Digital Product Passports (DPPs) are set to transform how we think about product data, traceability, and sustainability. As part of the EU Green Deal, they will soon become a requirement in sectors such as textiles, batteries, construction, and electronics. But what are Digital Product Passports—and why should they matter to the industries that design, manufacture and move products?
Here are the 7 most frequently asked questions.
1. What is a Digital Product Passport?
A Digital Product Passport is a digital record that stores information throughout the entire lifecycle about a product’s materials and environmental footprint. Each product’s passport is linked to a physical identifier—often through a physical data carrier like a QR code or RFID tag—and follows the product through the value chain. The goal is to support repair, reuse, recycling and responsible sourcing—enabling more circular and transparent supply chains.
2. Why is the EU introducing DPPs?
The European Commission is making DPPs mandatory for certain product groups as part of the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). The aim is to close critical information gaps that hinder circularity, sustainability and compliance. Right now, manufacturers, consumers and recyclers often don’t have access to verified, product-specific data they need to make better decisions. The DPP is designed to change that by enabling:
- Traceability of materials and production, supporting supply chain due diligence
- Digital twins of products, containing all relevant documentation
- Lifecycle data for reuse, repair, resale, and recycling
- Reliable access to information for regulators, policymakers, and customs
- Consumer access to product details via mobile apps
3. Which sectors are affected first?
The first wave of DPP requirements will apply to:
- Textiles and footwear
- Batteries (portable and industrial)
- Consumer electronics and ICT
- Industrial machinery
- Construction products
- Packaging and plastics
Additional categories are expected to follow over time, with implementation timelines extending into the 2030s.
4. What kind of data is included?
Each Digital Product Passport contains sector-specific data. Depending on the product type, this may include:
- Material composition and origin
- Presence of hazardous substances
- Energy efficiency and carbon footprint
- Repairability, disassembly, and reuse instructions
- Recycling and end-of-life handling
- Certifications, declarations of conformity and country of origin
Much of this information already exists in business systems like ERP or PLM. The DPP brings it together and organises it so it can be easily accessed and used across borders.
5. How is this information made available?
The DPP is accessed via a
physical data carrier, such as:
- RAIN RFID tags, for fast, automated, and contactless reading
- QR codes, for consumer access via mobile devices
- Digital watermarks, embedded in packaging or product surfaces
Technologies like RAIN RFID are ideal for industrial and high-volume environments, where accurate and automated data capture is essential.
6. Is DPP only about compliance?
No. While compliance is a driver, DPPs also open up new business opportunities. They enable:
- End-to-end supply chain visibility
- Smarter inventory and asset management
- New service models (rental, resale, product-as-a-service)
- Reliable ESG reporting and audit readiness
- Improved product transparency for end users
In short: the DPP is both a regulatory requirement and a strategic value enabler.
7. When will the DPP become mandatory?
The regulation is already in place. The first specific rules for each sector will be published starting in 2025, and enforcement is expected between 2027 and 2028, depending on the product group. Now is the time to get ready. Companies that understand the data requirements and start using future-proof identification technologies will be better prepared to comply—and to stay ahead.
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