Geneva (June 12, 2025) – SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 073.25, summarizing the European Commission’s adoption of the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) and the 2025-2030 Energy Labeling Working Plan, adopted on April 16, 2025.

The plan designates textiles, furniture, mattresses, tires and metals (steel and aluminum) as priority sectors for implementing ecodesign and energy labeling requirements over the next five years. The initiative aims to foster circularity, reduce environmental impacts and improve resource efficiency in EU manufacturing and consumption.

Key highlights include:

• Textiles and apparel are prioritized due to their large market size (EUR 78 billion in 2019), significant environmental footprint and high potential for sustainability improvements in durability, material efficiency and waste reduction
• Ecodesign measures for textiles are expected to align with the revised Textile Labeling Regulation, with adoption projected for 2027
• Footwear will be examined separately through a dedicated study, exploring how ecodesign can enhance sustainability and support eco-modulation of extended producer responsibility (EPR) fees
• The ESPR extends beyond energy efficiency to address the entire product lifecycle, encouraging innovative, transparent and circular approaches across supply chains

Aligned with the 2025–2030 Working Plan, these measures aim to support the EU’s broader environmental, climate and economic resilience goals by promoting the use of sustainable materials, enhancing product longevity and achieving resource savings.

SGS publishes SafeGuardS to help stakeholders stay informed of critical regulatory developments. SafeGuardS 073.25 includes essential insights into upcoming regulatory developments and opportunities for sustainable innovation in the EU market.

Stakeholders are encouraged to review the full SafeGuardS 073.25 for further details.

SGS softlines services
SGS has a worldwide network of over 40 state-of-the-art laboratories, including 10 in China, specializing in the testing of apparel, footwear, and home textiles. Their committed team is drawn from multi-disciplinary backgrounds, allowing them to conduct a comprehensive range of physical, chemical, and functional testing services for components, materials and finished products. SGS helps companies ensure quality, performance, and compliance with international, industrial, and regulatory standards worldwide. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS’s softlines services. [www.sgs.com/softlines]

SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full EU Releases ESPR Working Plan 2025–2030, Prioritizing Textiles for Sustainability Action SafeGuardS. [www.sgs.com/en/news/2025/06/safeguards-07325-eu-releases-espr-working-plan-2025-2030-prioritizing-textiles-for-sustainability]

Subscribe today and receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox. [http://www.sgs.com/subscribes]

For further information contact:

Dr. Min Zhu
Connectivity & Products - Softlines
Senior Director, Technical Services & Operations, US & Canada
Tel: +19734611230
Website: www.sgs.com/softlines
LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products

About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of 99,500 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.

Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and trusted specialized brands, including Brightsight, Bluesign, Maine Pointe and Nutrasource.

SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN (ISIN CH1256740924, Reuters SGSN.S, Bloomberg SGSN:SW).