As part of the EU’s Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) and Circular Economy Action Plan, the furniture industry is preparing for a digital shift. From 2027, all furniture sold in the EU must include a Digital Product Passport (DPP) a standardized, digital record of the product’s materials, sourcing, environmental impact, and end-of-life handling.
This regulation aims to reduce the EU’s 10.78 million tonnes of annual furniture waste and improve reuse, repairability, and recyclability across the sector. DPPs will increase supply chain transparency and allow consumers and professionals alike to make better-informed, more sustainable choices.
Setting the Standard: Fritz Hansen’s Use of DPP for Danish Crown
A standout example of early DPP adoption in the furniture industry comes from Fritz Hansen, who has implemented Digital Product Passports in collaboration with Danish Crown . As part of a 2023 pilot project for Danish Crown’s new headquarters, Fritz Hansen partnered with MiCollect and SPOOR to integrate digital chips into their furniture. These chips, placed beneath the upholstery, allow users to scan the product with a smartphone and instantly access verified information about materials, sourcing, and environmental impact. This initiative highlights how DPPs can be used not just for compliance, but as a powerful tool for transparency, circular design, and brand differentiation—setting a new standard for the future of sustainable furniture.
What DPP means for the furniture industry
DPPs will make detailed product information such as material origin, environmental certifications, and repair options easily accessible via QR codes or embedded chips. For furniture makers, this means shifting from traditional documentation to dynamic, digital records that travel with the product throughout its lifecycle.
Rather than viewing this as a compliance burden, forward-thinking brands can use DPPs to showcase sustainable practices, meet procurement requirements, and respond to the growing demand for transparency in both consumer and contract markets.
Timeline to Keep in Mind
-
2024–2025: EU finalizes DPP formats and requirements
-
2026: Industry prepares digital infrastructure
-
2027: DPP becomes mandatory for furniture products
The DPP is more than a regulatory tool – it’s a foundation for future-proofing the industry. Those who invest now will shape the next generation of circular, transparent furniture.
Preparing for DPP through data and systems
To manage the incoming data demands, manufacturers will need structured systems like Product Information Management (PIM). PIM platforms consolidate product and sustainability data, ensure accuracy, and simplify integration with DPP platforms. This supports everything from inventory tracking to after-sales services.
Companies should begin auditing suppliers, collecting environmental data, and addressing information gaps now to ensure readiness before the 2027 deadline.
A shift you have to take part in
Adopting DPPs early positions furniture companies as leaders in sustainable design. It improves regulatory compliance, streamlines product lifecycle management, and reinforces trust with customers and partners. Projects like Fritz Hansen’s traceable furniture for Danish Crown already show the branding and functional value of DPP integration.
Read all our posts about the impact of the Digital Product Passport on the furniture industry.
Filter
Sign up for our Digital Product Passport email list
The Digital Product Passport
Organized by Kruso Ltd
Company Registration Number: 25524365
