Sustainable Product Policies need to support SMEs switching to circular models

Ecopreneur.eu and its member organisations greatly welcome the European Commission’s proposal for a Sustainable Products Initiative (SPI) but six policy measures will be essential to make it work for SMEs

The goal of the forthcoming regulation, which is expected in December 2021, is to make products fit for a climate neutral, resource efficient and circular economy, reduce waste and ensure that the performance of frontrunners in sustainability progressively becomes the norm. 

From our perspective of green entrepreneurs or “eco-preneurs”, we strongly support the overall goal. Ecopreneur.eu greatly welcomes the European Commission’s plan to make the Ecodesign Directive applicable to the broadest possible range of products, and supports the implementation of all measures considered, including digital product passports. However, six policy measures are essential to make the Sustainable Product Initiative work for SMEs:

1. Review the minimum sustainable requirements for products every five years
2. A mandatory gate-to-gate Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) for all companies including SMEs as a basis for multi-life cycle product impact assessments
3. Integrate the minimum sustainability requirements in public investment and procurement
4. Promote “circularity hubs” in all EU regions to support SMEs with circular models
5. Reward green entrepreneurs through price incentives such as eco-modulated Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), the VAT and carbon pricing
6. Reinforce market surveillance mechanisms with harmonised third-party certification and inspection.

Click here for our full position paper and here for our feedback to the questionnaire.