The power of RFID in the Digital Product Passport 

What is the purpose of a Digital Product Passport? 

A Digital Product Passport (DPP) is a digital document that contains detailed information about a product throughout its entire life cycle. The purpose of a DPP is to enhance transparency and traceability, giving consumers, manufacturers and other stakeholders access to detailed information about the composition, production, use, maintenance and recyclability of a product. By implementing the passport, companies can contribute to a circular economy, where products and materials are kept in use for a longer time and waste is minimised. 

The Digital Product Passport is part of the ESPR regulation (Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation), which is in turn part of the European Green Deal. The objective of this regulation is to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. 

The role of RFID  

RFID technology plays an important role in the Digital Product Passport (DPP) by automatically and accurately collecting data about each product. This enables efficient tracking of origin, composition and life cycle, contributing to a circular economy and aligning with the DPP’s goals of transparency and traceability. 

RFID offers several functionalities that improve the effectiveness of the Digital Product Passport: 

• Full life cycle transparency: RFID enables product tracking from production to waste processing, providing a clear overview of the entire life cycle.  

• Robustness and durability: In contrast to barcode labels, which can wear out, get damaged or become unreadable over time, RFID tags are robust and durable. They can be embedded in the product and remain readable for years, even in challenging environments where barcodes often do not perform well.  

• Identification and authentication: Each product is uniquely identified and authenticated, helping verify the origin and authenticity, thus preventing counterfeiting. 

• Traceability: Products can be tracked in real time through the supply chain, providing insights into their current status and location. 

GS1 standards 

The implementation of RFID in the DPP is further supported by the GS1 standards, which ensure: 

• Unique identifiers: Each product receives a unique GS1 code, facilitating traceability and authentication. 

• Worldwide recognition of the GS1 standards. 

• System compatibility: The use of standardised identification systems enables different technologies and platforms to interface seamlessly. 

• Full supply chain visibility: GS1 standards allow for monitoring the entire supply chain, leading to better control and efficiency. 

By integrating RFID technology and GS1 standards into the Digital Product Passport, companies can not only comply with regulations but also improve their operational efficiency and contribute to sustainable practices. 

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