STEPH: Strengthen Ecodesign pathways with performance assessment parameters for home textiles and footwear

STEPH is a three-year Horizon Europe project supporting the transition towards more sustainable and circular home textiles and footwear sectors through the implementation of the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). Bringing together 15 partners across seven European countries, the project combines expertise in ecodesign, circular economy, life cycle assessment, consumer research and stakeholder engagement to develop evidence-based solutions for sustainable product design. STEPH will develop and validate ecodesign parameters, testing methods and practical tools to support manufacturers, SMEs and market surveillance authorities in adopting circular and resource-efficient approaches, contributing to the broader transformation of European product value chains.

Objectives and Vision:

STEPH aims to accelerate the transition towards sustainable and circular home textiles and footwear by supporting the implementation of the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). The project will develop and validate ecodesign parameters, testing methodologies and practical tools enabling manufacturers, SMEs and market actors to integrate sustainability principles into product design and value chains.

What Sets STEPH Apart:

STEPH adopts an integrated approach combining ecodesign, circularity assessment, consumer insights and policy implementation to develop practical pathways for sustainable home textiles and footwear. By connecting technical performance with market needs and stakeholder perspectives, the project will develop and validate 20 ecodesign parameters and 10 testing methods and technologies to support the uptake of sustainable product practices.

How It Will Do It:

STEPH will:

• Analyse existing regulatory frameworks, methodologies and technical requirements related to ESPR implementation as well as home textile and footwear markets, value chains and Life Cycle Inventory databases;
• Identify key ecodesign parameters addressing sustainability, circularity, material efficiency and hazardous substances;
• Develop and test innovative product scenarios through laboratory assessments and performance evaluation;
• Apply Life Cycle Assessment approaches to assess environmental, economic and societal improvements;
• Develop a circular design toolkit and training materials supporting manufacturers, SMEs and market surveillance authorities;
• Provide recommendations contributing to standardisation activities and future policy instruments.

White Research’s Role in STEPH:

White Research leads activities focusing on consumer perspectives and market uptake of sustainable products, including:

• Identifying the key drivers influencing consumer purchasing decisions for home textiles and footwear incorporating ecodesign features;
• Analysing consumer preferences related to sustainability and circularity;
• Investigating user behaviour patterns affecting the adoption of sustainable products.

Through these activities, White Research ensures that ecodesign pathways developed within STEPH consider not only technical feasibility and environmental performance, but also consumer acceptance and market adoption potential.