Digital Product Passport (DPP): A New Era of Transparency and Sustainability in Product Design
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As consumer expectations shift from merely “what a product does” to how it was made, what it contains, and how it impacts the environment, the demand for transparent and traceable product information has become urgent. Enter the Digital Product Passport (DPP) — one of the European Union’s most forward-looking initiatives for a more sustainable and circular economy.
What Is the Digital Product Passport?
The Digital Product Passport is a digital record that contains comprehensive, standardized, and machine-readable information about a product throughout its entire life cycle — from raw materials to production, use, reuse, and recycling.
It includes key data points such as:
A unique product identifier
Origin and composition of materials
Environmental footprint (e.g., carbon and energy use)
Safety and usage instructions
Repairability, reusability, and recycling guidance
Compliance and certification documents
This digital identity will be accessible via technologies like QR codes, RFID tags, or digital links attached to each product.
🇪🇺 EU’s Digital Product Passport: Policy in Action
Starting in 2024, the European Union will implement a regulation requiring almost all products sold in the EU to feature a Digital Product Passport (DPP). This is part of the broader Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), which aims to create more transparent, sustainable, and circular value chains.
According to the European Commission, the DPP is expected to:
Bridge the gap between consumer demand for transparency and the current lack of reliable product data.
Improve traceability and authenticity throughout supply chains.
Support better environmental and safety practices.
Enhance compliance and risk management for businesses.
The DPP will include:
Unique product identifiers
Regulatory compliance documentation
Information on substances of concern
Open access to user manuals, disposal instructions, and lifecycle details
By aligning with open data principles, the DPP initiative supports greater accessibility, accountability, and industry-wide collaboration.
Which Industries Will Be Affected?
The initial scope of the DPP regulation focuses on the following high-impact sectors:
Textiles and garments
Electronics and batteries
Furniture and household goods
Construction materials and large appliances
However, by 2030, it is expected that most consumer products will fall under DPP requirements.
How Can Companies Prepare?
Transitioning to Digital Product Passports will require a combination of strategic planning, digital infrastructure, and cross-functional collaboration. Here’s how companies can get started:
Assess product scope – Identify which product categories will require a DPP.
Build a data model – Collect and structure lifecycle information in line with EU standards.
Integrate digital identifiers – Use QR codes, RFID, or blockchain-compatible tools for access and traceability.
Enable updates – Ensure product data is dynamically updated (e.g., after repairs or certifications).
Train teams – Equip supply chain, sustainability, and product teams with the knowledge to manage DPP systems.
More Than Compliance: A Strategic Sustainability Tool
While the DPP is becoming a regulatory necessity, it’s also a powerful strategic tool. Companies that adopt it early will benefit from:
Increased brand trust and customer loyalty
Better risk and quality management
Improved ESG performance tracking
Enhanced opportunities in sustainable finance and green procurement
As the European Commission emphasizes:
“The Digital Product Passport will make product information more visible and accessible, enabling stronger sustainability practices and creating a more open and responsible market.”
Source & Further Reading
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