BlogpostIn today’s world, where sustainability and transparency are key, it is becoming increasingly important for companies to have full visibility into the lifecycle of their products. An innovative tool that facilitates this is the digital product passport (DPP). This passport provides detailed information about every stage of a product’s journey, from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal.
What is a Digital Product Passport?
A DPP is a digital record that contains comprehensive data on each phase of a product’s lifecycle. It includes information on materials used, manufacturing processes, certifications and guidelines for recycling or safe disposal. The primary goal is to enhance traceability and transparency, enabling both businesses and consumers to make better-informed decisions. The digital product passport (DPP) is also a key tool introduced under the Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 (Batteries and Waste Batteries Regulation) to enhance transparency and sustainability in the battery lifecycle. The DPP stores critical information about a battery’s materials, carbon footprint, durability and recycling potential in a standardized digital format. This allows stakeholders across the value chain—manufacturers, recyclers and consumers—to access data essential for compliance, traceability and end-of-life management.
It also has a relevance to the fashion industry. The fashion industry is increasingly under pressure to improve sustainability and transparency. Digital product passports can play a crucial role in this transformation by providing detailed insights into the origin, composition and environmental impact of textiles and garments. By adopting DPPs, fashion brands can ensure responsible sourcing, improve circularity through better recycling practices and build stronger consumer trust. By enabling better tracking and resource recovery, the DPP supports the regulation’s goals of promoting circularity and reducing environmental impact in the battery industry. It also aligns with broader EU objectives for a sustainable and resource-efficient economy.
Why are Digital Product Passports essential for sustainable procurement?
Digital product passports enhance transparency and compliance by providing companies with detailed insights into material sourcing and production processes. This fosters consumer trust and ensures regulatory compliance. They also contribute to increased supply chain efficiency, as access to accurate product data allows businesses to optimize supply chains, identify inefficiencies and minimize waste. Additionally, DPPs support the circular economy by promoting the reuse and recycling of materials through detailed information on product composition and recyclability.
Implementing Digital Product Passports
The European Union has announced plans to mandate DPPs for certain product categories starting in 2027. This means that businesses need to start preparing by adapting their data management and IT infrastructure. Implementing a robust data integration system, such as an integration platform as a service (iPaaS), can help companies efficiently comply with upcoming DPP regulations while unlocking new business opportunities.
The digital product passport is not just a tool for regulatory compliance, it is a strategic asset that enables companies to operate more sustainably and transparently. By investing in DPP implementation now, businesses can strengthen their competitive position and contribute to a more sustainable future.
How we can help
At ImpactBuying, we support businesses in making their supply chains more transparent. We help translate this information into a DPP, attach a QR code to your product or website and ensure that primary data remains up to date at all times. Want to learn more? Book a demo – ImpactBuying