Accelerated technological development and increasing pressure for sustainability have created the need for new tools that allow tracking the entire lifecycle of products. The Digital Product Passport (DPP), or digital passport for products, emerges as a key innovation that enables transparency and better control of products from their production to the end of their lifecycle.
In 2024, the European Union (EU) will start a new regulation that requires almost all products sold in the EU to have a Digital Product Passport (DPP).
The Digital Product Passport is a digital record containing key information about a product, including data on the materials used in its production, energy efficiency, repairability, recyclability, and disposal options. This digital tool provides a comprehensive overview of the product’s lifecycle, making information available to various stakeholders—manufacturers, consumers, regulators, and recycling companies.
The passport can include information on the origin of raw materials, the working conditions in which the product was made, its environmental impact, and maintenance instructions. The digital passport can be accessed via a QR code or other digital technologies, such as RFID chips or blockchain, enabling easy access to all relevant information.
The DPP operates as a digital ecosystem of data, accessible to various users at every stage of the product’s lifecycle. For example, consumers can scan a QR code to get information about the sustainability of a product, while service technicians can use the data on components for repairs or replacements. When a product reaches the end of its life, recycling companies can use the DPP to quickly identify materials for recycling.
Key functionalities of the DPP include:
Product tracking: DPP allows detailed tracking of products throughout their entire lifecycle.
Transparency: Consumers can access information about the product’s sustainability, energy properties, and recyclability.
Maintenance and repair: Instructions and technical data simplify repairs, extending the product’s lifespan.
Recycling support: Recycling companies can use information from the passport to more easily and efficiently dismantle products.
The EU has recognized the importance of the DPP as a key tool for achieving sustainability goals and transitioning to a circular economy. The Digital Product Passport is closely linked to several important strategies and regulations being implemented as part of the European Green Deal, the foundation of EU policy towards a sustainable economy and climate neutrality by 2050.
The Digital Product Passport is an integral part of efforts to achieve a circular economy, which is one of the key pillars of the European Green Deal. The circular economy is based on the principles of sustainability, waste reduction, and extending the lifespan of products through repairs, reuse, and recycling.
The EU has set ambitious goals to reduce waste, particularly in sectors with large environmental footprints, such as electronics, textiles, and batteries. The Digital Product Passport facilitates achieving these goals by providing information on components, materials, and disposal methods, contributing to the reduction of harmful emissions and more rational use of resources.
The Digital Product Passport is also part of the broader Sustainable Products Initiative, launched by the European Commission. The goal of this initiative is to ensure that products placed on the EU market are more durable, repairable, and sustainable. In this context, the DPP becomes an essential tool for ensuring transparency regarding the environmental characteristics of products.
The Digital Product Passport is not just a tool for transparency but a key element of the European strategy for transitioning to more sustainable resource management and consumption. Its implementation within the framework of the European Green Deal and related regulations, such as the ESPR, helps create a more sustainable future. Through the DPP, the EU encourages responsible production and consumption, reduces waste, and facilitates the achievement of circular economy goals, while empowering both consumers and industries to make informed decisions.
Digital Product Passports are not required yet, but they are expected to become mandatory for various products between 2026 and 2030. This rule will apply across all 27 EU member countries and cover many types of products, focusing on those with high environmental impacts and big improvement potential.
