Review study and support to evaluation and impact assessment for ecodesign and EU energy labelling for the product group “household washing machines and household washerdryers” - ESPR

The project supports the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Environment in conducting a review study, including technical analysis and preparatory work, as well as an evaluation and impact assessment. This work focuses on the revision of:

• Commission Regulation (EU) 2019/2023 of 1 October 2019 on ecodesign requirements for household washing machines and washer-dryers, as amended by Regulation (EU) 2021/341;

• Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2014 of 11 March 2019 on energy labelling of household washing machines and washer-dryers, as amended by Regulation (EU) 2021/340.

This review follows the 2022–2024 Ecodesign and Energy Labelling Working Plan and its accompanying staff working document, which announced the Commission’s intention to launch this initiative.

The project aligns with the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) proposal, which sets a framework for improving the circularity, energy performance, and overall environmental sustainability of specific product groups.

The study assesses the following product aspects:

• Durability and reliability

• Reusability

• Upgradability, reparability, maintenance, and refurbishment

• Presence of substances of concern

• Energy and resource efficiency

• Recycled content

• Remanufacturing and recycling potential

• Carbon and environmental footprints

• Expected waste generation

The project also explores the potential introduction of a Digital Product Passport (DPP) for household washing machines and washer-dryers.