How to prepare for Digital Product Passports

Why product data is the foundation of DPP compliance

Every product tells a story, and that story is built on data. Information is gathered from multiple sources along the entire value chain, from raw material suppliers to end-of-life recycling centers. The DPP framework requires this data to be more transparent and accessible than ever before. Manufacturers must now build and maintain comprehensive DPP Data Records for every product, covering its entire lifecycle.

At the heart of this complex data ecosystem is Product Information Management (PIM). A robust PIM solution serves as the backbone for structuring, governing, and distributing the product data needed to fuel DPPs and other global regulations. Without a strong PIM foundation, you risk presenting fragmented, incomplete, or non-compliant data, which can jeopardize both regulatory standing and customer trust.

However, PIM doesn’t operate in a vacuum. Achieving DPP success requires a well-tuned, connected ecosystem of various systems working in harmony.

Building your DPP ecosystem: PIM, PLM, ERP, and more

While PIM is the central carrier for much of your product data, other systems play crucial roles in completing the picture.

• Product Lifecycle Management (PLM): PLM systems are vital for managing data related to product design, development, and engineering.
• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP): ERPs typically handle transactional and serialized data, which is essential for tracking individual items or unique SKUs.

Consider a repair center. When a product is repaired and a component is replaced, its material footprint changes. The repair center must update the DPP Data Record for that specific serialized item. This requires seamless data flow between the center’s systems and the central data repository, demonstrating the need for a truly connected data environment.

This is where a Product Data Ledger becomes essential.

The role of a product data ledger in your DPP strategy

A Product Data Ledger is a specialized tool designed to compile and host the final DPP Data Records. It acts as the public-facing hub where consumers, regulators, and other stakeholders can access product information by scanning a QR code, an NFC tag, or visiting a URL.

A Product Data Ledger is necessary to:

• Dynamically generate, update, and host digital DPP Data Records for products at the batch, SKU, and serialized levels.
• Mirror and consolidate data from various carriers, including PIM, ERP, PLM, and downstream sources like repair centers.
• Produce and manage access points like QR codes or GS1 Digital Links.

Beyond compliance, a Product Data Ledger unlocks new opportunities to engage directly with your most interested customers. You can enrich the mandatory DPP data with your brand story, highlight seasonal campaigns, or even create a new digital shop window to showcase your products. It transforms a regulatory requirement into a powerful marketing and communication channel.

Turn compliance into an advantage with Inriver

At Inriver, our PIM platform is built on the core belief in connected ecosystems. We empower our customers to integrate their preferred Product Data Ledger solution, creating a seamless flow of information. Our platform already enables strong, value-driven integrations with leading DPP providers like Rexidy and Qliktag.

These partnerships offer off-the-shelf solutions that provide:

• Agile Attribute Modeling: Easily adapt to various product types and regulatory frameworks.
• Multi-Source Ingestion: Consolidate data from PIM, ERP, PLM, and third-party systems.
• Standardized Link Handling: Manage GS1 Digital Links and QR code redirections effortlessly.
• Non-Blockchain Validation: Reduce complexity and cost while ensuring data integrity.
• Scalable Pricing: Transparent models that grow with your business needs.

By integrating these solutions with Inriver, our customers can quickly meet DPP requirements while unlocking new opportunities for transparency, circularity, and direct buyer interaction.

When should you start your DPP preparations?

The simplest answer is now. Your readiness depends on two key factors: the products you manufacture and the maturity of your existing data management practices. The first step is always to get your upstream data in order. Once your data is accurate and centralized, you can focus on visualizing it for consumers through a Product Data Ledger.

The European Commission’s working plan for 2025–2030 outlines a phased adoption timeline.

Adoption in 2026: 

• Low-temperature emitters
• Dishwashers, washing machines, washer-dryers (home)
• Iron & Steel

Adoption in 2027: 

• Textiles & Apparel
• Tires
• Displays
• Laundry appliances and dishwashers (professional)
• Aluminium

Adoption in 2028: 

• Furniture
• Electric motors and variable speed drives
• Refrigerating appliances
• EV Chargers

Adoption in 2029: 

• Mattresses
• Light sources and separate control gears

Adoption in 2030:

• Welding equipment
• Mobile Phones and Tablets
• Local Space Heaters
• Tumble Dryers
• Standby and off mode consumption

Some industries face immediate pressure, while others have more time. Regardless of regulatory timelines, the market is shifting. Consumers in both B2C and B2B markets increasingly expect transparency. Proactively embracing this change will become a necessity for staying competitive, even outside of Europe.

The integration of PIM and Product Data Ledgers acts as a force multiplier, helping you turn data currents into revenue streams. Digital Product Passports are fundamentally about product data, and the future of that data is collaborative and connected. With the world’s most connected, scalable, and optimizing PIM, Inriver is leading the way.