BlogpostFrom 2027, it will be mandatory for certain product groups: the Digital Product Passport (DPP). But what exactly does this mean, and why is it relevant for brands, suppliers and consumers? In this blog, we will dive deeper into the concept of the DPP and its impact on the supply chain and sustainability.
What is a Digital Product Passport?
The Digital Product Passport is a digital document that contains product information throughout the entire life cycle of a product. This includes data on the origin of raw materials, composition, production process, repairability, recyclability and environmental performance. This information is made available digitally via, for example, a QR code or RFID chip that is linked to the product.
The DPP is part of the broader EU legislation on sustainability, circularity and transparency within the supply chain – including the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR).
Why is the DPP being introduced?
With the DPP, the European Union wants to:
- Promoting transparency in production chains.
- Boosting the circular economy by making information on reuse and recycling accessible.
- Better inform consumers and enable them to make sustainable choices.
- Reduce illegal or unclear claims (“greenwashing”).
In short: the DPP helps to make products more traceable, sustainable and fairer.
Who should work on this?
Initially, the obligation focuses on sectors with a high environmental impact or a low degree of circularity. Think of electronics, batteries, textiles and building materials. But it is expected that the DPP will eventually become mandatory for a much broader group of products.
For producers, retailers and brands, this means that they already have to think about data collection, chain information and digital accessibility.
What does this mean for companies?
Implementing a DPP requires a different way of thinking about product data. Not only internally, but also chain-wide. Companies will have to share information with suppliers and customers, in a standardized and transparent format.
Some points of attention:
- Data consistency: Information must be accurate and standardized.
- Collaboration in the chain: Data does not come from a single source, so cooperation is crucial.
- Technology: There is a need for systems that can capture, track, and access product information.
A step towards sustainable and transparent chains
Although the implementation entails challenges, the DPP also offers opportunities: companies that have a good picture of their supply chain can distinguish themselves. In addition, it stimulates awareness, both among producers and consumers.
At ImpactBuying, we believe that insight into the chain is the key to more sustainable choices. The Digital Product Passport fits in seamlessly with that mission and offers concrete tools to make impact transparent.
Need help getting ready for the Digital Product Passport?
At ImpactBuying, we support companies in collecting and structuring product data for full supply chain transparency.
Get in touch – Contact – ImpactBuying