Why Standardization Determines the Success or Failure of the DPP
The Digital Product Passport (DPP) aims to bring transparency and sustainability to supply chains – but without uniform standards, it remains just a theory. Companies dealing with the DPP must ask themselves: Which rules will apply in the future? And how can they prepare in advance?
These questions were at the heart of the "Landscape of Digital Product Passport Standards" analysis by the StandICT Initiative – a major milestone on the road to a functioning DPP in Europe.
As a co-author of this report, I was able to delve deeply into the technical challenges. The key question: Which standardization issues still need to be resolved?
Digital Product Passport Standards: The 7 Key Standardization Challenges
If the Digital Product Passport is to be more than just a data silo, it needs a solid foundation. The analysis identified seven critical areas that still need to be defined:
Data Carriers:
How are data physically linked to the product? QR codes? NFC? RFID?
Unique Product Identifiers & Verification:
Every product needs a unique ID – but how can it be ensured that it is tamper-proof and verifiable?
Linking Physical Products & Digital Representation:
How is a product connected to its digital twin in the DPP?
Access Rights & Control:
Who can view & edit which data? Public vs. company-internal data.
Interoperability Between Different Systems:
How can a DPP from the fashion industry be compatible with one from the automotive industry?
Data Storage & Security:
Where will data be stored – centrally, decentrally (e.g., blockchain), or in hybrid systems?
Data Authentication & Integrity:
How can it be ensured that data is not manipulated or falsely transmitted?
These seven points determine whether the DPP will work in practice – or remain just another bureaucratic project.
Here’s the original post from the StandICT Initiative: LinkedIn-Post StandICT.
Without Standards, Chaos Looms – With Standards, a Competitive Advantage Emerges
Without clearly defined Digital Product Passport Standards, there is a risk that every company will develop its own isolated solutions – leading to fragmentation and failure of the DPP. The EU Commission is therefore working intensively with CEN, CENELEC, ETSI, and CIRPASS-2 to establish uniform regulations.
What This Means for Companies:
Start working on the Digital Product Passport now, rather than waiting for the final standards.
Structure product data properly to easily integrate the DPP later.
Engage early in the standardization process to represent your interests.
The DPP is a tool to fundamentally change how we develop, sell, and use products. But without uniform rules, it remains just a theory.
Conclusion: Act Now to Shape the Future
The foundation for the Digital Product Passport is being laid now. Companies that proactively engage with the right standards will gain a significant advantage.
One thing is certain: With standards, the DPP becomes a real competitive advantage. Without standards, chaos looms.