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Ecodesign Regulation: These software solutions are relevant for the ESPR

The updated Ecodesign Regulation (ESPR) sets new product standards. To prove that the requirements are being met, companies are obliged to disclose relevant information. The most effective way to do this is with suitable ESPR software. Find out here which software solutions are available on the market and how to choose the right tools!

  • ESG
  • Dieser Artikel wurde am 31. March 2026 aktualisiert.
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he EU’s new Ecodesign Directive (Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, ESPR) represents a significant step toward sustainable product development and resource use. The regulation establishes new standards and rules for product design throughout the entire life cycle—from manufacturing and use through to disposal. As a result, companies are increasingly required to adapt their production processes and create a Digital Product Passport (DPP) for their products. Without the right tools, this poses a major challenge.

We share with you our experience from over 700 ESG matchings for mid-sized companies and corporations and show which tools are necessary to create a standards-compliant Digital Product Passport.

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What does the updated Ecodesign Directive include?

The updated Ecodesign Regulation, which was already adopted in July 2024, aims to minimize resource use and the environmental impact of products. In doing so, the ESPR takes the entire life cycle into account and sets requirements that mainly concern the following areas:

ESG-Software Regulatoriken Material selection 

Matchilla - ESG-Softwarebedarf identifizieren Durability

Matchilla - ESG-Softwarearten Energy-efficient

Matchilla - ESG-Topic Longevity

Matchilla - ESG-Regulatorik Reusability

Matchilla - ESG-Tools Upgradability and repairability

Matchilla - ESG-Tools Maximum levels of substances of concern

Matchilla - ESG-Tools Recycled content

Matchilla - ESG-Tools Refurbishment and recyclability

In the future, companies will have to ensure, when manufacturing and selling their products, that they are designed to be more environmentally friendly on the basis of the Ecodesign Regulation and have fewer negative impacts on the environment. These new rules will not only affect production, but also the way products are marketed and disposed of. Imported goods and online retail are therefore affected as well.

In addition, as part of the ESPR there is also set to be a ban from 2026 on the destruction of unused but still usable materials—especially in relation to textiles and shoes. This is intended to effectively counteract resource waste. Companies must also prepare accordingly and adapt their production steps.

Also associated with the ESPR is the introduction of a digital product passport (DPP) and an Ecodesign label. This serves to create transparency regarding the environmental impact of a product and to provide consumers with detailed guidance on how to, for example, dispose of a product correctly in order to save resources. At the same time, the DPP serves as proof that companies comply with and implement the ESPR requirements.

In addition, the new Ecodesign Directive requires the disclosure of further information. Central to this is a product’s CO2 footprint (Product Carbon Footprint, PCF), in order to determine how many greenhouse gases a product causes over its entire life cycle and where emissions need to be reduced.

For companies, this means a significant additional workload, which is managed in a structured way with the right ESPR software solutions!

Which companies are affected by the ESPR?

The ESPR Regulation establishes, for the first time, a binding framework for the environmentally sound design of products. The first working plan has been set and runs from 2025 to 2030 – a review is scheduled for 2028.

This makes one thing clear: The days of voluntary sustainability measures are over – the ESPR is coming, and with it far-reaching changes for companies that trade in products in the EU, manufacture them and/or import them.

What’s new? The European Commission has reached an agreement and identified specific product groups that are at the heart of the new rules. Products were deliberately selected that contribute particularly strongly to environmental pollution – including on the basis of their market size, environmental impacts, and feedback from industry.

The first wave of affected goods includes, among others:  

ESPR-Produktgruppen Iron and steel (from 2026)
ESPR-Produktgruppen Aluminium (from 2027)
ESPR-Produktgruppen Tyres (from 2027)
ESPR-Produktgruppen Clothing and textiles (from 2027)
ESPR-Produktgruppen Furniture (from 2028)
ESPR-Produktgruppen Mattresses (from 2029)

Important note: Energy-related and ICT products (such as smartphones or computers) are also affected by the ESPR, even though they are not listed as separate categories.

Instead, so-called horizontal requirements apply to these product types. These are overarching specifications that apply equally to several groups.

Two of these cross-cutting rules are already specifically planned: First, by around 2027, a repairability criterion including an assessment system is to be introduced; second, by around 2029, requirements for recyclability and the share of recycled materials in electrical and electronic equipment are to be defined.

This in turn means that, due to the horizontal requirements, products may also be affected by the ESPR even if they do not appear directly in the priority list. In addition, not all products are covered in the first work plan. Items such as detergents, paints, lubricants or shoes have been left out for the time being, but could be included at a later date.

