More transparency in sustainability information
The digital product passport provides access to relevant product information along the entire supply chain. It enables companies to store, update and share detailed information about their products in digital form
New EU regulation
The European Green Deal, which was developed in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, sets the clear goal of making the European continent climate-neutral by 2050. In order to achieve the sustainability goals, new guidelines for product development will be defined in the future.
In the future, products must be repairable, reusable and, to a certain extent, recyclable. The digital product passport serves as a key element in this, by bundling all the relevant information and making it accessible.
The digital product passport
The digital product passport is a data set that is made accessible by means of a 2D code. This code is attached to each product and enables consumers, producers or other stakeholders along the supply chain to access all relevant product and material-related information. This information ranges from details of the carbon footprint, information on harmful substances and recycling and disposal options to user manuals and instructions for use.
The requirement for a digital product passport will apply to all physical products, including components and intermediate products, that are manufactured or put into operation in the EU. It will also affect products that are exported to the EU. This has implications for global trade.
Documents on the DPP
The digital product passport for companies outside the EU
The digital product passport does not only affect companies based in the EU. All products in the affected product categories that enter the EU market, regardless of the country of manufacture, must have a corresponding DPP. This makes the DPP relevant for Switzerland as well. Swiss companies that export to the EU should therefore familiarise themselves with the DPP requirements at an early stage in order to ensure their market presence in the EU.
Affected product categories
The EU Ecodesign Regulation lays the foundation for the introduction of digital product passports in various sectors. While the battery passport is already considered a pioneer for the DPP, the regulation now defines specific requirements for further product categories in line with the EU action plan for the circular economy.
The following product categories will be the first to require a digital product passport:
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Implementation of the digital product pass (DPP) with GS1 standards
When implementing the DPP, the following general requirements must be observed:
- Unique product identification: Each DPP is linked to a unique product identification that is made accessible via a data carrier such as a QR code with GS1 Digital Link. This identification can be found directly on the product, its packaging or on an accompanying document.
- Compliance with global standards: The product identifier and data carrier must comply with the ISO/IEC 15459 standard.
- The EU recommends, among others, the GTIN (Global Trade Item Number)
- Structured, machine-readable data: All information contained in the DPP is structured and machine-readable. It is based on open standards such as those from GS1, which ensures searchability and compatibility with various digital systems.
The globally valid GS1 standards form the basis for future digital product passports, particularly for the identification of products and the exchange of data between all players in the supply networks. GS1 provides standards for identification, data capture and data sharing, including 2D barcodes and GS1 Digital Link, which are particularly important for product passports.
Advantages of the digital product passport
Sustainability
Consumers and professional buyers receive product data that helps them make sustainable decisions.
Improved traceability
Unique labelling and standardised data make it visible that all parties in the supply chain meet the sustainability requirements.
More transparency
Open sustainability data ensures better global visibility of the brand and towards consumers.
Consumer and product safety
Reliable and verified data help to protect products, consumers and patients.
A more efficient supply chain
Purchasers and manufacturing companies avoid unnecessary manual administration and data maintenance.
Regulatory compliance
Standardised information ensures that brand owners comply with regulations and industry requirements.