Have you ever wondered where the clothing you wear comes from or what components make up the phone you hold in your hand? Today’s consumer increasingly appreciates the transparency of manufacturing processes. The growing demand for accurate information about the origin and composition of products is a response to growing environmental and ethical awareness. The Digital Product Passport, or DPP, in manufacturing is one tool to meet these expectations. With it, the way you view everyday products can change for the better.
The Digital Product Passport (DPP) is a solution that provides access to complete data about a product – from where it was made, to the manufacturing process, to the materials used to make it and the certifications obtained. Sounds a bit like science fiction, doesn’t it? It is, however, a not so distant reality. Soon this technology will become part of our everyday life, and the European Union is one of the regions that are working intensively on its implementation.
Imagine you are shopping and find a T-shirt on a store shelf. In addition to the classic tags, you see a special code on it – either QR or NFC. With your cell phone, you can scan this code and get instant access to a range of information. You’ll find out exactly where the T-shirt was made, what materials it was made of, what quality certifications it meets, and even whether it was produced with respect for the environment.
Each product will thus become “identifiable” and be assigned its own unique number, much like a PESEL for humans. This gives the consumer the opportunity to know the full history of a product – from start to finish, from the factory to the hands of the user.
To begin with, the system will be mandatory in several key industries within the European Union, such as:
According to plans, implementation is expected as early as 2026. Over time, the Digital Passport will extend to other sectors, such as construction and packaging production. It aims not only to ensure transparency in production, but also to promote recycling and sustainability throughout the supply chain.
The introduction of the Digital Product Passport brings many benefits to both consumers and manufacturers. As a customer, you get access to key product information such as:
This allows you to make more informed purchasing decisions, such as choosing products that better match your values, such as those made organically or sourced from local factories.
The Digital Product Passport is also a huge benefit for manufacturers. First of all, the implementation of this tool gives companies the opportunity to build greater customer confidence. Transparency of the production process, which is required under the Digital Passport, allows the manufacturer not only to meet legal standards, but also to stay ahead of future regulations, which are becoming more stringent with each passing year.
Moreover, the Digital Passport can become a tool for manufacturers to optimize internal processes. It will enable precise monitoring of each stage of production, allowing better management of resources and reduction of waste. In the long run, a company that introduces Digital Passports will have an advantage over its competitors, being able to react faster to changes in regulations and adapt its products to consumer demands.
Although the Digital Product Passport is just getting started, some industries are already using similar technologies. A prime example is the automotive industry, where each car is made up of thousands of parts, and each component must be precisely labeled. The car manufacturer must have full knowledge of all suppliers and subcontractors before the car leaves the factory. Tracking and monitoring each component helps ensure the highest quality standards.
Similar solutions are already in place in the food and chemical industries, where accurate traceability of ingredients and production methods is crucial. The introduction of Digital Passports would further automate and digitize these processes, eliminating the need for paper records.
The introduction of the Digital Passport is a challenge that requires a well thought-out strategy. The first step for any company is to understand what data is crucial to meet EU requirements, but also to improve internal production processes. Developing a roadmap, or ” roadmap,” will help effectively implement the Digital Passport at every stage of production. For more on DPP implementation, see the article “Digital Product Passport – is it worth thinking about now“.
When the strategy is ready, the next step is to launch a pilot project. This allows the company to test new technologies on a smaller scale before rolling them out to full production. Last but not least, integrate all IT systems and machines so that all data is in one place and easily accessible.
The Digital Product Passport is not just the future, it’s a real change that’s coming faster than you think. On the one hand, it gives consumers full insight into what they buy, and on the other hand, it forces manufacturers to be even more transparent. If you haven’t already done so, it’s time to prepare your company for the coming changes and gain a competitive edge before Digital Passports become the standard.
