What is QR Code?

Digital Product Passports are designed to store comprehensive data about a product’s lifecycle—its materials, origin, certifications, repair instructions, and more. But all this information lives in the digital realm. The QR code is the mechanism that links the physical product to its digital record.

A single QR code printed on a product label or embedded in its packaging can unlock the entire history and data profile of that item—instantly accessible by regulators, consumers, recyclers, or retailers.

• Accessibility: QR codes make the DPP data available to anyone, anywhere, without special software—just a smartphone camera.
• Traceability: By scanning the code, stakeholders can see the product’s origin, manufacturing details, and certifications in real time.
• Transparency: QR-linked DPPs empower consumers with clear information about a product’s sustainability, repairability, and compliance.
• Efficiency: Manufacturers and logistics companies can scan QR codes at every step of the supply chain, automating data access and recording updates.

QR codes used in DPP systems typically encode a unique product identifier or a secure URL pointing to the DPP record stored on a cloud server, blockchain, or manufacturer’s database. It's important to:

• Keep the link stable and persistent throughout the product lifecycle.
• Use error correction features of QR codes to protect scannability even if the label is slightly damaged.
• Optionally implement dynamic QR codes for future-proofing, allowing the destination URL or data to be updated without changing the physical label.

For DPPs to function reliably, the QR code must be placed strategically on the product or its packaging. It should be:

• Visible and easy to scan, even after years of use
• Resistant to wear or weather (e.g., printed with UV-resistant ink or engraved)
• Accompanied by a brief human-readable message such as “Scan for Product Passport” to encourage user interaction

In sectors like electronics or textiles, special care is needed to ensure the QR code remains intact throughout the product's usable life.

One of the challenges with DPP adoption is motivating end-users to actually scan the code. This can be addressed by making the experience valuable:

• Provide instant access to warranty or repair services
• Display environmental impact scores or brand sustainability efforts
• Offer loyalty points or rewards for recycling or returning products

QR codes are not just a technical tool—they are the access point for the entire DPP experience.

QR codes are a cornerstone of any effective Digital Product Passport system. At DPPBuilder, we strongly advocate for their adoption as a practical, scalable, and user-friendly way to connect products with their digital identities. By turning a simple scan into an open window into the product’s journey, QR codes empower a smarter, more transparent and circular economy.