As we usher in a new year, businesses across Switzerland are navigating a wave of regulatory changes driven by the European Union’s updated Ecodesign Regulation (EU) 2024/1781. This major evolution integrates several initiatives—such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), EU Taxonomy, and the Digital Product Passport (DPP)—while creating synergies with the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). It sets the stage for stricter sustainability requirements, emphasizing reuse, recyclability, and environmental performance for products and their packaging.
For Swiss companies exporting to the EU, this represents not just compliance obligations but an opportunity to lead in sustainability, sharpen their competitive edge, and align with market expectations.

What Does the New Regulation Mean for Swiss Businesses?
Although Switzerland is not part of the EU, its businesses exporting to the region must comply with the Ecodesign Regulation to maintain market access. An estimated hundreds of Swiss companies will be directly affected, with thousands more impacted indirectly due to supply chain requirements. Meeting these regulations means adapting processes and demonstrating sustainability leadership.
Key Changes and Opportunities
Here’s how the regulation impacts businesses across sectors, along with examples of actionable solutions:
1. Reuse and Recyclability
- Requirement: Embed sustainability, repairability, and recyclability criteria at the design stage for products and packaging.
- Example (Watchmaking): A Swiss watch manufacturer could design watch cases that are easy to disassemble for component replacement and use recyclable materials. Packaging must incorporate recycled content and be fully recyclable.
2. Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) and Reporting
- Requirement: Conduct LCAs to quantify environmental impacts and align with CSRD standards for ESG reporting.
- Example (MedTech): A medical device producer must assess the environmental impact of plastics used in their devices, prove their recyclability, and meet the reporting standards set by the CSRD.
3. Digital Product Passport (DPP)
- Requirement: Introduce a digital passport containing information on product composition, recyclability, and repairability.
- Example (Electronics): An electronics manufacturer could include a DPP identifying rare metals used in their devices, recycling options, and maintenance instructions to extend product lifespans.
4. Sustainable Packaging Strategy
- Requirement: Redesign packaging to meet recycled content targets under the PPWR, such as:
- 30% recycled content for PET by 2030 (50% by 2040).
- 35% for other plastics by 2030 (65% by 2040).
- Example (Agri-Food): A Swiss food producer exporting to the EU must transition to recyclable packaging and integrate tools like the SPHERE Framework and Earth Action’s methodologies for plastic footprinting and packaging circularity.
Aligning with the EU Taxonomy for Green Financing
The EU Taxonomy links sustainability actions to financial opportunities, such as green funding. Companies demonstrating alignment with these criteria can unlock financial incentives while improving compliance and reputation.
Example (Construction)
A Swiss construction materials producer could:
- Demonstrate the use of recycled materials and energy-efficient processes.
- Meet Taxonomy criteria to access green financing and attract sustainability-focused investors.
Why This Matters for Swiss Companies
The implications of the Ecodesign Regulation are significant but manageable with the right approach. Aligning with these standards provides:
- Market Access: Ensures unrestricted entry into the EU market.
- Competitive Edge: Positions companies as leaders in sustainability.
- Green Financing Opportunities: Improves access to capital aligned with ESG goals.
How Earth Action Can Support You
At Earth Action, we specialize in turning regulatory challenges into strategic opportunities. We offer:
- Regulatory Diagnostics: A detailed assessment of how new EU rules impact your operations.
- Sustainability Strategies: Tailored action plans to align with Ecodesign Regulation, CSRD, and PPWR.
- LCAs and Reporting: Support in conducting lifecycle analyses and preparing ESG-compliant reports.
- Packaging Solutions: Guidance on transitioning to sustainable, regulation-compliant packaging.
Our expertise spans industries, from watchmaking and MedTech to agri-food and electronics, helping businesses achieve compliance while driving innovation.
Turning Challenges Into Opportunities
The Ecodesign Regulation marks a critical step in Europe’s sustainability journey. For Swiss businesses, it’s a wake-up call—but also an invitation to innovate, lead, and thrive in an increasingly eco-conscious market. With the right tools, guidance, and partnerships, these regulations can catalyze both compliance and competitive advantage.
Are you ready to take the lead in sustainability?
Let’s work together to ensure your business is not just meeting regulations but shaping the future.
Are you ready to take the lead in sustainability?
Let’s work together to ensure your business is not just meeting regulations but shaping the future.
Contact Us Today to get started.
Closing Thoughts
Navigating the complexities of the EU’s Ecodesign Regulation might seem daunting, but with proactive planning and expert guidance, Swiss companies can turn these challenges into powerful opportunities. Contact us to make 2025 a year of compliance, innovation, and sustainability leadership.