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Digital Product Passport (DPP): What It Is – and What Companies Can Expect

The Digital Product Passport is one of the major innovations of the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). It digitizes information about products, components, and materials and aims to promote sustainability, circularity, and legal compliance.


Digital Product Passport

What Is the Digital Product Passport?

The Digital Product Passport (DPP) is a central element of the EU’s new sustainability policy. It is designed to make relevant product information digitally available – such as data on materials, carbon footprint, reparability, recyclability, and origin. The goal is to increase transparency across the entire value chain.


Where Will the DPP Be Used?

In addition to the ESPR, the DPP will also be used in other areas and under other regulations.


Construction Products Regulation (CPR)

The DPP is also being introduced in the construction sector. Manufacturers will in the future be required to provide digital information about emissions – previously communicated in Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) – as well as about ingredients and product lifespan.


Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA)

The DPP will also be relevant for products containing critical raw materials such as lithium, cobalt, or rare earth elements. Companies must document origin, recyclability, and supply chain risks. The goal is to ensure a sustainable and resilient supply of strategic materials.


Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability (CSS)

As part of the EU’s chemical policy, there are discussions on how the DPP can be used to increase transparency around hazardous substances in products. This concerns, for example, PFAS, flame retardants, or solvents. The DPP could help facilitate substitution and safety assessments in this context.


Outlook: What Can Companies Expect From the DPP?

The introduction of the DPP will begin gradually from 2026, depending on the product group. A technical standard for the DPP is currently being developed and is expected to be finalized by the end of 2025. As part of the CIRPASS 3 project, scalability is being tested through 13 pilot projects across four sectors: textiles, electronics & electrical devices, tires, and construction products.

  • 2026–2027: Scaling and cross-sectoral rollout are planned.

  • From 2027: Broad application of the DPP according to the ESPR is expected.

The Digital Product Passport could become a key lever for sustainability and transparency in Europe. It combines circular economy, raw material security, and chemical safety in one digital system. Those who invest early secure compliance advantages and strengthen their competitiveness.





 
 

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