Digital Product Passport and Carbon Footprint: What’s the link ?

A digital product passport’s carbon footprint details are essential to providing a complete record of a product. And by making it possible to measure and document this information, the entire supply chain can more easily act to reduce emissions.

The only problem is that it can be confusing to understand which aspects a DPP will include. 

That’s why, in this article, we will take a closer look at the scope of a DPP and its links to carbon footprint data. We also show you an easy tool that can help you present all key information in one place. 

The Digital Product Passport scope

What is a Digital Product Passport ? In one sentence: it’s a comprehensive digital record that includes information about a product, such as its origin, composition, energy consumption, waste generation, and carbon footprint. 

Carbon footprint here represents the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production and use of a product throughout its lifespan.

The new digital product passport scope directly reflects the circular economy action plan (CEAP) adopted by the European Union in 2020. 

It reflects a shift from the traditional linear model of "take, make, dispose" to a more sustainable model that focuses on resource efficiency and minimising waste. And in this light, the focus on carbon footprints makes complete sense. 

What information will digital product passports have about carbon footprints? 

Digital product passports will be required to include this key information relating to carbon footprints:

• Carbon emissions from raw material extraction and processing
• Emissions during manufacturing and assembly
• Carbon footprint from the transportation of raw materials and finished products
• Emissions related to the product's energy consumption during use
• Emissions from disposal, recycling, or repurposing at the end of life
• Operational energy use and associated carbon emissions
• Type of energy used (renewable vs. non-renewable) and its carbon footprint
• Carbon footprint information from key suppliers
• Emissions data related to transportation and storage within the supply chain
• Material composition, recyclability, and associated carbon footprint
• Details about carbon credits or offsets purchased
• Strategies implemented to reduce carbon emissions
• Environmental certifications received (e.g., CarbonNeutral, ISO 14067)
• Compliance with international standards and regulations
• Real-time tracking and updates of carbon footprint data
• Data on how usage patterns affect the carbon footprint
• Comparison against industry benchmarks or similar products

Want to know what else is included in the DPP? You can find a full guide to Digital Product Passport requirement here.

What are the benefits of tracking and sharing carbon footprint information?

Modify consumption habits by being aware of environmental impacts

Digital Product Passports (DPP) keep environmental pollution issues at the forefront of everyone’s mind. 

This means consumers can make more educated, eco-friendly decisions and organisations, acting transparently, may be forced to reconsider different ways of operating. 

With key details recorded and shared with all parties, a culture of trust and transparency is created throughout the supply chain. All parties have access to information about suppliers, materials and transport at every stage in a much easier way than traditional methods. 

The requirements set out by the DPP regarding carbon footprint data also help companies remain compliant with greenhouse gas emissions laws worldwide. For example, this includes the Net Zero target set out by European Climate Law.  

Measure carbon emissions to better understand and reduce them

By compiling all information about the product lifecycle in one place, companies can measure which areas are causing the most emissions. This process is known as a Life Cycle Assessment.

Armed with this data, they can then introduce initiatives to target and reduce emissions. For example, they might improve energy efficiency in manufacturing processes, optimize transportation logistics, or implement recycling and waste reduction programs. 

How to display carbon footprint data in a DPP

Including carbon footprint data in a digital product passport is not only a great way to build trust with your customers. It will soon be required across many sectors (to find out which, check out our guide).

The easiest way to present this information is to choose a digital partner such as Authentify It. You can easily add and update key details over time and provide your customers with an intuitive app to view information.

To find out more, book a call with our expert.