Lifetime extension criteria in European product policy: a matrix of criteria by product group and material efficiency aspect

Existing EU product policy tools (Ecodesign Directive, Energy Labelling, EU Ecolabel and Green Public Procurement) have already addressed, to a certain extent, material efficiency aspects, either on a mandatory or voluntary basis. In the last few years, the EU has been introducing material efficiency requirements that energy-related products (ErP) must fulfil in order to be placed on the market and/or put into service. At voluntary level, the EU Ecolabel Regulation and the EU Green Public Procurement have introduced more advanced criteria for both energy-related products and beyond (such as textiles and furniture). In 2019, the Commission adopted new product policy regulations and initiatives introducing new requirements and criteria on material efficiency aspects. These initiatives cover product groups such as refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, electronic displays, servers, light sources, among others. More recently, and building on this legacy, the new Circular Economy Action Plan foresees a ‘sustainable products’ policy initiative to address, amongst other aspects, the lifetime extension of products, including strategies as durability, reusability, upgradability and reparability, while ensuring their performance and safety. This paper presents a policy matrix that can help stakeholders in navigating the existing lifetime extension criteria and requirements in the EU product policy tools.