The Digital Product Passport (DPP) is quickly becoming a hot topic across manufacturing, especially in Europe. For some, it’s a regulatory headache. For others, it’s a chance to rethink how product data is managed, shared, and trusted.
In this article, Mikko Mantila, CEO of IONA, and Morten Næss, Chief Product and Innovation Officer at Bluestone PIM, answer manufacturers’ most pressing questions about the Digital Product Passport regulation. Here’s what they had to say.
1. Is the Digital Product Passport a Big Deal?
Yes, the DPP is a big deal — and it’s only going to grow in impact.
DPP requirements are part of the EU’s push for more transparent, sustainable, and traceable products. In some sectors — furniture, fashion, electronics, construction and building materials — this has been coming for years. But now it's picking up pace, with deeper, more detailed compliance demands.
For some businesses, it’ll be a straightforward shift. For others, especially those not used to tracking product origin or lifecycle, it’ll mean a major change in how product data is handled.
Not sure how to start? Check out our comprehensive guide.
DOWNLOAD FREE E-BOOK
Preparing for the Digital Product Passport Regulation
Is your business ready for the digital product passport (DPP) regulation? Our all-in-one guide breaks down everything you need to get yourself prepared.
2. What Are Manufacturers Underestimating About DPP?
One word: depth.
DPP is not just about adding a QR code or listing materials. It’s about end-to-end product traceability — from raw material sourcing to end-of-life disposal. In many cases, it includes:
-
Batch-level production data
-
OEM and supplier transparency
-
Who made it, when, and where
For manufacturers used to keeping supplier relationships confidential, this level of transparency can feel risky — but it’s quickly becoming the new standard.
Check Your DPP-Readiness
3. What Role Does PIM Play in DPP Compliance?
PIM (Product Information Management) has a crucial role to play. It acts as the central hub where data from suppliers, ERP systems, and spreadsheets is gathered, cleaned up, and made usable - not just for commerce, but for compliance too.
With flexible attribute models and microservices, systems like Bluestone PIM can support most DPP use cases directly. And where needs go beyond that, there are specialist partners who can handle the more advanced bits.
Think of PIM as the foundation for your Digital Product Passport strategy. Everything flows in and out from there.
4. What Kind of Data Is Required for DPP?
While requirements vary by product and sector, manufacturers should prepare to manage:
-
Materials and sourcing
-
Lifecycle data
-
Carbon emissions
-
ESG metrics
-
Possibly even production batch numbers
The list will vary by industry and product, but it’s clear that manufacturers will need to go well beyond basic product descriptions.
.png?width=750&height=750&name=information-in-dpp%20(1).png)
5. Could Blockchain Support the Digital Product Passport?
Yes — blockchain technology could enhance DPP for high-value or counterfeit-prone products.
In sectors like luxury fashion or electronics, blockchain can:
-
Verify authenticity
-
Secure product histories
-
Enable smart contracts or ownership transfer
That said, blockchain isn’t a requirement for DPP and may not be necessary for every manufacturer.
6. Can DPP Actually Give Companies a Competitive Edge?
Absolutely—if done right.
In some sectors, like food and beverage, traceability already is a selling point - freshness, origin, safety.
In others, it might be less obvious. And for some B2B manufacturers, sharing too much could give away their competitive advantage. So, yes, DPP can give you an edge. But only if it’s handled carefully.
Watch the video and learn more how to prepare for the Digital Product Passport.
7. What If We Just Do the Minimum?
That’s a fair question. And honestly? It might be a reasonable place to start.
Ticking the compliance box doesn’t mean going all in on day one. The regulation is still evolving, and many businesses will take a phased approach. Start small, stay flexible, and build as needed.
8. How to Prepare for the Digital Product Passport?
The Digital Product Passport is a shift in how products are documented, shared, and trusted. Yes, it’s complex. Yes, it might expose some uncomfortable truths. But it’s also a chance to build better systems and create more transparent customer relationships.
To future-proof your business, begin with data readiness and follow these steps:
-
Audit your existing product data.
-
Identify gaps in traceability and sustainability metrics.
-
Implement a composable PIM system.
-
Align with EU DPP requirements and upcoming ESPR updates.
DOWNLOAD FREE E-BOOK
Bluestone PIM Features Overview 2025
Our free e-book Bluestone PIM Features Overview 2025 puts the solution in your hands.
Ready to Make Your Product Data DPP-Ready?
Bluestone PIM helps manufacturers simplify Digital Product Passport compliance — without the stress.
-
Aggregate and enrich product data
-
Support flexible DPP fields and formats
-
Ensure seamless data syndication to external partners
Speak to our team or book a short demo of Bluestone PIM. We’ll show you how to get your data in shape without making it more complicated than it needs to be.
