The EU–Korea Eco-Design Cooperation Forum was successfully held from 2 to 3 July 2025, at COEX Magok in Seoul as part of the 2025 Circular Economy Festival. Co-hosted by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) and the Delegation of the European Union to Korea, the Forum brought together over 600 policymakers, business leaders, researchers, and civil society representatives to enhance cooperation on sustainable product design and digital innovation, including the Digital Product Passport (DPP).
Organised in collaboration with the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH) and the EU–Korea Green Partnership Programme, the Forum facilitated the exchange of policy practices and technological solutions in eco-design. A key focus was the EU’s Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), adopted in July 2024, which aims to improve product circularity, energy performance, recyclability, and durability. The DPP, which will be phased in from 2026 for priority sectors like electronics, textiles, and batteries, provides transparent product data on carbon footprint, material composition, recyclability, and reparability.
“Under the European Green Deal and 2024 Ecodesign regulation, the EU is committed to accelerate the transition towards a more sustainable circular economy. In today’s interconnected world, with production and supply chains spanning the globe, this transition can only succeed with strong international cooperation and partnerships. Our Strategic Partnership with the Republic of Korea is a cornerstone in this endeavour,” said H.E. Maria Castillo Fernandez, Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Korea.
The Forum featured representatives from CIRPASS, an EU-led initiative for DPP standards. Korea is intensifying its efforts to transition to a low-carbon, circular economy through its 3rd Basic Plan for Resource Circulation and the “K-Eco Design” initiative. In his remarks, KITECH President Sang Mok Lee emphasised the Forum’s importance for Korea-EU cooperation and KITECH’s commitment to supporting this transition through technology development and policy strengthening.
Industry sessions addressed best practices in sustainable product design. They stressed the need for standardising digital product information and aligning regulatory approaches. Overall, the Forum underscored the EU–Korea Green Partnership and Digital Partnership as key frameworks for tackling climate challenges. Both parties committed to ongoing dialogue and concrete actions toward a circular and resource-resilient global economy.