Build Bridges To Customers With Digital Product Passports

2026-07-01 · Source: Featured Blogs - Forrester · Field: Technology & Digital — Emerging Technologies & Innovation, Operations & Process Management, Compliance & Risk Management · Depth: Intermediate, medium

Summary

Digital Product Passports (DPPs) will soon be mandatory for millions of batteries sold into Europe within less than nine months, with requirements expanding to more product classes like clothing over the next few years. While often perceived as a sustainability and compliance tool, DPPs offer broader strategic opportunities. They support five key use cases: encouraging supply chain data reuse, unlocking authoritative product information, improving traceability, supporting sustainable choices, and enhancing sovereign manufacturing. Building a DPP typically involves seven components: unique identifiers, a machine-readable hook (often a QR code), a clearinghouse/registry, a small set of mandatory data elements, a larger set of optional data elements, governance processes, and role-based access with context-based presentation. Volvo's EX90 electric SUV already ships with a battery passport, demonstrating early adoption.

Key takeaway

For executives overseeing product strategy or supply chain operations, understanding Digital Product Passports as more than just a compliance burden is critical. You should proactively integrate DPPs to enhance product traceability, empower sustainable consumer choices, and build direct customer relationships through expanded optional data. Begin by identifying key data elements and designing role-based access to maximize value beyond regulatory minimums.

Key insights

Digital Product Passports extend beyond compliance, offering strategic value across supply chain data, traceability, and sustainability.

Principles

• DPPs enable data reuse across supply chains.
• Authoritative product data improves transparency.
• Role-based access is crucial for utility.

Method

A DPP integrates identifiers, a machine-readable hook, a central registry, mandatory and optional data elements, governance, and role-based access for diverse users.

In practice

• Implement QR codes for product information access.
• Define mandatory and optional data elements.
• Design for varied user roles and contexts.

Topics

• Digital Product Passports
• Supply Chain Traceability
• Circular Economy
• Product Sustainability
• European Battery Passport
• QR Codes

Best for: CTO, VP of Engineering/Data, Director of AI/ML, Executive, Consultant, Policy Maker

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by Featured Blogs - Forrester.