Assistance to Preparing and Carrying out a Training in Support of Sustainable Product Policy in Europe

The European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) has identified a pressing need to strengthen stakeholder engagement and scientific capacity in the development of sustainable product policies. With the rapid evolution of products and technologies, maintaining high environmental standards and fostering circularity in the EU market requires stakeholder participation. This project aims to address knowledge gaps among industry, NGOs, and government officials, empowering them to contribute effectively to policy processes under frameworks such as the Eco design for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), EU Ecolabel, and Green Public Procurement (GPP). Through targeted training, the project supports the EU’s transition to a circular, climate-neutral economy and the achievement of Green Deal objectives.

adelphi, together with Environment Agency Austria (EEA), delivered an innovative two-day training program at JRC Seville, designed to equip participants with foundational and practical skills in EU sustainable product policy. Drawing on extensive experience in stakeholder engagement and capacity building, adelphi developed a tailored training concept and materials, employing interactive methods such as case studies, group work, and scenario-based exercises. The training focused on three core areas: policy context, policy implementation, and scientific tools (such as LCA, LCC, PEF), ensuring participants gain actionable insights and the ability to engage meaningfully in policy development. Post-training “Mastermind-Groups” fostered ongoing networking and knowledge exchange. This approach ensures that adelphi’s expertise not only strengthened stakeholder capacity for immediate policy engagement but also established a foundation for ongoing collaboration and sustainable impact beyond the project’s duration.