The digital product passport soon to be mandatory

With the transition to a circular economy and increasingly stringent environmental requirements, the digital product passport (DPP) is becoming a key issue and a challenge for businesses. Indeed, the European Commission has initiated programs to enhance product sustainability , with the digital passport being a key element in this transformation, set to be implemented in 2027. What is a digital product passport, and how does it affect businesses? This article clarifies the concept and outlines the tools needed for effective implementation.

How is a Digital Product Passport defined?

The digital product passport (DPP) is a digital file containing all the key information about a product. It may include technical data, resource management, recyclability, sustainability features, supply chain, and manufacturing details.

The DDP has been designed to meet growing demands for transparency and sustainability. According to an article by our partner KatanaPIM , consumers are provided with detailed information about a product’s origin, composition, ecological impact, and production conditions. This transparency facilitates product tracing and end-of-life management, promoting a circular economy.

A challenge for businesses

Companies must prepare for these new obligations, as the digital product passport will be a central element of sustainability and regulatory compliance strategies. The European Union regulation on the eco-design of sustainable products , for example, increasingly requires the manufacturer to deliver compelling and transparent information about the sustainability of their products.

1. Regulatory compliance

Companies must integrate the digital passport into their processes to meet legal requirements. This includes the obligation to provide information on sustainability, recycling, carbon footprint, etc.

2. Improving transparency and consumer confidence

With consumers increasingly concerned about the ecological impact of their purchases, the digital product passport will enable companies to increase their transparency. Consumer decision-making now greatly relies on product sustainability information, and well-documented products inspire greater confidence.

3. Managing end-of-life products more effectively

The digital passport simplifies tracking products and managing their end-of-life, promoting responsible practices like recycling and repair.

Implementation challenges

While the digital product passport is a promising concept, its implementation presents several challenges. According to the FEVAD (French E-Commerce and Distance Selling Federation), companies may face several technical and organizational challenges when implementing digital passports.

1. Data collection and management

The main challenge is collecting and managing data for the digital product passport. Companies should consolidate information from various sources, including suppliers, manufacturers, and inspection bodies, to ensure it is accurate, complete, and up-to-date. Furthermore, this information needs to be consistently updated to reflect changes in the product and its components.

2. Norms and compatibility

The lack of clear standards for structuring and distributing Product Passport data can make it difficult to integrate into existing processes.

3. Implementing costs

The cost of implementing the digital passport, particularly for training teams, incorporating technologies, and updating management systems such as the PIM, can be an obstacle for some companies.

Automation in PIM: Simple Workspace to the Rescue

Automation in the Product Information Management (PIM) system is essential to address these difficulties. The Simple Workspace tool enables companies to automate the creation of product documents such as data sheets or digital passports in PDF format. Thanks to this solution, it is possible to integrate information directly from the PIM, enrich it if necessary, and automatically generate PDF documents that comply with regulatory and environmental standards.

This automation is a significant advantage, as it not only simplifies the use of data but also ensures that it is updated in real-time while guaranteeing the consistency and conformity of the information transmitted. Consequently, companies can enhance their efficiency and responsiveness while also complying with legal sustainability requirements.

Is it mandated to have a digital product passport in PDF format?

No, it isn’t. However, communicating the product passport to customers is an essential strategic move in the current context of increased transparency and environmental responsibility. By highlighting the availability of the digital passport, companies are demonstrating their commitment to sustainability and boosting consumer confidence. This transparency enables customers to make informed decisions by accessing detailed information on the origin, composition, and environmental impact of products. It also positions the company as a responsible player, concerned about its practices and the quality of its products. By communicating effectively on the product passport, using channels such as online product sheets or digital brochures, the company can not only differentiate itself from the competition but also win customer loyalty among a growing number of eco-conscious consumers. It’s a real opportunity to create a long-term relationship of trust with consumers while complying with new regulations.

Conclusion

The digital product passport is becoming a crucial component in the transition to a circular and sustainable economy. While it represents a major challenge for data collection, compliance, and systems integration, a solution like Simple Workspace will make it possible to automate a large part of the process, making it easier to exploit the information and create the necessary documents. Companies embracing the digital revolution can comply with regulations while enhancing their competitiveness by meeting consumers’ increasing demands for sustainability and transparency.

Would you like to learn more about the digital product passport? Contact us to share your ideas.

B. Chauvel

Sales manager