The EU’s Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) is redefining manufacturing across industries. At the center of this transformation is the Digital Product Passport (DPP). Starting in 2027, DPPs will be mandatory for an expanding list of product categories.
What DPP means for manufacturers
Manufacturers are central to DPP implementation. Every product placed on the EU market must include verified, traceable data originating from the production process. This includes:
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Material sourcing: Where raw materials come from, their composition, and sustainability certifications.
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Production metrics: Energy consumption, water usage, emissions, and waste from the manufacturing process.
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Environmental impact: Carbon footprint, recycled content, and resource efficiency.
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Product design: Details that support disassembly, repair, and circular end-of-life options.
All this information must be digitally captured, standardized, and linked to each product’s unique identifier.
Building the infrastructure for DPP
To manage DPP data requirements, manufacturers must adopt integrated digital systems that ensure accuracy and traceability across production lines. This includes:
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Product Information Management (PIM): Centralizing product data across systems and departments.
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ERP-integration: Syncing operational data from production, inventory, and logistics.
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Life cycle tracking: Capturing batch-specific information for traceability and compliance.
These systems must be capable of exporting structured data in formats compatible with future DPP platforms and regulations.
Timeline for manufacturers
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2024–2025: Finalization of technical DPP formats and data requirements
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2026: Infrastructure and system preparation
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2027 onward: DPP becomes mandatory for prioritized product categories
Why acting early matters
DPP compliance is not only a regulatory necessity but a strategic opportunity. Manufacturers that digitize and standardize their production data now will:
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Reduce compliance costs and audit risks
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Gain preferred access to green public procurement
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Build trust with clients and partners through verified sustainability
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Future-proof operations against evolving EU and global standards
This transition is already underway. The EU’s 2025–2030 Working Plan prioritizes DPPs for key sectors including steel, aluminum, textiles, electronics, furniture, and more.
A shift you have to take part in
The Digital Product Passport marks a pivotal shift in how products are made, tracked, and understood. For manufacturers, it’s the foundation of a more transparent, efficient, and sustainable production model. Investing now in the right data systems, processes, and mindset will ensure long-term competitiveness and compliance in a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape.
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The Digital Product Passport
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