What is a Digital Product Passport?

A Digital Product Passport is a digital file that stores key information about a physical product. It’s product-specific, easy to access, and designed to be shared across the supply chain.

In the EU, DPPs are becoming mandatory for certain product categories to support sustainability goals. But the concept is relevant globally as more regions prioritize transparency and circular economy practices.

The DPP exists to promote transparency, sustainability, and traceability — not to act as a marketing tool. It helps consumers, businesses, and regulators understand what a product is made of, how it was produced, and how it can be reused, repaired, or recycled.

A DPP typically includes:

• Material composition
• Country of origin
• Repair and disassembly instructions
• Carbon footprint and environmental data
• Compliance certificates and recycling info

The exact contents vary depending on the product category (e.g., electronics, textiles, batteries). Of course, the contents of the DPP can change and vary according to EUs regulation that can adapt over time.

DPPs are not static documents like PDFs. They are dynamic, digital records linked to a specific product, often accessible through a QR code or digital interface. They use structured data formats and must follow interoperability standards to work across systems and countries.

The responsibility to create and update a Digital Product Passport lies mainly with the manufacturer or importer. Distributors and other supply chain actors may contribute data, but the obligation follows the product throughout its journey.

Some parts of a DPP are public (like for consumers or recyclers), while others may be private (for customs, regulators, or business partners). Access is typically provided via digital means like QR codes on packaging or online platforms.

The DPP is being introduced in stages. Initially, it applies to:

• Batteries
• Textiles
• Electronics

Other sectors will follow, especially those with high environmental impact. While led by the EU, this model may be adopted in other markets as part of global trade and ESG policies.

Unlike a traditional label or spec sheet, a DPP is:

• Machine-readable
• Continuously updatable
• Designed to cover the entire product lifecycle

It’s meant to live with the product, providing useful information from production to disposal.

Although the DPP is an EU initiative, the idea is gaining traction globally. Trade partners, multinational brands, and regulators in other regions are looking into similar systems. As ESG regulations tighten, DPPs could become the norm in global supply chains.