Factlines supports the EU’s Digital Product Passport (DPP) initiative, which promotes supply chain transparency and sustainability. This article explores its purpose, relationship with Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), and how businesses can prepare.
What is the Digital Product Passport (DPP)?
The DPP, under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), provides product-specific data throughout the value chain. Accessible via QR codes or RFID tags, it helps stakeholders:
- Assess product durability and material composition.
- Facilitate recycling, reuse, and repair.
- Improve supply chain transparency.
Why is the DPP important?
The DPP supports the EU’s circular economy goals by offering insight into product lifecycles. It enhances accountability, encourages sustainable practices, and ensures regulatory compliance.
EPDs and DPPs
EPDs, or Environmental Product Declarations, are established frameworks for reporting the lifecycle environmental impact of products. While both EPDs and DPPs focus on transparency, they serve distinct yet complementary purposes:
- Scope: EPDs focus on environmental impact, while DPPs expand to circularity and material sourcing.
- Accessibility: DPPs use digital technology for easy access, unlike static EPDs.
- Integration: Aligning with EPDs helps businesses prepare for DPP compliance.
Opportunities and challenges for businesses
Opportunities:
- Market differentiation – Early adopters gain a competitive edge.
- Streamlined reporting – Integrated systems improve compliance efficiency.
- Supply chain visibility – Enhanced collaboration reduces risks.
Challenges:
- Data collection – Requires robust systems and supplier engagement.
- Compliance costs – SMEs may face financial hurdles.
- Accountability – Greater transparency increases scrutiny.
How to prepare for the DPP
- Conduct a Data Audit: Assess the availability and quality of your existing product data. Identify gaps and establish priorities for data collection.
- Engage suppliers: Collaborate with suppliers to improve data sharing and ensure alignment with DPP requirements.
- Leverage technology: Invest in digital tools that integrate supply chain data and facilitate seamless reporting.
- Align with EPDs: Use EPDs as a baseline to expand data collection efforts for circularity and reparability metrics.
- Stay informed: Monitor updates to the ESPR and DPP frameworks to anticipate changes and refine your compliance strategy
Factlines’ role in DPP compliance
Factlines helps businesses navigate supply chain regulations with efficient data collection, risk analysis, and reporting. Our supply chain sustainability software ensures readiness for DPP implementation, strengthening compliance and competitive advantage.
The DPP drives sustainable product design and lifecycle management. By integrating with existing frameworks and investing in data systems, businesses can stay ahead of regulatory shifts.
Ready to future-proof your compliance? Book a demo or contact our team today.
