Digital Product Passports have moved from proposal to reality. The EU’s Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) entered into force in July 2024, and the Commission’s first implementation plan sets a clear timetable: the first product groups must carry passports from 2026, more categories are added each year, and all goods placed on the EU market are expected to be covered by 2030.
In this week’s roundup we explore how Digital Product Passports are shifting from concept to enforceable EU regulation, the academic work shaping their technical blueprint, and the practical steps service providers and brands should take as data-driven product lifecycles become the new normal for design, sourcing, and compliance.
1. DPP Moves from Vision to Reality
The European Union’s initiative for a Digital Product Passport is no longer a concept, it’s becoming a regulatory reality. As part of the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), DPPs will store data on a product’s materials, origin, carbon footprint, repairability, and more. The goal? Equip stakeholders across the value chain with the information they need to make smarter, greener choices and to meet upcoming circularity targets.
2. Regulation in Motion: Service Providers, Get Ready
The European Commission is now shaping the legal scaffolding for service providers who will host, verify, and manage DPPs. The new draft regulation, open for public feedback until 1 July 2025, outlines certification schemes, governance models, and IT infrastructure requirements. This is where the private sector comes in: from tech providers to supply-chain managers, alignment with these rules will be essential for market access and compliance.
3. Academic Insights on DPP and Circularity
Last but not least is a recent study published in Sustainability Science, delving into the role of DPPs in the circular economy. It emphasizes the transformative power of digital product data to drive sustainable design, reduce waste, and ensure product longevity. According to the research, DPPs are not only a tool for traceability but also a strategic asset that can align product lifecycle management with environmental goals, highlighting a significant shift toward responsible consumption and production.
A Digital Product Passport is the EU’s foundation for product-level transparency and a springboard for new circular business models. The companies that build expertise today will be the ones that adapt fastest as the rules tighten and new revenue streams emerge.
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