Dr. Kai Oberste-Ufer provides the lowdown on digital passports
The Digital Product Passport (DPP) is a buzzword that appears more and more frequently in the context of construction products and sustainability. Although it is becoming an important component of how product data will be handled in the future, the term is still associated with a great deal of uncertainty.
What is a DPP and what are the benefits?
The DPP is one of many initiatives by the EU to create a digital, sustainable and competitive economy. It aims at enhancing sustainability, transparency, and traceability in product supply chains. The core objective of the DPP is to provide comprehensive and accessible information about products throughout their lifecycle. The DPP covers all products: from consumer goods to construction material and door hardware.
The framework definition of the DPP is currently developed within CEN-CENELEC Joint Technical Committee 24 (JTC 24).
The benefits of a DPP are different for various stakeholders along the value chain. At the top level, a DPP will make sustainable information about products available and accessible and help with reaching the goal of a green circular economy. It will help specifiers to get reliable product information when they need it and thus make decision processes more efficient and transparent. It also makes products traceable and offers new opportunities for manufacturers and retailers to provide additional services and add customer value.
Where does it come from?
The concept of the DPP emerged from the EU’s increasing focus on sustainable development and circular economy principles. It was formalised in the context of the European Green Deal and the Circular Economy Action Plan.
The DPP is explicitly mentioned in the “Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR)” published in 2022. The idea is to use digital technology to ensure that all stakeholders in the supply chain have access to the same information.
The Revision of the Construction Products Regulation (REFIT) was also adopted in 2022, incorporating the idea of a DPP and making it an integral part of the new regulation. The focus on sustainability of the ESPR is extended by the performance criteria as well as information regarding usage, maintenance and traceability. In addition, data regarding conformity to standards and regulations has been added.
What is the DPP System?
There will not be one DPP that fits all industries. Since the DPP covers many, and each industry has its special requirements, established data structures and standards, the currently developed DPP Standard just defines the requirements, an industry-specific implementation must fulfill.
DPPs must be interoperable with each other, long-lasting (be accessible, even if a company runs out of business), secure and privacy-compliant, traceable, machine-readable, and based on open technical standards. In addition, a DPP must include a Data Carrier (e.g. a QR-Code or RFID-Tag which is physically added to the product to make the data accessible by the user) and the DPP data must be stored in a secure and reliable way. The DPP contains public and private data and demands a security system to ensure trusted access to the data.
“DPP represents a shift towards sustainable product lifecycle. It will be an unavoidable part of the digital future ”
How each Industry will adopt the requirements is not part of the regulation. This will be set in ‘Delegate Acts’– special standards close to the individual product sector and industry. The industry specific acts will also define what data (properties) should be included in the specific DPP and how a suitable data structure and format looks like.
For distribution, there will be a central DPP-Registry. Users can ‘ask’ the registry about a certain product and get information where the actual DPP could be found. Where the DPP is stored at the end is not decided. Several options are being discussed currently including central storage, distributed storage in manufacturer specific databases or some mixture of both.
What data needs to be included?
Although the data required for a DPP for construction products is not specified yet,
a few information categories can already be named.
- General product information, instructions
for use and safety information
- Technical documentation
- Declaration of performance and conformity
- Labels (e.g. energy ratings)
- Manufacturer and products identification (e.g. GTIN)
The content requirements are closely related to the revised Construction Products Regulation. It will also be a reliable source for product information for planners and specifiers in early stages of design.
How does the timeline look?
The definition and rollout of the DPP follows a phased approach:
2020-2022: Initial research and pilot projects to test the feasibility and impact of DPPs.
2023-2024: Development of legislative frameworks and technical standards.
2025: Expected harmonized Standard for DPP by JTC 24
2026 onwards: Gradual expansion to cover a broader range of products.
2027: DPP will be mandatory for batteries, fashion/textiles, electronics, plastics and chemicals.
For construction products, its expected that the process of definition of required DPP data will not start before 2027. A basic set of LCA properties could be defined from 2028, the full set not before 2031.
What do I have to do?
The most important message: don’t panic! Although DPP is heavily discussed currently, for building materials, no concrete and specific requirements have been defined and there is no pressure currently to change anything in the way we work. But it must also be clear, that the DPP represents a pivotal shift towards more sustainable and transparent product lifecycle management. It will be an unavoidable part of the digital future. In order for manufacturers to be prepared a few actions can already be taken:
- Check your data management. Establish a robust system for collecting, storing, and sharing detailed product data. Be prepared to deliver all data in one format for one product.
- Be compliant. Ensure all data complies with EU regulations on transparency, security, and sustainability.
- Use your network. Use professional organisations like the GAI and engage with partners to stay up to date.
- Identify chances and risks. Be aware the digital transformation will also have an impact on your business. Identify what opportunities and risks this will bring to your business.
By adopting these measures, manufacturers will be prepared to act when the DPP becomes mandatory. It’s too early to take any specific actions but be prepared and see the DPP as an opportunity, not a threat.
An online quiz based on this feature is available on the GAI learning Hub. Completion of this quiz is worth one CPD point. https://learninghub.gai.org.uk/totara/dashboard/index.php
Dr. Kai Oberste-Ufer is head of AEC planning tool & configurators at dormakaba.
