Consumers in the EU can rest assured that in a few years, they will gain access to a vast amount of information that will change their approach to purchasing decisions, contributing to the creation of a more sustainable society. Soon, the EU will introduce mandatory Digital Product Passports (DPP) in many industries. Simply put, DPP is a digital record containing information about the product's lifecycle.
his includes everything: materials used in its creation, the product's environmental impact, ownership rights, responsible disposal methods, as well as important warranty or maintenance information. Access to this information is usually facilitated through a data carrier, such as a QR code or barcode.
Why is this important?
The EU is taking tangible steps to support the creation of a circular economy. As part of its action plan, the EU aims to reduce the strain on natural resources and prevent waste formation by keeping products or resources in the economic chain for longer.
A focus on ecodesign for sustainable products (ESPR) adds another layer of complexity: it involves criteria for the environmental performance of products sold within the EU, closely tied to the information that will be added to the DPP.
In its strategy towards a circular economy, the EU sets a range of requirements, including product durability, reusability, repairability, assessment of its carbon and environmental footprint, as well as the content of secondary raw materials. All this data can be reflected in the digital passport.
When it comes to what this means for individuals, the EU's mandate on DPP will significantly facilitate consumers in making environmentally conscious decisions.
According to Forrester, 69% of consumers would like companies to be more transparent about their business practices. The introduction of product passports will enable a step in the right direction. Similarly, companies that have not yet implemented DPP need to start planning how to manage this process in their supply chains.
Passports for clothing and gadgets.
The EU mandate extends to numerous groups of goods supplied to the EU market regardless of where they are manufactured. Some brands in the textile industry, such as Nobody's Child, have already begun implementing their version of DPP to allow consumers to learn more about the origin of the purchased clothing and the carbon footprint left during production.
Some industries, including textiles and electronics, must implement DPP earlier - as early as 2027 - due to their environmental impact and/or high circularity potential.
The World Health Organization has stated that electronic waste is the fastest-growing stream of solid waste in the world, increasing three times faster than the Earth's population. According to BT research, 41% of British consumers have electrical gadgets at home that are no longer used or needed.
When it comes specifically to electronic waste, the problem lies not only in the volume of waste produced but also in the risks they pose to consumers. Some materials used in electronics production can be hazardous and harmful if not disposed of responsibly. The same group of respondents from the BT study indicated that they do not know how to dispose of their existing appliances and gadgets, indicating a growing problem.
What's next?
The novelty of the digital passport will be an important step towards a circular economy, allowing product data to be embedded. in the existing supply chain and how they are applied in a particular company.
Manufacturers will need to consider the creation of positions responsible for implementing DPP to ensure compliance with EU goals and deadlines.
As for consumers, they can rest assured that in a few years, they will gain access to a wealth of information that will change their approach to purchasing decisions and thus contribute to the creation of a more sustainable society.
The circular economy is already within reach, and it will be interesting to see what impact these standards will have on our daily lives and future generations.
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