The Digital Product Passport is coming

From 2027, the Digital Product Passport (DPP) will be mandatory for a growing number of products on the European market. This still seems a long way off, but it is a reality that manufacturers and wholesalers should respond to today.

What exactly is the DPP?

The DPP is a digital passport that standardized information contains about a product, such as:

• Longevity and durability
• Material composition and origin
• Energy consumption and CO₂ footprint
• Recyclability and reusability

This information is linked to a unique product identification (such as a GS1 GTIN) and unlocked via a QR code. The classic bar code therefore disappears because it cannot contain enough information. The data must authentic, verifiable and accessible throughout the life of the product are.

Why is the DPP important?

The DPP is a key element of the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), part of the wider EU Green Deal. The ambition? By 2050, a complete circular economy realize.

From 2027, the first product groups will be mandatory, including:

• Textiles and clothing
• Furniture and mattresses
• Electronics and ICT
• Tyres, steel, aluminium and building materials

What does this mean for you as a manufacturer or wholesaler?

1. Compliance is mandatory. Without DPP, your product will soon no longer appear on the EU market.
2. Transparency is becoming the norm. Customers, authorities and partners expect insight into sustainability and origin.
3. New business models are emerging. Think of product-as-a-service, return logistics and circular sales strategies.
4. Digital visibility is rising. Products with a well-designed DPP score better in search engines and on e-commerce platforms.

What does the DPP mean for the end user?

The DPP gives consumers transparent, reliable and accessible information about the products they buy. Think about:

• Where did this product come from?
• How sustainably is it produced?
• What materials are in it?
• Can I recycle it or have it repaired?
• What is the environmental footprint?

This information helps consumers to more conscious choices to be made, based on facts rather than marketing claims.

How will end users use the DPP?

1. Scan the QR code on the product or packaging
   Consumers can scan the QR code linked to the DPP via a smartphone.
2. View mobile-friendly product page
   They will see a clear page with all relevant information about the product: from origin to recyclability.
3. Using Information in Purchasing Decisions
   Consumers can compare products based on sustainability, longevity and environmental impact.
4. Reuse or recycling support
   The DPP also includes information on how to maintain, repair or recycle the product — useful for a second life or proper processing.

Why is the DPP important to consumers?

• More control and trust: You know what you're buying and where it comes from.
• More sustainable choices: You can opt for products with a lower impact on people and the planet.
• Better after-purchase service: Think of maintenance instructions, warranty information and repair parts.
• Less greenwashing: The information in the DPP is standardized and verifiable — no more vague claims.

Why a PIM system is essential at DPP

One Product Information Management (PIM)system is the backbone of a successful DPP strategy. Why?

• Central source of truth: You manage all your product data in one place — no more shredded Excel files or outdated info.
• Efficiency and scalability: You can publish data quickly and consistently to various channels, including DPP platforms.
• Data quality and structure: A PIM helps you enrich, validate and structure data according to the required standards (such as schema.org).
• Connection with QR codes and GTINs: PIM systems can easily integrate with GS1 standards and digital links.

Without PIM, managing DPPs quickly becomes a time-consuming and error-prone task.

Why take action now?

• The technical requirements are complex. Think of data standards, QR integration, and links to your existing systems.
• The preparation time is long. Collecting, structuring and integrating data takes months of work.
• The competition has already started. Anyone who invests now will soon become a advantage partner in sustainability and innovation.

What can you do today?

1. Map your product data. Where is she sitting? In what format? Who manages them?
2. Call on a digital partner, such as Fonda. It is necessary to follow the regulations closely as they continue to be rolled out.
3. ‍Deploy or optimize your PIM system. PIM is part of the Fonda Core module.

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In short: the DPP is not an administrative burden, but a opportunity to innovate, become more sustainable and grow. Don't wait until 2027 — get started today. The most important thing is to get your PIM system up and running in advance. Contact us for this.