Digital product passport: New standards and challenges for business

A survey conducted within the framework of an information session on the digital product passport (DPP) reveals that 83% of the participants are familiar with the regulations for the eco-design of sustainable products and the upcoming requirement for DPP. However, only 29% of them are actively preparing, while 54% are informed but have not yet started the preparation.

At the moment, 100% of the participants use the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) to identify their products. There are preferences for using one data carrier, such as a QR code, that can perform various functions - access to DPP, checkout scanning, inventory, traceability, etc. Regarding the maintenance of product information, 67% of the participants indicate ERP systems, and 0% - paper media.

During the information session, the participants were informed about the progress of activities at the European level. It became clear that within the established technical committee CEN/CENELEC/JTC24, active work is being done to establish common principles and technical requirements (standards) for the DPP. Draft standards have been prepared for 6 out of 8 modules in the standardization request, which will enter the Public Consultation phase from 19/26.06.2025.

Representatives from various sectors - textiles, building materials, household appliances, furniture, fast-moving consumer goods, and others, participated in the discussions. Among the key highlights was the importance of recycling as an integral part of sustainability. Participants involved in the collection and processing of textiles and other materials emphasized that the DPP has the potential to facilitate the processes of traceability and accountability, but to be effective, it must be supported by real mechanisms for reuse and recycling.

In this regard, it was pointed out that in Bulgaria, the topic of recycling still does not occupy a sufficiently strategic place in public policies. This requires a more active and coordinated role from the relevant ministries - through the creation of a clear regulatory framework, incentives for businesses, and integrated measures to encourage the circular economy in line with European requirements.

The event was officially opened by Tsvetan Simeonov, Chairman of the Management Board of the Bulgarian Industrial Association and Chairman of GS1 Bulgaria. Representatives of companies, relevant ministries, research institutes, and universities participated.