Companies should therefore keep a close eye on these developments—especially if they are active in affected sectors. Because anyone who wants to continue offering products in the EU will in future have to be able to prove—by default with a DPP—that the goods are not only functional, but also designed in an environmentally responsible way. Otherwise, access to the EU market will be denied.

For the time being, exceptions to the new Ecodesign Regulation will only apply in the areas of vehicles as well as security and defence. Companies that sell these products are therefore not obliged to comply with the requirements of the ESPR.

Good news for SMEs: Since small and medium-sized enterprises often do not have the same resources as large companies to implement the necessary adjustments, they will be partially exempt from some of the regulation’s new requirements. These exemptions reduce the regulatory burden for these companies. At the same time, the European Commission, together with the Member States, commits to supporting SMEs in implementing the updated ESPR directive. This may include financial assistance, technical advice or organisational support. In addition, targeted training courses are to be offered to facilitate the transition to the new standards and to promote understanding of the requirements of the Ecodesign Regulation.

In contrast, large companies are excluded from the exemption rules. As greater personal responsibility is expected from these companies, they must fully meet the requirements of the regulation. Large companies will therefore be held more accountable for implementing and documenting the ecodesign requirements. They must also ensure that their products meet the defined environmental standards and help achieve the EU’s environmental objectives. In order to still be able to respond to the changes in good time, there will be a transition period of 18 months after the new rules enter into force to adapt to the new standards. This transition period is intended to give large companies time to make necessary adjustments—such as introducing measurement systems to verify the environmental compatibility of their products or using appropriate software and tools.

These software solutions support the implementation of the ESPR requirements

Compliance with the EU Eco-Design Directive requires companies to carefully document and monitor the environmental compatibility of their products. Specialized software solutions help to implement the directive’s requirements efficiently. Using software is not mandatory in this context. Nevertheless, qualified tools offer the opportunity to optimize workflows, minimize errors in data collection, and reduce additional effort. Due to the large volumes of data that must be analyzed and recorded, the use of software is strongly recommended.

Upfront: There is no one-size-fits-all solution that covers and evaluates all aspects of the Eco-Design Directive. Depending on the requirements, it may therefore be necessary to use multiple tools to document a product’s sustainability. Which tools best support the collection and evaluation of the required data depends on the company’s specific requirements and the respective product category. For this reason, it makes sense to seek professional advice before making a final selection of a software solution and to familiarize yourself sufficiently with the new life cycle assessment directive.

In general, however, it can be said that the following software solutions are particularly helpful for creating detailed, legally compliant reporting:

A qualified PCF tool offers the possibility of carrying out a detailed analysis of a product’s greenhouse gas emissions across its life cycle. Among other things, it shows in detail which production steps have CO2 values that exceed legal requirements and need to be adjusted. PCF tools can also be used to create standards-compliant reports that present a product’s greenhouse gas emissions transparently and clearly.

LCA software helps digitize a product’s lifecycle data and automate its collection. Using the information obtained in this way, the tool can effectively analyze which production steps have a negative impact on the environment. All aspects are taken into account and considered. This makes it easier to check where resources can be saved and which steps encourage environmental pollution.

DPP software helps create a digital product guide that provides all ESPR-relevant information. With a suitable tool, product databases can be set up, products can be categorized, and transparent overviews can be created that include all sustainability information.

Important: When selecting software, be sure to choose the tool that best fits you and your company’s individual needs. Not all of a software’s features are always necessary to meet ESPR requirements. Tailor-made solutions are therefore often required.

ESPR software comparison: Match the right provider for ESPR software solutions

In the coming period, the Ecodesign Directive will increasingly come into focus. To ensure you are as well prepared as possible for the changes, it is important to get in touch with software providers in good time. They can support you in finding the best possible solution for you and your reporting. But which providers should you consider? We at Matchilla will find out for you!

For over two years, we have been screening providers and tools in the field of ESG and sustainability. This has enabled us to build a unique database that you can now benefit from. With it—and with the experience from over 700 software comparisons as part of our matchings (for mid-sized companies and corporations)—we can effectively filter the sustainability software and tool providers relevant to the German-speaking region and research hard and soft factors—for example, existing functions, languages offered, interfaces between tools, the scope of support provided, and much more.

And this is how the comparison works—so simple: You invest just a few minutes in filling out our Match Assistant—the rule is: the more detailed, the better—and we match the three most suitable providers individually for your company. You then receive our selection in a shortlist—the Matchboard.

The best part: This comparison is free of charge for you, non-binding, and anonymous vis-à-vis the providers. You also save valuable time by handing the provider research over to us.

Try it now!

ESPR software matching: Tailored to your criteria

Providers in matching: 64

  • Letztes Update am 31. March 2026

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    Match-Assistant: ESPR-Software

    Bitte beachtet: Umso detaillierter eure Angaben und das Briefing, desto besser sind eure Ergebnisse. Bei Fragen stehen wir euch unter [email protected] zur Verfügung.

