Digital Product Passports: What They Are and Why They Matter
Everything you need to know about digital product passports—the emerging standard for tracking products throughout their lifecycle.
Digital Product Passports (DPPs) are digital records containing information about a product's composition, origin, repairability, and end-of-life handling. Driven by EU regulations and sustainability demands, DPPs are becoming essential for manufacturers, suppliers, and users of physical products. This guide explains what DPPs are, why they matter, and how to prepare.
In This Guide
What is a Digital Product Passport?
A Digital Product Passport is a digital record attached to a physical product that provides information about its lifecycle. This includes materials, manufacturing, repair guidance, and recycling instructions. DPPs make product information accessible throughout the value chain.
- Materials: What the product is made from
- Manufacturing: Where and how it was made
- Performance: Specifications and certifications
- Repairability: How to maintain and repair
- End-of-life: Recycling and disposal guidance
- Carbon footprint: Environmental impact data
Regulatory Drivers for DPPs
The EU's Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) will require Digital Product Passports for many product categories. While furniture isn't in the first wave, regulations are expanding. Forward-thinking organisations are preparing now.
- EU ESPR: Framework for product sustainability requirements
- Initial categories: Batteries, textiles, electronics
- Future expansion: Furniture and other categories expected
- UK alignment: Likely to follow EU requirements
- Market access: DPPs may be required for EU sales
Benefits Beyond Compliance
While regulation drives initial adoption, DPPs deliver benefits beyond compliance. They enable circular business models, improve customer experience, and support brand differentiation on sustainability.
- Enable product-as-a-service models
- Support maintenance and repair programmes
- Facilitate resale and refurbishment
- Prove sustainability credentials to customers
- Streamline recycling and material recovery
Implementing Digital Product Passports
DPP implementation requires capturing product information and making it accessible. This involves data management systems, product identification (QR codes, RFID), and processes to maintain data throughout the product lifecycle.
- Determine required data fields for your products
- Establish data capture at manufacturing/import
- Implement product identification (QR codes)
- Create systems for data access and updates
- Plan for lifecycle data maintenance
How Camio Supports Digital Product Passports
Camio provides the infrastructure for product passport implementation. Each asset record can hold DPP data, accessible via QR code scanning. Track products from manufacture through use to end-of-life, maintaining the complete data chain required for passport compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about digital product passport
When will Digital Product Passports be required?
EU requirements are being phased in from 2026-2030 starting with batteries, then textiles and electronics. Furniture timing is not yet confirmed but is expected by 2030. UK requirements will likely follow EU timelines. Smart organisations are preparing systems now.
What information will product passports contain?
Required information varies by product category but typically includes: materials composition, manufacturing location, carbon footprint, repairability score, spare parts availability, disassembly instructions, and recycling guidance. Exact requirements are defined per product category.
How do Digital Product Passports relate to asset management?
Asset management systems are ideal platforms for DPP data. They already track individual products, support QR code identification, and maintain lifecycle records. Adding DPP data fields extends existing capability rather than requiring new systems.
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