GS1 in Europe welcomes the Sustainable Product Regulation proposal, adopted by the European Commission on 30 March 2022. Released under the framework of the EU Green Deal, it sets the objective of becoming the first climate-neutral region by 2050. 

The draft regulation includes the EU Digital Product Passport, a new concept on which GS1 in Europe has been proactively engaging over the last three years.

The definition applies to any physical good, including components and intermediates products, placed on the EU market or put into service and it includes products manufactured in Europe or exported into the EU, having impacts also on global trade. 

Only a few sectors – such as food, feed and medicinal products – are exempted. In addition, the regulation prohibits the destruction of unsold consumer products, and it sets mandatory green public procurement criteria, within the values and principles advocated by the circular economy. 

The overall aim of the proposal is to reduce the life cycle environmental impacts of products through efficient digital solutions but also to enable the objectives of EU industrial policy, like boosting the demand for sustainable goods and supporting sustainable production. 

The regulation sets up new duties and rights for manufacturers, importers and distributors, dealers, repairers, remanufacturers, recyclers, maintenance professionals, customers, end-users, consumers, national authorities, public interest organisations, the EU Commission, or any organisation acting on their behalf. 

Along with the Ecodesign for sustainable products regulation, the Commission has also adopted the Sustainable and Circular Textile Strategy and the revision of the Construction Products Regulation.  

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