Ecodesign of products

The aim of ecological designing, i.e ecodesign, is to ensure that consumers have access to products with high energy efficiency performance but low environmental impact. The of ecodesign requirements ensure that environmental aspects and life-cycle thinking are taken into account in product design.

The ecodesign directive establishes a framework for the setting eco-design requirements for energy-related products. The directive sets ecodesing requirements for selecting product groups. 

Ecodesign regulations set requirements that improve the energy efficiency of products or reduce their other environmental impacts (e.g. material efficiency, circular economy, sustainability, repairability, use of recycled materials).  If a product does not meet the applicable ecodesign requirements, it cannot be placed on the market or put into service in the EU.

Specific requirements have been set for numerous product groups from washing machines to electric motors. More information on the regulated product groups is available on the ekosuunnittelu.info website (in Finnish).

New Ecodesign Regulation

On 30 March 2022, the Commission published its proposal for a new Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, which would replace the old Ecodesign Directive. The biggest changes compared to the old directive would be expansion of the scope of application, more thorough consideration of circular economy, a Digital Product Passport for products, and requirements related to the disposal of unsold products. 

Further information: pekka.karpanen(at)gov.fi and eriika.melkas(at)gov.fi