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    Welche weiteren Kriterien sind für euch noch wichtig? Gibt es Besonderheiten bei euren Herausforderungen? Was müssen wir noch über eure Situation wissen, um die besten Softwarelösungen für euch zu matchen?

    Deine Kontaktdaten

    Vielen Dank für die Angaben! An dieser Stelle benötigen wir deine Kontaktdaten, um dir die individuelle Shortlist (Matchboard) mit den zu euren Anforderungen passendsten PCF-Softwareanbieter zuzusenden. Unser Service ist für euch als Suchende unverbindlich, kostenlos und anonym. Die persönlichen Daten werden nicht mit den Anbietern geteilt.

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    Heiko Stötzel Global Head Social Responsibility, SSI Schäfer


    Finding suitable ESG service providers is easy and super fast with Matchilla. Getting in touch, specifications formulated, and after just a few days the results were there. This way, we got information about providers we hadn’t heard of before. Real added value.

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    Lennard Schulze Head of Marketing, DB Schenker


    Matchilla won me over with its short, clear paths: our specific needs are understood immediately, analyzed perfectly, and matched with the right providers in a short time. Matchilla’s platform works quickly, is straightforward, and guides you precisely through the provider selection process.

    Christian Batz - Kundenstimme Matchilla
    Christian Batz VP Digital, igus AG

    Matchilla’s approach is brilliant: I no longer have to painstakingly research consultancies and software providers and battle my way through countless comparison portals—the right providers, so to speak, come to me—with just a few minutes of effort. The matching process saves us a lot of resources.

    Questions about ESPR matching

    Why should you use Matchilla for your ESPR software selection?

    The ESPR software market is opaque, and both vendor research and selection are complex and complicated. Even to answer the question “Which modules and functions do I actually need immediately and in the longer term?” you should definitely allow for a full week of research work. 

    We have already successfully carried out the criteria definition and selection process ahead of you for mid-sized companies and corporations across all industries, and in doing so have encountered almost every conceivable constellation. Because we have personally accompanied many companies in the subsequent selection process, we have unique know-how and probably the best-maintained market overview of software providers in the DACH region.

    With this combination, you gain an immense knowledge advantage that not only saves you cumbersome research work, but also leads you to the right provider via the Matchilla platform in a structured process.

    How much does it cost to create a Matchboard with the comparison of software providers?

    Using the Matchilla platform is free of charge, non-binding, and anonymized vis-à-vis the providers. Our data matching as well as the personal service to select the best software for you is made possible through the providers’ platform fees. In general, we are not in any paid contractual relationship with you, which means our service is completely risk-free for you.

    Our own mission is for your company to use the Matchilla platform in the future for many other searches for service providers, and for you to recommend us to your colleagues. That’s why we are very interested in selecting the right software provider together with you. To this end, we bring our entire ESG tech expertise into the matching. Therefore, understand and use the Matchilla team as your neutral sparring partner in your selection process.

    Can the results from matching be used in procurement?

    If your specification details are thorough and sufficient, you can use Matchilla as an tendering platform for procurement and receive price offers directly from providers that comply with your compliance rules. Using the invite function, you share the offers not only with procurement, but also with all other decision-makers in your company.

    How does a software matching with Matchilla work?

    Start by filling out the criteria catalog (Match Assistant) for ESPR software. This gives us an initial, very good insight into your requirements. We then optionally contact you personally to ask for missing specifications. This helps us sharpen the selection criteria and add our experience from other matchings in addition to the data comparison.

    The matching is then based on an efficient interplay of data, algorithms, and a healthy portion of personal expertise. From the aggregated input, we create an individual shortlist (Matchboard) on the Matchilla platform with comprehensive information about the providers (presentations, references, insights, etc.) that ideally match your requirements. You then give us feedback on the Matchboard and decide for yourself which providers you want to involve in the next steps and who should submit you a concrete offer.

    Now, of course, you’re curious how the matching process works and which software solutions and tools match your requirements best. Let’s find out together and try it/Matchilla with no obligation: We look forward to matching with you!

    Go to the ESPR software provider matching
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    ESG Expert at Matchilla

    Ulli Theves is Head of ESG Software Matching at Matchilla and an expert in technical solutions in the field of sustainability. In MatchZINE, he shares his expertise and regularly publishes news and useful information about ESG.

    CSRD, Lieferketten, EUDR, ESPR, PPWR, CBAM & Co. sind Themen, die alle Unternehmen betreffen. Wir teilen im MatchZINE unser geballtes Wissen aus über 700 Matchings für Mittelständler und Konzerne.

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