How can QR codes and NFC technology make product transparency more accessible and effective?
With the Digital Product Passport (DPP), these technologies make product information easily accessible and support sustainable choices. Here, we take a closer look at what QR codes and NFC are and how they strengthen the purpose of the DPP.
QR codes and NFC are central technologies in the DPP’s work for transparency and traceability. Read here about how they work and why they are becoming essential tools for both consumers and businesses.
What are QR codes and NFC technology?
QR codes (Quick Response codes) are two-dimensional barcodes that can be scanned with a smartphone or scanner. They act as a digital key, quickly directing the user to online information. When a QR code is scanned, a webpage or app with detailed product data opens automatically. NFC technology (Near Field Communication) uses short-range radio waves to transfer data between two devices when they are in close proximity. NFC chips can be embedded in or on products, and by holding a smartphone near the chip, the user gains access to the same type of information as with QR codes—without the need to scan. Both technologies are easy to use and require minimal technical knowledge, making them accessible to a broad audience.
QR codes and NFC’s role in the DPP
Within the DPP, QR codes and NFC play a central role as the link between the physical and digital worlds. Consumers can scan a QR code or use NFC technology to gain direct access to product data, such as material origin, production sustainability, and recycling options. This creates more transparent product information, giving consumers full insight into the product's lifecycle and environmental impact, thereby supporting better choices.
Traceability and transparency through QR and NFC
By equipping products with QR codes and NFC chips, companies can ensure that all stages of the supply chain have access to up-to-date data on product quality and compliance status. Manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers can quickly trace product origins, ensure environmental regulation compliance, and manage logistics more accurately. For the DPP, this means data can be easily shared across platforms and countries, making it easier to uphold sustainability principles and ensure product authenticity.
A consumer-focused approach to sustainability
Forbrugere bliver stadig mere opmærksomme på de miljømæssige og etiske aspekter af deres køb, og QR-koder og NFC hjælper dem med at tilgå denne information på en simpel måde. Når en forbruger scanner en QR-kode eller aktiverer NFC, kan de hurtigt se, om produktet er fremstillet ansvarligt, og om det er muligt at genanvende det efter brug. Dette skaber ikke bare gennemsigtighed, men gør det også muligt for virksomheder at profilere sig på deres bæredygtighed, hvilket kan styrke brandloyalitet og tiltrække miljøbevidste kunder.
A sustainable future with the use of QR codes and NFC
The integration of QR codes and NFC technology in the DPP contributes to a future where transparency and sustainability are the standards. Companies can demonstrate their commitment to sustainable solutions and access more precise data, making responsible decision-making easier. On the consumer side, they gain the ability to make responsible choices based on concrete information about each product’s sustainability—all delivered easily and quickly through their own phones.
QR codes and NFC make the DPP accessible and understandable for both businesses and consumers. By bridging the gap between the product and its digital identity, these technologies support a sustainable future where responsible consumption and production become a natural part of everyday life.
