Just as your passport contains information about you and where you have been, digital product passports contain a range of information to track products throughout their entire lifecycle, from production to end-of-life disposal. This offers a secure, transparent way to track and manage product information, allowing governments, regulating bodies, businesses and consumers to identify and verify the quality and origin of products.

As the global population increases and resources become scarcer, sustainability continues to become an increasingly important consideration for businesses that want to remain competitive. Initiatives have been made by companies, NGOs, governments and international organisations for businesses to implement sustainability-based practices. In July 2024, the European Union adopted the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) as part of the European Greendeal in a step towards a circular economy. 

The new Regulation makes the creation of digital product passports mandatory for all businesses operating within the EU territory. The goal is for companies to optimise their processes and take responsibility for their production. Other than compliance, improving supply chain traceability can reduce costs and inefficiencies, and increase collaboration between stakeholders.

Some of the relevant regulations to be aware of are:

• Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR): implemented in 2024
• Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD): implemented in 2024
• Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CS3D OR CSDDD): implemented in 2024
• New EU Battery Regulation: to be implemented in 2026
• Construction Products Regulation: proposed in 2022
• EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles: implemented in 2022

Building digital passports on a public blockchain technology provides an immutable record of ownership, origin and usage. Due to the decentralised nature of public blockchains, unauthorised access and manipulation of the data is almost impossible, making it a highly reliable way to verify the authenticity and quality of a product. The European Commission will also set up a registry of unique DPP identifiers for DPPs to be securely stored.

Information on digital product passports can be used in the following ways: 

1. To ensure the proper sourcing and disposal of products (ie: that materials come from ethical sources that do not infringe upon human and environmental rights)
2. To increase the efficiency of recycling materials and reduce waste
3. To reward stakeholders and customers for sustainable practices and behaviour
4. To help transition businesses towards a circular economy

However, creating a digital product passport is no simple task. It requires dedication, planning and analysis to ensure that all the relevant information is accurately captured and stored to the expected standards as stated in the ESPR. Let us walk you through the process of creating a digital product passport from start to finish. 

Step 1: Identify and Collect Data 

The first step in creating a digital product passport is to identify and collect the relevant data that needs to be included. This data should cover the entire product life cycle, including raw materials, production processes, transportation, use, and disposal. Depending on the product, this may require a variety of data sources, such as suppliers, manufacturers, customers, and third-party data providers. When collecting data, it is essential to ensure that all sources are reliable and up-to-date. Often, this information needs to be audited. This is especially important as the data is to be used to make decisions about the product’s life cycle. 

‍Step 2: Analyse and Categorise the Data 

When the data has been collected, it needs to be analysed and categorised so that the digital product passport is accurate and comprehensive. For example, the raw materials used in production may need to be broken down into their individual components, while the transportation data may need to be categorised according to the mode of transport used. The data should be stored in an accessible yet secure format, ensuring that it can be easily and accurately updated. 

Step 3: Create the Digital Product Passport 

After the data has been categorised, the digital product passport can be created. Each DPP requires a unique product identifier. This can be done using various software tools, such as product lifecycle management software and blockchain applications. These tools are designed to store and organise the data, making it easier to access, analyse, and update as necessary. It should also be designed in such a way that it is easy to understand and navigate so that all the involved stakeholders can access the relevant information via barcodes, QR codes or similar mediums. 

Step 4: Implement the Digital Product Passport 

Once the digital product passport has been created, it needs to be implemented across the organisation. This involves integrating it into existing systems and processes. In order to ensure that the digital product passport is effective, it is important to provide training to all relevant stakeholders so that everyone knows how to use the system, and is aware of the importance of accurate data collection and analysis. 

Step 5: Monitor and Analyse the Digital Product Passport 

The work does not end with the implementation of the digital product passport. It needs to be continuously monitored and analysed in order to identify any issues that need to be addressed, such as outdated or inaccurate data, and inefficient processes. The data collected can also be used to generate valuable insights that can help companies optimise their supply chain, as well as identify other areas where they can reduce their environmental impact. 

Creating a digital product passport is a complex and time-consuming process. However, it is now becoming the norm for businesses, and the future of bioplastics in the coming age of sustainability. With digital product passports, companies can take responsibility for driving the future of circularity and tap into the growing demand for sustainable products.

Thankfully, you don’t have to figure out this daunting endeavour on your own. Circularise supports companies towards circularity with our innovative solutions, protecting your data privacy and giving your business a competitive advantage. Sustainability can be an attainable, yet profitable objective for your business.