Are your products ready for the digital transparency revolution? A significant development is unfolding that could transform how companies manage and communicate product lifecycle information across global supply chains.
A unified framework for product transparency
On 8 April 2025, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) launched a joint initiative to develop a standardised Digital Product Passport (DPP) framework. This collaboration aims to address critical challenges in data standardisation and interoperability that have hindered previous efforts to create unified approaches to product transparency.
For product compliance managers and executives responsible for sustainability reporting and supply chain transparency, this initiative represents a pivotal opportunity to align with emerging global standards.
The Digital Product Passport: A game-changing solution
The DPP is being developed as a comprehensive digital "language" and trust architecture for product traceability—from raw materials to final products and beyond. It offers a sophisticated approach to data management that:
- Uplifts and links required data across the supply chain
- Allows data to remain with the owner
- Enables publication and linkage in a decentralised manner
- Works with existing business systems
- Eliminates dependency on the software choices of customers or suppliers
This approach addresses one of the primary challenges facing supply chain transparency initiatives: how to share critical sustainability information without creating undue technology burdens or compromising sensitive business data.
Building on established foundations
The DPP initiative builds upon UNECE's previous work on traceability and transparency, particularly in the garment and footwear sectors, where standardised tools for sustainability data exchange have been in development since 2019.
Notable milestones in this evolution include:
- Blockchain pilots (2022–2023) demonstrating the potential of digital solutions to enhance supply chain visibility and trust
- Expansion of focus to include product circularity data (2023–2024)
- Development of the UN Transparency Protocol (UNTP), which harmonises sustainability data through standardised vocabularies and adaptable sector-specific extensions
By integrating these established practices into the DPP framework, the initiative aims to scale existing successes to meet the demands of our increasingly interconnected global economy.
Global experts converge to shape the standard
The international standard project ISO/PWI 25534-1: Digital Product Passport – Overview and Fundamental Principles began with a successful kick-off meeting on 25 February, followed by an Ad Hoc Meeting on 25 March. These sessions brought together over 2,300 global experts, creating a platform for stakeholders to refine the scope, priorities, and strategic direction of the initiative.
An online stakeholder survey provided additional insights, ensuring the project reflects diverse industry perspectives and practical needs. Key findings from the survey include:
- Stakeholders emphasise the need for DPP coverage across the entire supply chain, including raw materials, intermediate products, and end-of-life stages
- Essential DPP data is expected to include product conformity certificates, recycled content information, hazardous materials documentation, environmental footprints, and traceability records
- Major interoperability challenges were identified as significant barriers to adoption
- Regulatory support emerged as a crucial theme, with 89% of respondents believing governments should recommend a global DPP standard
Industry-specific focus and timeline
Starting in April 2025, the initiative will organise a series of industry-specific symposia focusing on sectors such as:
- Batteries
- Textiles
- Construction materials
Draft standards and recommendations are expected to be finalised and submitted by the end of 2025—a timeline that reflects the urgency of establishing a global framework that can support both regulatory compliance and market-driven sustainability goals.
Steps for compliance managers to take now
For product compliance managers looking to prepare for this emerging framework, several proactive steps are recommended:
- Assess current data capabilities: Evaluate your organisation's ability to capture and manage product lifecycle data, identifying gaps that may need addressing.
- Map your supply chain: Develop a comprehensive understanding of your product journey from raw materials to end-of-life, identifying key data exchange points.
- Engage with industry working groups: Participate in sector-specific symposia and working groups to ensure your industry's perspectives are represented in the framework.
- Review existing standards: Familiarise yourself with the UN Transparency Protocol and related standards to understand the likely foundation of the DPP framework.
- Evaluate technology readiness: Assess whether your existing systems can support decentralised data sharing without major overhauls.
- Prepare for enhanced transparency: Begin planning for increased disclosure of product conformity certificates, recycled content information, and environmental footprints.
- Monitor regulatory developments: Stay informed about how governments might incorporate the DPP framework into compliance requirements.
Harmonisation rather than duplication
It's important to note that this initiative is not about creating duplicative or conflicting frameworks. Rather, it focuses on fostering exploration, alignment, and harmonisation across existing efforts. By addressing gaps in current approaches, the DPP aims to become a cornerstone of global interoperability, supporting seamless data exchange and collaboration across borders and industries.
Looking ahead
The strong participation and commitment demonstrated throughout the initial phases suggest significant momentum behind this initiative. As the framework develops, companies that proactively align their data management practices with the emerging standard will be well-positioned to meet both regulatory requirements and market expectations for transparency.
For manufacturing and trading companies concerned with maintaining market access amid evolving sustainability requirements, the DPP initiative represents both a challenge and an opportunity—a chance to transform compliance obligations into strategic advantages through enhanced supply chain visibility and data management.
At Alura Group, we understand the complexities of preparing for emerging global standards. Our product compliance specialists can help you assess your readiness for the Digital Product Passport framework and develop strategies to align your data management practices with this important initiative.
