Excerpt from the IWD issue dated 25 July 2025:
'The EU intends to utilise the digital product passport to facilitate the transition to a climate-neutral economy, beginning with batteries and subsequently extending to sectors such as textiles, steel, and furniture. The goal is for products to be accompanied by standardised digital information throughout their entire life cycle.
However, a recent IW study shows that many companies are still a long way from achieving this; only a few are currently making concrete preparations, and many are unfamiliar with the concept of the DPP. Yet it is particularly important right now to address the issue of standardised product information, as this is the only way to meaningfully utilise data across supply chains — for example, to optimise circular processes or develop new digital business models.
Companies that already share structured product data with partners are clearly much further ahead when it comes to DPPs. The move towards interoperable standards is therefore not only necessary, but also provides a competitive advantage.
ECLASS can play a central role here as an established data standard. The recommendation to policymakers is as follows: When designing DPPs, existing structures such as ECLASS should be utilised to facilitate the transition for companies and prevent duplication.
