Digital Product Passports – How Is Your Company Affected Right Now?

Now, they receive a new request from one of their larger retailers. The retailer is working on its sustainability reporting and Science Based Targets – climate goals grounded in scientific evidence – and is already asking for detailed information about the products: what they contain, where the materials come from and what sustainability data is available. 

It should be easy to respond.
But it isn’t.

The information exists – but in different formats, spread across various people and sometimes missing altogether. Some suppliers can’t provide the answers. Internally, the company lacks a clear process – or system – for collecting, validating and sharing the data.

The company suspects that several of the requested data points will soon be covered by upcoming requirements in the delegated act of the Ecodesign Regulation – but neither they nor the customer know exactly what will be required.*

So, what should companies consider as they prepare?

Let’s start with the basics:

What Is a Digital Product Passport – and Why Is It Being Introduced?

Digital product passports (DPPs) are being rolled out as part of the EU’s Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). Their goal is to improve traceability, resource efficiency and sustainability across the entire value chain. The passports will include detailed information about a product’s composition, origin and environmental impact – accessible to all relevant actors: manufacturers, customers, repairers, recyclers, authorities and others.

So, it’s not just about compliance – it’s about demonstrating sustainability in practice.

Many Questions – Few Clear Answers

We meet many companies that ask:

• Are we, as a small business, affected by ESPR?
• Will our products need digital product passports?
• Where will we get the information we need?

Questions cover everything from when the requirements will come into force to what kind of data must be collected, how it should be shared – and with whom.

The Ecodesign Regulation entered into force in July 2024. Work is currently underway to develop delegated acts, which will set the specific requirements for each product category. These acts will define exactly what information must be collected and shared for each sector. The first categories expected to be affected are textiles and iron and steel, with digital product passports likely becoming mandatory as early as 2027. Batteries are already subject to separate requirements under the new Battery Regulation. Regardless of the category, it’s important to start preparing now.

What Needs to Happen Behind the Scenes?

For digital product passports to work in practice, several components must come together. It’s not just about gathering the right data – it’s also about making sure it can be tracked across the entire value chain and that it remains accessible and trustworthy for those who need it.

Traceability is a broad concept that includes, for example:

• Technical solutions to collect and share data
• Processes for validation and quality assurance
• Clarity on what data is needed – and who holds it
• The end-user experience – what do they see, and how?

It’s a lot to take in. But it’s entirely possible to start small – with the right support and tools.

How Can You Prepare?

You don’t need to begin with major investments. The most important step is to get a clear picture of your current state. Ask yourselves:

• What information do we already have – and in what format?
• What data is missing – and who do we need it from?
• What do our existing systems and workflows look like?
• What do our supplier relationships look like – and what can we influence?

For companies seeking more targeted support, there are several ways to move forward. As one of many actors in the field, RISE can offer support in areas such as:

• Introductions to DPPs and overviews of current regulations
• In-depth assessments of needs and requirements for specific products
• Communication templates to use with suppliers
• Recommendations for more sustainable product strategies and business models

Working with traceability and digital product passports can feel overwhelming – but help is available. One suggestion is to follow the Trace4Value newsletter for regular updates and developments in this area – or contact us directly, and we’ll help you move forward.

Want to Stay Ahead?

Digital product passports aren’t just about meeting upcoming regulatory requirements – they’re also a chance to strengthen transparency, sustainability, and competitiveness. The earlier you begin exploring your options, the better prepared you’ll be when the final details are in place.

RISE is here to support you – whether you’re looking for an initial overview or want to develop a long-term strategy for your products and processes.

Get in touch to learn more – or explore our work on ecodesign and digital product passports.

*This is a possible scenario. As of June 2025, work is ongoing to define the detailed requirements for digital product passports across product categories – and many aspects are still under development.