The EU Digital Product Passport Is Coming – What It Means for Product Information Management
The EU Digital Product Passport (DPP) is about to become part of everyday operations for many businesses. Its purpose is to improve product traceability, extend product lifecycles, and support recyclability. For companies, this means increasing demands for product information management and regulatory reporting.
In this blog, we explore how businesses can prepare for the change – and how a PIM system helps ensure product data doesn’t become a bottleneck.
What Is the Digital Product Passport (DPP)?
The Digital Product Passport is part of the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), aiming to increase the sustainability and transparency of products on the EU market. It ensures that product sustainability data is readily accessible, helping both consumers and companies make informed, eco-conscious decisions.
The DPP acts like a digital ID card for each product, including details such as:
- Materials and raw components
- Manufacturing and supply chain data
- Environmental impact
- Repair, reuse, and recycling instructions
- Regulatory compliance information
In practice, the passport will be a physical marker – such as a QR code – on the product, packaging, or documentation. The rollout begins with product groups like textiles, batteries, and construction materials, expanding later to other industries.
How Will the Digital Product Passport Impact Business?
The DPP requires companies to efficiently manage and distribute highly detailed product data. It affects every stage of a product’s lifecycle – from manufacturers to retailers. Businesses should prepare by addressing the following key areas:
- Mandatory data and reporting
Companies must collect and maintain comprehensive product data to meet EU requirements. Incomplete or outdated data may result in sales restrictions or penalties. - Product data quality
Information must be accurate, consistent, and accessible to various stakeholders — including regulators, customers, and partners. Poor data can damage brand credibility. - Competitive advantage through transparency
DPP compliance can become a valuable differentiator. Transparency and sustainability credentials can strengthen your position in responsibility-driven markets.
How a PIM System Supports Digital Product Passport Management
The DPP significantly changes how product information is handled. Companies must be able to manage an expanding set of data — from core product specs to lifecycle, sustainability, environmental, and certification information. Because the DPP must be delivered digitally, a powerful Product Information Management (PIM) system becomes more critical than ever.
Why Is a PIM System Essential for DPP?
- Centralizes all required DPP data in one place
- Ensures consistent, up-to-date product information
- Enables easy data distribution across e-commerce, marketing, and regulatory systems
How Does a PIM System Support DPP Compliance?
- Dedicated DPP fields: Easily manage and update data aligned with EU requirements
- Automated data management: Keep product information current without manual updates
- API integrations: Seamlessly share data across systems, platforms, or with authorities
Summary
The EU Digital Product Passport introduces new compliance requirements, but it also offers companies an opportunity to enhance product data management and transparency. A modern PIM system ensures your product information remains accurate, accessible, and future-ready.
Want to make sure your product data is ready for the Digital Product Passport?
Let’s talk – we’ll help you find the best solution for your business.
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