Learn how digital product passports improve compliance and transparency while helping your brand prepare for upcoming EU regulations and circular practices.
New regulations, shifting consumer expectations and the global push for sustainable growth are transforming how brands approach product data.
Digital product passports are now a critical tool for improving transparency, supporting circular economies and staying compliant with emerging EU laws.
These passports provide each product with a digital identity that follows it from manufacture to reuse, capturing important data across the full lifecycle.
As the European Union moves towards mandatory compliance in 2025, brands that act early will gain a vital competitive advantage.
A digital product passport is a secure and structured way of storing key information about a product. It makes product data visible and accessible by linking it to the physical item through a QR code, RFID chip or NFC tag.
This digital identity contains details such as material composition, origin, manufacturing processes, repair instructions and end-of-life handling. It turns complex supply chain data into something accessible for consumers, manufacturers and regulators.
Digital product passports go beyond barcodes or static labels. They act as interactive records that continue to evolve as the product moves through its lifecycle.
When built using structured data standards like GS1 Digital Link, DPPs make it easier for businesses to manage information and meet reporting needs across international supply chains.
The European Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) will require product data to be machine-readable, standardised and accessible.
This helps authorities, consumers and partners make fast, informed decisions.
Structured data also improves product analytics, lifecycle tracking and performance reporting. It supports transparency while reducing duplication and manual processing.
The EU will gradually introduce digital product passport regulations. Likely starting with priority sectors that have high environmental impact or complex supply chains.
Brands should begin mapping product categories now to understand which rules will apply to them.
For UK businesses, you may still need to comply if you export to Europe or work with EU-based suppliers and retailers.
Digital product passports hold a rich set of data to support supply chain accountability and consumer understanding.
We've identified some key fields below:
With batteries, the passport must also include carbon intensity, expected lifespan, state of health and material recovery rates.
This information improves traceability, supports circular design and enables consumers to take responsibility for how they buy, use and discard products.
Creating and managing digital product passports across thousands of SKUs demands more than spreadsheets. Product Information Management (PIM) systems provide the structure and reliability needed to support DPP data at scale.
A well-integrated PIM solution allows businesses to manage complex data models, version control and regulatory metadata—all in one centralised platform.
For any brand managing multiple suppliers, markets or compliance frameworks, a strong PIM system is essential. It allows digital product passports to evolve with your portfolio while ensuring accuracy, consistency and readiness for regulatory change.
DPPs help supply chain teams build more resilient and efficient operations.
They make it easier to see what materials shape a product, where they come from and how they impact the environment.
DPPs are also supporting anti-counterfeiting efforts.
Brands can give customers instant proof of authenticity by embedding a digital passport into the physical product.
This builds trust and supports after-sales services like repair or resale.
Several fashion and consumer goods brands are already using EU digital product passports to drive innovation.
Some brands are also using augmented reality (AR) packaging that can surface DPP data.
Below are some digital product passport examples in action by leading brands.
Pangaia
Pangaia includes QR codes on garments that link to detailed product profiles. These show cotton origin, environmental impact and how to return or resell through the ReWear programme.
Coach and Coachtopia
Coach uses NFC tags on Coachtopia products made from recycled leather. These tags allow customers to scan and view care tips, repair options and resale channels.
Chloé
Chloé is introducing digital IDs across all products by 2025. The system, developed through its Vertical traceability project, maps product data from raw material to point of sale.
Neste
Neste, a company that makes sustainable polymers, has tested digital passports. These passports help track recycled materials, confirm sustainability claims, and share GHG emissions data with partners.
These examples show that DPPs are already improving traceability, circularity and consumer experience in real-world settings. They are fantastic examples and advocates of sustainable ecommerce.
Implementing digital product passports is a strategic shift. It involves people, systems, data and collaboration.
Brands can begin by taking clear steps to prepare for digital product passport requirements:
Failing to comply with upcoming digital product passport requirements carries significant consequences. For brands operating within or exporting to the EU, non-compliance could result in products being removed from the market, financial penalties or permanent reputational damage.
Authorities may issue fines for incorrect or missing product data, particularly for high-risk sectors such as batteries, electronics or textiles. Companies may also face delays at borders or be excluded from tenders and supply contracts due to lack of traceability.
Non-compliance can also erode consumer trust. Inaccurate sustainability claims or vague origin data can lead to accusations of greenwashing, which may attract scrutiny from regulators or damage brand equity.
Start by assessing whether your products fall under EU digital product passport legislation. Review your product information and supply chain data. Identify weak points in traceability or reporting. Prioritise improvements in high-volume or high-impact categories.
Work closely with internal compliance and sustainability teams to align your data processes with EU standards. Establish clear roles for product data ownership and verification.
We help brands reduce the complexity of digital product passport compliance. Our consultancy supports you from assessment through to implementation, ensuring your product data is accurate, accessible and audit-ready.
We help you map internal systems, standardise data structures, select the right platforms and connect your business to external compliance frameworks. Whether you need a readiness review or a partner to build your DPP roadmap, we can lighten your load and reduce your risk.
Beyond compliance, DPPs offer major opportunities for growth and innovation.
DPPs can shift business models and customer expectations by making product data accessible and transparent. They become more than tools; they become key assets.
The landscape is evolving quickly. Digital product passport legislation will give business the opportunity to build trust, empower consumers and enable circular futures.
Businesses should monitor the following:
Staying informed will help brands remain agile, compliant and ahead of the curve.
Brands can turn compliance into competitive advantage by starting early and aligning with EU expectations.
The sooner you prepare, the stronger your position will be.
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