What is RFID?

RFID uses electromagnetic fields to automatically identify and track tags attached to objects. Each tag contains a microchip and an antenna, which together store and transmit data to a reader. Unlike traditional barcodes, RFID does not require direct line-of-sight scanning — making it faster, more versatile, and less prone to human error. Depending on the type, RFID tags can be passive (powered by the reader’s signal) or active (with their own battery, transmitting over longer distances).

In the context of a Digital Product Passport, RFID becomes the physical anchor to the product’s unique digital identity. By embedding an RFID tag, manufacturers and brands ensure that scanning the product retrieves its verified passport — including origin, materials, manufacturing steps, certifications, repair guides, and recycling instructions. This connection is secure, efficient, and almost impossible to fake, which makes it a vital component in the fight against counterfeiting and greenwashing.

For example, in fashion, an RFID-enabled DPP could instantly confirm whether a luxury handbag is authentic, where it was made, and under what environmental standards. In electronics, it could provide end-users with warranty information, repair instructions, or a detailed breakdown of recyclable components.

While QR codes are an accessible and affordable entry point for Digital Product Passports, RFID offers advantages in security, speed, and usability. RFID tags can be read even when the product is packaged, dirty, or moving — and they can store more data. Additionally, they can be embedded discreetly, making them harder to tamper with. This makes RFID particularly valuable for industries like automotive, aerospace, and high-end retail, where product authenticity and traceability have high stakes.

A Digital Product Passport powered by RFID is not only about compliance — it’s about creating a sustainable, circular business model. RFID tagging supports closed-loop recycling systems, automated inventory management, and real-time tracking of product life cycles. This reduces waste, optimizes logistics, and encourages responsible consumption. By making a product’s journey transparent, brands can prove their sustainability claims with hard data, building trust with regulators and consumers alike.

At DPPBuilder, we see RFID as one of the most powerful connectors between the physical and digital worlds. Our platform is designed to store and manage the verified data that an RFID scan can instantly unlock. Whether your product needs a basic compliance-ready DPP or a sophisticated, brand-enhancing digital experience, DPPBuilder ensures that RFID integration is seamless, secure, and future-proof. This means that when your product is scanned — anywhere in the world — the right, verified information is delivered instantly.