Blog | Contentserv

Digital Product Passport: Boost product transparency & sustainability

Written by Contentserv | Oct 5, 2023 1:27:59 PM

Sustainability has shifted from a footnote to a priority, with 60% of buyers now considering it an important purchase factor. Previously driven by consumer demand, it will soon be mandatory in the EU under the digital product passport (DPP) requirement, part of the European Green Deal (EGD), aimed at achieving climate neutrality by 2050.

The DPP will provide detailed insights into a product’s carbon footprint, environmental impact, and entire lifecycle, contributing to a circular economy. As 38% of consumers seek clearer information about sustainability, businesses must prioritize clarity, offering essential data on areas such as material composition, production methods, and carbon emissions to meet rising expectations.

Additionally, the DPP will help track the carbon footprint from manufacturing to disposal or recycling, enabling companies to assess and reduce their overall environmental impact. By providing this level of transparency, companies can not only comply with DPP standards but also strengthen their commitment to eco-friendliness.

The Digital Product Passport: What it is and why it’s important

The Digital Product Passport definition refers to a product-specific data set aimed at enhancing sustainability and circularity within the EU as initiated by the Digital Product Passport European Commission.

It answers key questions such as where the product originates, how it’s made, and how it can be reused or recycled. By consolidating essential information, from a product’s creation to the end of its lifecycle, the digital product passport promotes accountability and helps consumers make informed, sustainable choices. Accessible through QR codes, NFC tags, or links on ecommerce sites, the DPP aligns with global conservation efforts, offering traceability and accountability throughout a product’s lifecycle.

How to prepare for a Digital Product Passport?

Digital Product Passport requirements

Digital Product Passports must include information on product origin, composition, environmental impact, and recycling potential.

They are designed to meet regulatory requirements under the Sustainable Products Regulation, ensuring transparency across the entire value chain and promoting responsible production and consumption.

Digital Product Passport example

An example of a Digital Product Passport is its use in smartphones. The DPP provides information about the materials used, including recycled content, environmental impact, and recycling instructions. Consumers can access this data by scanning a QR code or NFC tag on the product, promoting sustainable choices.

This digital product passport strategy helps businesses meet regulatory requirements, ensures product traceability, and supports a shift towards a circular economy by offering detailed insights throughout the entire supply chain.

Primary objectives of the Digital Product Passport 

Digital product passports are catalysts for positive change in our consumption patterns and business practices.

Implementing DPPs aims to achieve the following: 

  • Fuel sustainable business practices
    The Digital Product Passport provides crucial data for businesses, ensuring regulatory compliance and inspiring the creation of greener products by offering insights into consumer preferences and environmental standards. 
  • Empower informed consumers
    A Digital Product Passport offers details on an item’s origin, composition, and environmental impact, enabling consumers to make choices that align with their conservation goals.
  • Efficient recycling and waste reduction
    Digital Product Passports provide recyclers with vital data like material composition and recycling instructions, helping reduce landfill waste. 
  • Promote the economy
    A Digital Product Passport encourages product reuse and recycling, extending product lifecycles and reducing resource consumption.