For many customers and technical buyers, assessing the sustainability of a product can be difficult. Organisations often depend on the information provided by suppliers, without knowing whether environmental claims are fully accurate. To improve transparency, the European Union is developing the Digital Product Passport, a new system designed to provide reliable insight into the sustainability and lifecycle of products. The Digital Product Passport will become part of the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation and is expected to be fully implemented across Europe by 2030. 

The Digital Product Passport can be described as a digital identity card for products, components and materials. According to the European Commission, the system will store essential information that supports sustainability, promotes circular use of products and strengthens compliance with European regulations. To support this initiative, the EU will develop a central database that contains detailed product information. This may include technical specifications, material composition, recycling instructions and information about the origin of components. Access to this information will be simple. Users will be able to retrieve data by scanning a QR code, NFC chip or barcode connected to the product. 

One of the main goals of the Digital Product Passport is to make sustainability claims more transparent and verifiable. Technical buyers will be able to check important product information directly, rather than relying solely on supplier statements. This transparency will help prevent misleading environmental claims, also known as greenwashing. By making product data publicly accessible, organisations can better understand the environmental footprint of the equipment they purchase or operate. The system will also support companies that want to make more sustainable procurement decisions based on reliable and comparable data. 

Another important function of the Digital Product Passport is improving access to information about product maintenance and repair. The passport is expected to include details about replacement parts, maintenance instructions and updates about servicing requirements. This information will make it easier for companies to extend the lifespan of their equipment instead of replacing it prematurely. As the European Commission emphasises, the Digital Product Passport should encourage organisations to repair products first rather than discard them and purchase new ones. 

By improving transparency and providing better access to product data, the Digital Product Passport will play an important role in Europe’s transition toward a circular economy. Companies will gain better insight into how products are produced, used, maintained and eventually recycled. For industries that already focus on repair and refurbishment, the Digital Product Passport represents an important opportunity. Clear lifecycle information helps demonstrate the environmental value of extending product lifespans and supports more sustainable decision making across supply chains. In the coming years, this system is expected to become a key tool for organisations seeking to balance operational performance with environmental responsibility.