The Digital Product Passport (DPP) is becoming a key component of the European circular economy. It is designed to make relevant information about products available digitally – ranging from the materials used and technical specifications, through repair options, to reuse and recycling.

For industrial companies, this means more than simply introducing a QR code. The required information must be consolidated from various systems, reliably maintained and made available in a traceable manner. Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) can play a central role in this: as a structured database for product-related information required in the Digital Product Passport.

What is the Digital Product Passport?
The Digital Product Passport provides digital access to selected product information. The details that must be included depend on the specific product group and the applicable legal requirements. This may include, for example, information on origin, material composition, durability, reparability, spare parts or proper disposal.

A key legal basis is the European Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR; EU 2024/1781). It establishes the framework for the phased introduction of the product passport. The specific requirements and deadlines for each product group are set out in further legislative acts. Consequently, the same obligations do not automatically apply to all products at the same time.

Implementation is already taking shape: the European Commission launched the central DPP register on 20 July 2026. Among other things, it serves to record unique product identifiers and the associated registration data. The actual product information, however, is provided on a decentralised basis.

From 2027, the digital product passport will gradually become mandatory across the EU for numerous product groups, starting with batteries. An important next milestone is 18 February 2027. From this date, the battery passport will become mandatory for certain categories of batteries, including batteries for electric vehicles, batteries for light-duty vehicles and certain industrial batteries.

Why the product passport needs a reliable database
A product passport is only as meaningful as the information on which it is based. In many companies, however, product-related data is spread across different systems.

CAD systems, for example, contain design data and technical specifications. PLM systems manage product structures, versions and changes. ERP systems provide information on materials, procurement and production processes, amongst other things. Further details may come from quality management, supplier documentation or sustainability assessments.

This information is not necessarily organised in a uniform structure. Terminology may vary, data may not be up to date, and responsibilities may remain unclear. If details are compiled manually, the workload increases. At the same time, the risk of passing on incomplete or contradictory information grows.

For the Digital Product Passport, companies must therefore first clarify: What data is required? Where is it generated? Who is responsible for its quality? And how can it be kept up to date and traceable throughout the product life cycle?

The role that PLM can play
PLM offers an approach to managing product-related information in a structured manner and linking it together across different development phases. It can therefore form a central basis for the provision of DPP-relevant data.

Three aspects are particularly important in this regard:

  • Consolidating product data in a structured manner
    Product structures and defined interfaces enable information from different systems to be linked together. Technical characteristics, material information and other relevant details can thus be assigned to a unique product identity. The data that is actually required depends on the specific product group and the applicable specifications.
  • Documenting changes in a traceable manner
    Products change: components are replaced, materials are adapted or technical specifications are updated. An integrated change management system helps to ensure that it remains clear which information pertains to which product version. This makes it easier to control data versions and provide consistent product information.
  • Providing data in a controlled manner and tailored to the intended audience
    Not all information is intended for every recipient. Certain details may be publicly accessible, whilst other information may only be made available to specific stakeholders or authorities. A suitable data architecture must therefore take into account not only interfaces and data formats, but also access rights, responsibilities and the protection of confidential information.

It is important to note that PLM is not automatically the sole or, in every case, the primary data source for the product passport. The key factor is the interaction between the systems involved. CAD, PLM, ERP and other applications must take on clearly defined tasks and be able to exchange information reliably.

From the PLM system to the Digital Product Passport
The technical implementation requires a combination of data management, system integration and appropriate standards. A clearly defined pilot project is a sensible place to start.

Companies can begin by selecting a product group and recording the relevant information for it. They can then assess which systems contain this data, what information is missing, and how it can be consolidated automatically or in a controlled manner.

Building on this, interfaces, unique product identifiers and suitable procedures for updating and providing the data can be developed. In doing so, companies should take into account the applicable product-specific requirements and the relevant technical standards. Interoperability is a key factor here, ensuring that information can be exchanged between different systems and stakeholders.

Organisational issues are equally important: Who is responsible for individual data fields? How are changes reviewed and approved? How is data quality ensured? And how does relevant information remain available when products are repaired, remanufactured or recycled?

Such an approach helps to ensure that the Digital Product Passport is not treated as an isolated IT solution, but is embedded within existing engineering and business processes.

Conclusion: The Digital Product Passport starts with product data
The Digital Product Passport places new demands on the availability, quality and traceability of product-related information. The challenge therefore lies not solely in the technical presentation or registration of the passport, but above all in having a reliable database.

PLM can play a key role here by systematically linking product structures, technical information and changes. In conjunction with CAD, ERP and other data sources, this creates a foundation for providing DPP-relevant information in a consistent and controlled manner.

Companies that structure their product data at an early stage, clarify responsibilities and integrate existing systems effectively thereby lay important groundwork for the Digital Product Passport. At the same time, they strengthen their digital traceability and the foundation for more circular product development.