In the world of digital transformation and innovation, the digital product passport (DPP) is gaining traction as a tool for driving sustainable change. Yet, amidst the buzz, there is an ambiguity about the true nature and scope of DPPs, leading to misconceptions about their function and value. 

This article strives to clear up any confusion about what DPPs are not, distinguishing them from other systems and tools that, while important for traceability, serve different functions and even support DPPs in their role. By doing so, we can better understand the unique role DPPs play in enabling more transparent, accountable, and environmentally responsible supply chains.

What DPPS are not

1. Digital twins

A digital twin serves as a real-time digital counterpart to a physical object or system, primarily used for monitoring, simulation, and predictive analysis. It is a tool for operational efficiency and performance optimisation. However, it does not encapsulate the product's comprehensive lifecycle and sustainability data, which is the core focus of a DPP. DPPs are designed to document and communicate the environmental impact and sustainability credentials of a product from creation to end-of-life, which is beyond the scope of a digital twin.

2. Physical passports or labels

Physical passports or labels attached to products offer basic information such as product identification, origin, or user instructions. Unlike DPPs, these physical labels lack the capability to store or convey dynamic and comprehensive data about the product's entire lifecycle or its environmental credentials, which are essential for validating sustainability claims.

3. Barcodes or QR codes

Standard barcodes and QR codes can be scanned to retrieve product information, and are often used as a unique identifier for inventory management or marketing purposes. While they can link to digital content, they are a very limited form of data storage and need to be linked to other databases. They do not provide the depth of information found in DPPs, which contain extensive lifecycle data, ensuring full traceability and transparency from production to disposal.

4. Serial numbers

Serial numbers serve as unique identifiers for products, aiding in tracking and inventory control. While they can be used to link to the correct DPP, they do not convey any information about the product's sustainability attributes or lifecycle impacts, which are key elements of a DPP's comprehensive dataset.

5. Standard compliance certificates and documentation

These are certificates and documents that validate specific regulatory, safety, or industry-specific standards that a product must comply with to be sold or used. While they confirm compliance, they do not offer the detailed traceability and sustainability insights that are characteristic of DPPs, which cover a broader range of environmental information.

6. Product certifications and eco-labels

Product certifications and eco-labels are specifically designed to convey a product's environmental or social performance. They indicate that a product meets certain sustainability standards, such as being made with recycled content, being energy-efficient, or having a lower carbon footprint. These labels provide consumers with assurance that the product is more environmentally friendly or socially responsible, but they do not provide the complete lifecycle data and traceability that DPPs do.

7. Product or material databases 

Product or material databases such as SCIP (Substances of Concern In articles as such or in complex objects (Products)) and IMDS (International Material Data System) serve as repositories for product-related information. While they provide crucial information on substances and materials for regulatory compliance, they lack the user-friendly, detailed lifecycle data that end-of-life processors require for effective recycling. DPPs offer greater granularity – down to the batch level or item level – as well as differentiated access.

8. Environmental assessment and reporting tools

Environmental reporting tools for GHG (Greenhouse Gas) and LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) are specialised for evaluating specific environmental impacts, such as emissions or the broader ecological footprint of a product or process. While these tools are critical for targeted environmental assessments and are often included in DPPs, they do not encompass a wider spectrum of product information or serve as an all-encompassing resource for stakeholders to ensure product sustainability from creation to end-of-life.

9. Product manuals and warranties

Product manuals are designed to provide users with instructions and safety information for the proper use and maintenance of a product. Warranties are typically included with products to outline terms of service and repair policies. While important for users, neither contains the necessary data that DPPs require. DPPs are also a way for users to access these documents as well.

10. Business operation systems

Business operation systems like CRM, ERP, SCM, PLM, and PIM are integral to the internal data management and logistical operations of a company. They help organise and streamline processes such as inventory tracking, customer interactions, resource planning, and overall supply chain activities. Yet, these systems typically do not capture or analyse the environmental and sustainability metrics of products, which is a critical component of DPPs. DPPs aim to provide a detailed environmental footprint, including aspects such as carbon emissions, water usage, and recyclability.

11. General marketing materials and non-interactive digital assets

General marketing materials are designed to promote products and highlight their features and benefits, and non-interactive digital assets such as static images, videos, or PDFs serve as one-way communication tools. Both lack the interactivity and update capability required for continuous lifecycle management that DPPs offer.

Each of these systems and tools serves different functions within business operations, marketing, sales, or supply chain management. While many of these aspects make up vital components of a digital product passport, they are not DPPs themselves. Read our comprehensive guide on DPPs and other informative articles on the topic.

DPPs for more sustainable supply chains

As we navigate the complexities of supply chains and strive for greater sustainability, understanding the capabilities and purpose of DPPs is crucial. They are not just digital records; they are the backbone of a transparent and sustainable future.

In essence, DPPs are comprehensive, interactive digital profiles of products that go beyond simple identification or certification. They collect tamper-proof data designed to enhance transparency and facilitate sustainability throughout the product's lifecycle. They are pivotal in driving traceability and the circular economy, making them an indispensable tool for companies committed to responsible production, consumption, and compliance.