
The Digital Product Passport
The Digital Product Passport (DPP) is a cornerstone of the European Union's circular economy strategy, rooted in the EU Ecodesign Regulation. This initiative is establishing a fundamental digital infrastructure for product lifecycle management.
In the future, products will be required to feature QR codes, granting users easy access to essential information such as carbon footprint, reparability, and harmful components. This transparency will not only support the transition to a more circular economy but also empower consumers to make informed purchasing decisions. By providing visibility across the entire value chain, the DPP promotes sustainability.
The Digital Product Passport will become mandatory for all economic operators selling products in the European Union starting in 2027. For large batteries (over 2 kWh storage capacity), it will apply from 2027 onward, and for the construction industry, it will be mandatory from 2028.
The DPP Server
To ensure that the data from the digital product passports of the approximately 480,000 micro-enterprises in Austria is accessible, it will be made available through a decentralized, always-accessible, and free information network. Inndata Datentechnik GmbH will assist economic operators in utilizing the server.
Economic operators will need to compile and share product data and Inndata Datentechnik GmbH will handle the preparation and publication of this data on the DPP server. The information in the DPP system will be clear, provider-independent, and based on standardized formats to ensure long-term accessibility. Designed to be user-friendly, the system will be particularly suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and micro-enterprises, providing relevant data regardless of whether operators remain in the market.
How Can Economic Operators Prepare for the Digital Product Passport?
To be fully prepared for the DPP rollout, economic operators should:
1. Begin gathering and organizing information about their products.
2. Engage with software providers and upstream suppliers to ensure smooth integration.
3. Stay informed by monitoring ongoing developments and updates related to the DPP.
By taking these proactive steps, businesses can ensure a smooth transition when the Digital Product Passport becomes mandatory.
[EUR-Lex] (ESPR) ecodesign requirements for sustainable products - EU - 2024/1781