What is a Digital Product Passport? Simply and clearly explained
The Digital Product Passport (DPP) is a digital dataset that contains all important information about a product — from composition and origin to disposal. It is being made mandatory EU-wide step by step.
1 What is a Digital Product Passport?
A Digital Product Passport (DPP for short) is a standardized, machine-readable dataset that digitally bundles all relevant information about a physical product. It functions like a digital ID card for products.
The DPP is typically made accessible via a QR code or an NFC chip on the packaging or the product itself. Consumers, recycling companies and authorities can access transparent product data at any time.
In short
The DPP makes visible what a product is made of, where it comes from, how sustainable it is and how it can be disposed of or recycled.
2 Why do we need the DPP?
The European Union, with its Green Deal and Circular Economy, aims to use resources more efficiently and reduce waste. This requires transparency about product data.
Transparency
Consumers can make informed purchasing decisions.
Circular Economy
Materials can be better recycled and reused.
Compliance
Authorities can more easily verify product regulations.
3 What data does a DPP contain?
A complete Digital Product Passport contains various categories of product information:
Product Identification
Name, brand, model, SKU, GTIN/EAN, category
Material Composition
Materials used with percentages, recycled content, country of origin
Sustainability
Carbon footprint, energy efficiency class, repairability score, lifespan
Origin & Supply Chain
Manufacturer, country of production, assembly location, design location
Certificates & Standards
FSC, CE, ISO certifications with validity dates and verification
Disposal & Recycling
Disposal instructions, recyclability percentage, disassembly guides
4 The EU Ecodesign Regulation (ESPR)
The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) is the legal basis for the Digital Product Passport in the EU. It was officially adopted in July 2024 and replaces the previous Ecodesign Directive 2009/125/EC.
Important for businesses
The ESPR applies to nearly all physical products sold in the EU — regardless of whether they are manufactured in or imported into the EU. Exceptions include food, animal feed and medical devices.
Core elements of the ESPR:
- Mandatory DPP for defined product categories
- Minimum requirements for durability, repairability and recyclability
- Ban on destruction of unsold consumer goods
- Green claims must be backed by verifiable data
5 Timeline: When does the DPP become mandatory?
The introduction of the DPP is phased by product category:
Batteries & Accumulators
First product category with DPP obligation under the EU Battery Regulation.
Textiles & Clothing
Information obligation on fiber composition, origin and care instructions.
Electronics & ICT
Smartphones, tablets, laptops with repairability score and material data.
Furniture & Furnishings
Wood origin, pollutants, recyclability of materials.
More Categories
Gradual expansion to construction materials, chemicals and more products.
6 Benefits for businesses and consumers
For Businesses
- Early compliance with EU regulation
- Competitive advantage through transparency
- Trust among sustainability-conscious customers
- Better data quality in the supply chain
- Avoidance of greenwashing accusations
For Consumers
- Make informed purchasing decisions
- Identify sustainable products more easily
- Proper disposal and recycling
- Check repairability before buying
- Trace origin and supply chain
7 Technical Implementation
A Digital Product Passport is based on open standards and interoperable data formats. The key technical components are:
Unique Product ID
Each product receives a unique identifier (e.g. GTIN, UUID) that references the DPP dataset.
QR Code / NFC
Physical access point to the DPP directly on the product or packaging. A scan leads to the product page.
Machine-readable API
REST API with JSON data enables automatic integration into other systems and platforms.
Schema.org Markup
Structured data following the Schema.org/Product standard for optimal search engine indexing.
Decentralized Data Storage
Companies host their own product data. No central database required.
8 How does OpenProductData help?
OpenProductData is an open platform that enables businesses to easily create and publish Digital Product Passports — without complex technical infrastructure.
Start for Free
Register for free and create your first products immediately.
Structured Input
Intuitive input forms for all DPP-relevant product data.
Automatically Generated
QR codes, public product pages and API access are created automatically.
Future-proof
Based on open standards and continuously adapted to EU requirements.
Ready for the Digital Product Passport?
Start for free now and create your first DPP in just a few minutes.