Update 2025: Digital Product Passport (DPP)

The European Union move towards a more sustainable and circular model with the implementation of the Digital Product Passport (DPP).

This new regulation requires companies to provide structured, digital and accessible information about their products throughout their lifecycle.

By integrating DPP into their processes, companies they face technological challenges and adapt to new standards. In this scenario, tools such as product information management (PIM) systems they play a key role by centralizing, automating and keeping the required information up to date.

This article summarises all the key information available about the DPP as of 2025, including:

• what it is,
• which sectors will be affected first,
• key deadlines,
• technical requirements,
• involved technologies,
• and recommendations to help your company prepare.

What is the DPP

Digital Product Passport (DPP) It's a digital identity which accompanies the products, components or materials that are marketed in the European Union.
Its function is improve transparency, sustainability and traceability of these elements, and so accelerating the transition to a circular economy

The DPP will include information such as:

• Origin of the product and raw materials.
• Composition and materials (including hazardous substances).
• Environmental impact and carbon footprint.
• Regulatory compliance documentation.
• Instructions for use, repair, recycling and disposal.

This information is stored and accessed through technologies such as product information management (PIM) systems.

The DPP not only facilitates regulatory compliance, but also helps consumers and authorities to make more informed and responsible decisions.

Objectives of the digital product passport

The main objectives of this regulation are:

• Sustainability: promotes durable, repairable and recyclable designs.
• Transparency: ensures electronic access to product information along the entire value chain.
• Circular economy: facilitates reuse, recycling and waste reduction.
• Legal Compliance: aligns products with the Ecodesign Regulation (ESPR).
• Data Security: Protects the integrity and privacy of information.

Key implementation dates

To meet the DPP deadlines, the quality of product data is key.
It's not just about collecting information, but about ensuring that the data is complete, accurate, structured and accessible.

In addition, the technology must be prepared. Systems such as PIM allow you to centralize and keep information in accordance with regulatory requirements.

The sooner this digital change begins, the smoother the transition will be.

Below are the main dates and stages planned for the implementation of the DPP in the European Union:

First sectors impacted by the DPP

The DPP will first affect the sectors with the largest environmental footprint.

The sectors with the highest environmental impact will be the first required to adopt the DPP:

• Electronics
• Textiles and footwear
• Batteries
• Metals
• Construction

Below, we show you an informative table with the sectors and the estimated dates of application of the DPP for each one.

Technical requirements and business readiness for the DPP

To comply with the regulations of the Digital Product Passport, companies must ensure that their products integrate standardized technical elements.

Each digital product passport must include:

1. A unique identifier (QR code, RFID or blockchain)
2. Data aligned with standards such as ISO/IEC 15459
3. Structured and interoperable information
4. Mandatory safety, repair, recycling and end-of-life data

Recommendations for companies: How to prepare

To effectively adapt to these regulations, companies must act proactively in several key areas:

1. Digitize existing product data, including raw materials, certificates, carbon emissions and other relevant information.
2. Implement a product information management (PIM) system) that centralizes data and facilitates its updating and distribution.
3. Collaborate with suppliers and supply chain partners to ensure full traceability of the product.
4. Investing in enabling technologies, such as RFID systems, blockchain solutions and interoperable platforms.
5. Adopt international data standards, such as the ISO/IEC 11179 standard, to ensure consistency and compatibility between systems.

Why act now

Although DPP compliance will become mandatory gradually, preparing early offers major advantages:

• Smooth, risk-free compliance
• Easier access to the European market
• Competitive differentiation
• Reduced operational costs and fewer errors
• Improved quality control and traceability

Preparing now is not only prudent but an opportunity to innovate and lead the shift toward a more circular and digital model.

Technologies used in the DPP

The DPP relies on advanced digital tools that support data integrity and information sharing across the value chain.

Key enabling technologies include:

• QR codes
• Digital links
• RFID tags
• Blockchain
• PIM systems: essential for manage large volumes of information of the product in a structured and centralized way.

PIM and DPP: a critical relationship

Although all of these technologies play a specific role in the architecture of the DPP, the PIM is positioned as the backbone of regulatory compliance.

A PIM system allows companies to:

• Centralise all product data
• Keep information structured and up to date
• Ensure consistency across systems
• Enable interoperability with external platforms
• Automate distribution of product information—including DPP generation

Thanks to the PIM, companies not only meet the requirements of the DPP, but also improve their operational efficiency, reduce errors and generate greater trust between consumers and business partners.

DPP outside the European Union

Although the DPP is a European initiative, its impact goes beyond EU borders.

It is part of a broader strategy to achieve a circular economy by 2050, aligned with the European Green Deal.

Any product entering the EU market will need a compliant DPP, regardless of where it was manufactured.

This effectively turns the DPP into a new global standard for transparency and traceability.

This shift implies:

• Greater regulatory harmonisation.
• Common international standards.
• Stronger global momentum for sustainability and circular practices.

Business opportunities with the DPP

Beyond regulatory compliance, the DPP opens new business opportunities:

• Improved operational efficiency
• New circular business models
• Stronger environmental positioning

For SMEs, the transition may require effort, but it also creates long-term competitive advantages.

As the DPP becomes an international standard, it will be crucial for any manufacturer outside Europe seeking access to the EU market.

Impact on the circular economy

The DPP strengthens sustainable practices by:

• Improving product traceability
• Increasing transparency
• Reducing resource exploitation
• Lowering environmental impact

It is a foundational element for a more sustainable economic model.

Competitiveness and sustainability

The digital product passport also increases the transparency in the supply chain, which facilitates compliance with sustainability regulations and improves the effectiveness of audits.

In addition, it allows managing the entire life cycle of the product in a structured way, encouraging practices such as reuse, repair and recycling.

Thanks to the data generated, companies can identify areas for improvement in sustainability, including the analysis of the carbon footprint and energy consumption, which reinforces both their competitiveness and their environmental commitment.

Prepare your company for the DPP

With adequate preparation, the DPP not only avoids risks of sanctions or delays, but also open the door to new markets, to more aware consumers And to a more efficient management of internal processes.

Implement suitable systems such as a PIM, structuring data according to international standards and working collaboratively in the supply chain are key steps to successfully adapt.

In Novicell, we have experience accompanying companies in the organization, structuring and automation of their product data. If your organization is planning its adaptation to the DPP, we can help you find the right solution.

Contact us for an initial evaluation with our specialists.

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