Digital product passports (DPPs) are becoming a key part of the EU's work on transparency, traceability and the circular economy. But when will the requirements become a reality, which products will be affected first - and how can your business prepare? Here we go through the timeline for the introduction of digital product passports.
What are digital product passports?
A digital product passport is a digital information carrier that follows a product throughout its life cycle. It contains information on materials, manufacturing, climate impact, reparability and recyclability.
The aim is to:
- Increase transparency in value chains.
- Strengthening the circular economy.
- Facilitate recycling and repair.
- Provide consumers and businesses with access to verified sustainability data.
Timeline for digital product passports
2020
The EU adopts the Circular Economy Action Plan under the Green Deal - the starting point for digital product passports.
2023
The EU Battery Regulation enters into force, introducing the first concrete example of digital product passports - so-called Battery Passports.
2024
The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) comes into force. It replaces the previous Ecodesign Directive and lays the foundation for digital product passport requirements for several product categories.
2025
The EU publishes a work plan for 2025-2030 that lists priority product groups, including textiles, furniture, tires, mattresses, and materials such as iron, steel and aluminium. Standards for DPP systems are expected to be ready.
2026
The first binding DPP requirements are expected to enter into force for certain product categories, such as iron and steel.
2027
Mandatory digital product passports are introduced for more categories, including textiles, furniture, tires and aluminium.
2028-2029
Extended application - more product categories covered (e.g. mattresses, electronics). Horizontal requirements on reparability and recyclability become more comprehensive.
2030 and beyond
The aim is for digital product passports to cover a wide part of the EU product market. Businesses, consumers and authorities will have access to a single sustainability data system.
What does this mean for your business?
- More data collection requirements - you need to structure sustainability data for products and supply chains.
- Increased transparency - customers, partners and authorities can review your products in detail.
- Competitive advantage - early movers can win tenders, strengthen their brand and build trust.
Conclusion
Digital product passports are no longer a vision - they are becoming a reality. By understanding the timeline and preparing in time, you can meet EU requirements smoothly while strengthening your company's competitiveness.
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