Artikel
DPP in practice: How the digital product passport is becoming the driving force behind the information hub
The Digital Product Passport (DPP) is the digital identity for a physical product. In the future, it will serve as a central tool containing detailed information about a product’s materials, components, repairability, replacement parts, and disposal. Bundling data from all phases of the product life cycle, from manufacturing to recycling, is intended to strengthen the circular economy, ensure greater transparency, and help make products more sustainable. Its gradual introduction is planned to begin in 2027.
“However, many companies are still skeptical about this digital solution,” according to the conclusion of a joint survey conducted by the German Federal Environment Agency (UBA) and the Federal Network Agency (BNetzA) among more than 1,500 companies in Germany. “Around half of the companies surveyed associate the digital product passport primarily with more bureaucracy and rising costs.”
DPP as an opportunity for digital business models
Given that product data in many companies is often scattered across isolated information systems and frequently unstandardized, this sentiment comes as little surprise. What a Herculean task the legislature has come up with! However, anyone who views the digital product passport merely as a burdensome legal obligation or yet another data collection project is failing to realize the full potential of this tool. What is needed is a change in mindset: away from problem-oriented thinking and toward a future-oriented attitude that sees the DPP as an opportunity to advance the digital maturity of the company. The real added value lies in creating an information landscape in which data is no longer just collected but used strategically.
Companies that make this shift in perspective will quickly realize that there is enormous innovation potential behind the regulatory obligation. The DPP forces the structuring, standardization, and networking of technical information—precisely the prerequisites necessary for providing information intelligently. Those who actively pursue this path create the basis for sustainable transparency, data-driven services, customer-centric information offerings, and ultimately for the competitiveness of the company.
From data silos to knowledge networks
To prevent the digital product passport from becoming yet another data container, companies need to rethink their information strategy. In most organizations, product information is spread across numerous systems—PIM, ERP, CMS, or supplier databases—and follows different logics and terminology. This fragmentation prevents knowledge from being used as a whole. The way out of this situation lies in semantic technologies: Knowledge models in the form of ontologies and thesauri represent company knowledge. Knowledge graphs connect data sources. This creates a living information landscape in which relationships between data become visible and machine-readable. In this way, isolated data is transformed into networked, interpretable information that can be used by data-driven applications: from digital product passports to digital twins to predictive maintenance.
A key aspect is the future viability of this data architecture. Knowledge graphs inherently offer scalability and interoperability. They create a common semantic basis through which data from different systems can be related to each other – regardless of their origin or structure. This creates a stable bridge between systems such as PIM, ERP, CMS, or CDP. Such a strategy of networked data makes the digital product passport expandable in the long term and compatible with future requirements.
Intelligent information provision is not rocket science
In order to utilize valuable information for digital product passports and other data-driven applications, a system is required that links information in a context-sensitive manner, structures it, and outputs it in the correct form. This is precisely where PANTOPIX SPHERE comes in. The knowledge platform enables complex product information to be managed centrally and automatically made available to different target groups and applications – regardless of whether the output channel is a customer portal, a service app, or the DPP itself.
“We have been developing innovative information systems for a long time and creating AI-based solutions to provide up-to-date product information in a standardized and automated way,” Maximilian Gärber explains the intention. “At the heart of this solution is a knowledge graph that maps company-specific knowledge as a single source of truth.” This creates an environment in which data is not only stored but also understood. Content from various sources is captured, semantically linked, enriched with metadata, and dynamically displayed. This makes information accessible for every use case in a precise and efficient manner, whether for service technicians, sustainability reports, or regulatory requirements.
Preparing for DDP thus brings many overarching benefits for a company, such as:
- Centralization of knowledge
- Networking of information
- Automation of processes
- Intelligent information products
- Improved customer satisfaction (service, partners, end customers)
- Increased future security and competitiveness
In this context, the DPP becomes a visible expression of a holistic information strategy: it is one of many possible channels through which knowledge is disseminated in a targeted manner. It is not a cost driver, but rather an innovation driver that motivates companies to structure and maintain their databases and position themselves for the future.
DPP Cheat Sheet
The following content is required by law for the digital product passport:
- Unique product identifiers
- Certificates and conformity documents
- Materials and substances contained (including hazardous substances)
- Carbon footprint and environmental impact
- Repair and maintenance information
- Operating instructions and disposal instructions
Sandy Hedig
Marketing Manager
PANTOPIX
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Contact
Maraike Heim
Head of Marketing
- maraike.heim@pantopix.com
