The role of standards in support of material efficiency requirements under the Ecodesign Directive

Material efficiency is a new field within the Ecodesign Directive. To support its implementation, standardisation mandate M/543 was issued with aim of developing generic material standards for ecodesign. This article investigates how developed under can implementation Directive and potential challenges this process. As result M/543, nine were published; two these be applied directly, while seven are horizontal provide framework product-specific standards. The study showed that associated have already played key role in supporting by creating shared understanding definition various aspects efficiency. baseline from which relevant aspect(s) selected, thus ensure level playing alignment across product groups. However, actual use shows significant variance they applied, potentially hindering continuity development standardisation. Therefore, clear guidelines on should established.