The Digital Product Passport (DPP) is more than a compliance tool; it’s a traceability system designed to serve consumers.
Transparency. Traceability. Sustainability.
Three words that are no longer optional, they’re requirements.
In the face of climate urgency, tightening EU regulations, and growing consumer pressure, the Digital Product Passport (DPP) is emerging as a strategic game-changer.
It’s not a trendy gadget or some passing tech hype; it’s a systemic shift in how we design, sell, use, and recycle products. And companies that get on board early will gain a real edge in compliance, competitiveness, and positive impact.
This article breaks down what the DPP really is, what it’s used for, and why now is the time to pay attention.
1. The Digital Product Passport is not just a trend, it’s inevitable
The DPP was introduced through the ESPR (Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation) initiative by the European Commission.
Its ultimate goal? Achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
The concept is simple: create a unique digital identity card for every physical product sold on the European market.
This digital profile – secured and dynamic – contains all essential information about the product’s life cycle: origin, composition, carbon footprint, repairability, disassembly options, and more.
According to the European Commission, this initiative could address up to 80% of the environmental impact of products placed on the market.
We’re far from a bureaucratic gimmick: this is about real, measurable impact.
The first sectors targeted:
- Batteries (mandatory since 2023 for certain models)
- Textiles and apparel
- Electronics and ICT
- Building materials
Other sectors will follow by 2030: furniture, toys, tires, chemicals, optical products, luxury goods, and more.
2. How Does the Digital Product Passport actually work?
Each product is linked to a unique identifier (QR code, NFC chip, RFID tag). When scanned, it opens an online file containing:
- Origin (geographic location, suppliers, certifications)
- Composition (raw materials, hazardous substances)
- Repairability (availability of spare parts, disassembly instructions)
- Environmental impact (LCA, carbon footprint)
- Product history (repairs, maintenance records)
- Expected life cycle (end-of-life, recycling options)
- Previous owners (second-hand traceability)
- Documentation (warranty, insurance, user manuals)
Blockchain technology is often used to guarantee data security and authenticity.
And using a PIM system (Product Information Management) is becoming nearly essential to manage this complexity effectively.
3. Examples of early-adopter companies that have embraced the Digital Product Passport
Breitling :
This luxury watchmaker implemented the Digital Product Passport by linking each timepiece to an NFT.
The goal? Proof of ownership, access to the product’s full history, and simplified resale via a secure platform.
Luxury and circularity, finally working hand in hand.
Fnac Darty :
The company launched a Digital Product Passport for 4,000 refurbished devices used during the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. A QR code, full traceability data, and a documented second life.
H&M :
For its men’s “Essentials” collection, a QR code gives access to manufacturing details, care instructions, and recycling options.
Simple, efficient, and engaging for the customer.
Décathlon :
Their Digital Product Passport comes in the form of RFID tags.
This allows the brand to control its supply chain while offering enriched product data in stores—particularly within a reuse and circularity model (notably for bicycles).
Hercule Studio :
A young brand proving that the Digital Product Passport isn’t just for big corporations.
Each yoga mat comes with a digital certificate, enabling access to second-hand markets and full transparency on materials used.
4. The benefits of the Digital Product Passport: a Win-Win-Win strategy
Before we dive into the concrete benefits, let’s take a moment to look reality in the eye:
The Digital Product Passport is not just another regulatory gimmick or a bureaucratic nightmare dreamed up by some obscure committee.
It’s a smart tool designed to connect economic performance, environmental responsibility, and consumer trust; all in one go.
In short: it brings order and transparency to the entire product lifecycle. And that benefits everyone.
You don’t need to be a global giant to take advantage of it; every industry can benefit, as long as it understands the value drivers.
Here they are :
For businesses:
- Early compliance with ESPR regulations
- Lower risk of greenwashing accusations
- Better control over the value chain
- Stronger brand positioning through transparency
- Access to new business models (product-as-a-service, subscriptions, reuse)
For consumers:
- More informed choices
- Greater trust in the brand
- Easier access to repair services, warranties, and recycling information
- Clear traceability in the second-hand market
For the planet:
- Optimized life cycle assessments (LCAs)
- Less waste generation
- Reduction in planned obsolescence
5. How to get started? Key steps to implement a Digital Product Passport
Implementing a digital product passport requires several key steps:
- Raise awareness and train internal teams (design, data, supply chain)
- Product mapping: which SKUs are concerned? What data is needed? Which suppliers are involved?
- Data structuring: set up a PIM system and validate data flows
- Passport development: aligned with ESPR requirements (currently being defined by sector)
- Assign a unique identifier (QR code, NFC tag, etc.)
- Pilot and progressive rollout: agile, iterative, and regularly assessed
Conclusion: why the Digital Product Passport is a must-have
The DPP is neither science fiction nor a luxury reserved for big-name brands.
It’s a European requirement that is rapidly being scaled across industries.
But more than that, it’s a real opportunity to get ahead of the curve, structure your product data, deliver a meaningful customer experience, and respond to climate challenges without falling into greenwashing.
In short, it’s the equivalent of an ID card for your products.
And we all know: if you can’t prove who you are, you won’t earn people’s trust.
Circular economy isn’t just about recycling.
It also includes principles like sustainable design, industrial ecology, and even innovative business models such as product-sharing or collaborative repair.
By adopting this strategy, companies can meet environmental challenges while strengthening their competitive edge.
“As a sustainability consultant, I support industrial companies, brands, and public sector players in building their sustainability strategy, from governance and value chain to impact and circularity. Let’s prepare your roadmap and make sure it’s fully actionable.”
FAQ
The digital product passport is a digital identity profile that contains all key data about a product (origin, composition, repairability, carbon footprint, etc.).
Its goal is to improve transparency, traceability, and sustainability across the entire product life cycle.
In the short term: batteries, textiles, electronics, and construction materials.
By 2030: nearly all physical products sold in the EU, with a few exceptions (e.g. food, healthcare products).
Implementation will begin progressively starting in 2027, with delegated acts defined by sector between 2026 and 2030, under the ESPR regulation.
Stronger regulatory compliance, enhanced ESG positioning, protection against counterfeiting, increased transparency with customers, access to circular business models, and reduced risk of greenwashing.
Costs vary depending on company size and digital maturity.
For SMEs, affordable SaaS solutions are emerging. In most cases, the investment is offset by efficiency gains and stronger customer loyalty.
