Implementing the digital product passport - A guidebook for businesses

A digital product passport (DPP) is a digital description of a physical product. It includes information on the materials, manufacturing, repair, use and disposal of the product, defined by the type of product. The goal of the DPP is to extend the lifespan of products and promote their circular economy by providing standardised product data. The DPP will be mandatory for a large part of the products manufactured in and imported into the EU, with a phased rollout schedule for different product groups. The EU Ecodesign of Sustainable Products Regulation sets the frame for the DPP requirements and will be complemented by product-specific delegated acts. The first DPPs should be available by 2026-27.

The DPP requirements will impact the product manufacturers and importers as well as their value chains in many ways. They are required to provide data for further support more sustainable product designs and use patterns over the product life cycle, for improved supply chain management, and for new business opportunities. While mandatory, the DPP opens multiple new business opportunities and business models in the form of sharing platforms, predictive maintenance services, refurbishing etc. On the other hand, the increased information demand will require planning, management and collaboration internally and through the value network and will also take up resources, especially in the first implementation phases. Thus, it is advantageous to take charge of the DPP and start preparing and piloting early on.

This guidebook will complement other DPP publications already available, with the emphasis of providing considerations and a practical roadmap for the implementation. A particular target group are small and medium size businesses that may have limited resources for the DPP. A collective understanding and shared goals and collaboration are needed across the ecosystem, including the DPP beneficiaries, product owners, data management and service providers to build a coherent, reliable and relevant DPP system.