our international expansion into at least five different markets in 2025.

How does DoGood differentiate itself from other ESG platforms in terms of generating actionable metrics for sustainability efforts?

I: DoGood is the only solution in the market with the capacity to adapt to specific ESG objectives, translating them into training modules and actionable tasks to engage every employee in implementing the Corporate ESG strategy and impacting the relevant ESG KPIs for the business.

Can you share any milestones or achievements DoGood has reached recently?

I: We work with clients who are leaders across 13 different industries, including names like BBVA, Siemens Gamesa, Accenture, Fluidra, and Alpha Bank. Our client base spans 10 countries, even though we have yet to intentionally pursue international expansion.

Recently, in a study conducted in collaboration with EY analyzing 3,000 companies, we found that C-level executives rated the knowledge and practice of their company's ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) strategy by employees at a low average score of 2.9 out of 5. Additionally, 85% of employees reported that they are not aware of their company’s sustainability goals. These results highlight a significant gap in ESG knowledge and implementation, confirming the relevance of our solution in a rapidly expanding market.

Our team has also grown to 29 members, positioning us well to implement a comprehensive international go-to-market strategy and establish strong market leadership.

How do you see the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation impacting companies' sustainability strategies

I: The ESPR will significantly impact companies' sustainability strategies by mandating the integration of circular economy principles into product design. This involves creating products that are energy-efficient, durable, repairable, and recyclable. Companies must also enhance supply chain transparency, innovate with sustainable materials, and adhere to stricter environmental standards. To manage this transition, businesses will need to provide their workforce with the necessary training and guidance, embedding sustainability into decision-making processes to ensure compliance. Adapting to ESPR will not only ensure compliance but also position companies as sustainability leaders in an increasingly environmentally conscious market.

With the introduction of the Digital Product Passport under ESPR, how do you foresee DoGood assisting companies in ensuring transparency and traceability throughout their product lifecycle?

I: DoGood can be instrumental for companies in training employees on the Digital Product Passport under ESPR. Our solution enables employees to grasp the regulations requirements and compliance needs through targeted training modules. It also provides the capability for companies to set specific tasks, guiding employees in meeting compliance standards. The app includes assessments to evaluate learning and help employees identify areas for improvement, aiming to ensure they are well-prepared to support the company’s compliance and contribute to a transparent, sustainable product lifecycle.

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs wanting to start a sustainable brand like DoGood?

I: Given the current market demand for sustainable solutions, it’s the right time to start a sustainable brand. The urgency for environmentally and socially responsible solutions is stronger than ever, driven by both consumer expectations and regulatory pressures. To succeed, deeply understand the market challenges and how your brand can address them Spot sustainability gaps and tailor your solutions to fill them effectively. By aligning with the market's growing focus on sustainability, you can position your brand as a key player in this rapidly evolving field.

World ESG Summit: ​Join leading industry professionals, investors, and experts in Dubai for the World ESG Summit. This event will delve into the most effective strategies for integrating ESG principles into business practices. August 20-21 2024 - Dubai, UAE

Immersive Impact Trip: Embark on an exclusive journey tailored for CEOs and senior leaders to explore the intersection of profitability and positive impact. Gain valuable insights into building a better future while driving sustainable profits. September 11-12, 2024 - Amsterdam, NL

Are you passionate about sustainability and looking for your dream job? Here are a couple of exciting options:

• Sustainability Manager at Meta

• Manager, Sustainability Reporting at E.L.F. beauty

• Sustainability Communications and Engagement Lead at H&M

• Sustainability SR Consultant at Repsol

Feel free to reply to this email if you'd like to showcase your events or if you'd like to be featured in the Loop Commerce community!

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See you next week!! 🕺🏽💚

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