Preparing for Digital Product Passport Implementation: Where to start?

The DPP is becoming a widely recognised concept to many organisations. It promises increased transparency, improved circularity, and stronger regulatory alignment. What is less clear is how brands should begin to incorporate this requirement into existing internal systems, supplier relationships, and digital infrastructure.

At the executive level, the DPP should be perceived as a structural shift in how products are documented, verified, and presented in the market. It will influence how businesses manage supplier information, justify sustainability claims, and communicate product transparency. Meeting these new requirements will not only demonstrate compliance to regulators but create a new standard for customers that will increase credibility and transparency in the marketplace.

This blog shares with you the step-by-step roadmap to help your brand move from awareness to action.

1. Map Your Supply Chain

A Digital Product Passport cannot exist unless visibility exists. So begin by determining where your materials come from, who your suppliers rely on, and how information is currently distributed. Many organisations are surprised at how fragmented this visibility can be. Mapping not only prepares you for the DPP but reveals hidden risks, inefficiencies, and promotes transparency in procurement and compliance. This initial step will help you accurately identify your product journey and begin tracing supply chain steps more clearly.

2. Identify the Information Your Products Must Carry

A DPP is only as strong as its foundation of product data. In this step, you must define the data required for your product category, such as material composition, origin, compliance documentation, environmental metrics, and end-of-life instructions. Most companies already have this information on hand but the real challenge is bringing it all together in a consistent, structured manner. The insights gained from this discovery will form the basis of your DPP.

3. Engage Suppliers Early

DPP implementation is not an internal project, it requires effort and coordination across your supply chain. Your suppliers will play a key role in providing verified information, so setting expectations early and standardising how information will be captured is crucial in preventing delays or inconsistencies later in the process. The conversation between brands and suppliers is evolving. It is no longer just about price or delivery but understanding where materials come from, how they’re handled, and what documentation supports them. When transparency becomes something both sides are working towards together, compliance feels less like pressure and more like a natural result of a strong, trusted partnership.

4. Move Beyond Spreadsheets

Spreadsheets work at the beginning to consolidate information quickly. But as your Digital Product Passport grows and requirements expand, manual processes will become harder to manage and small mistakes can turn into large risks. Information must reside in organised digital systems that interface with the tools your teams and suppliers use. When implemented properly, a DPP system will give you clearer oversight, smoother internal processes and less operational headaches over time as you meet regulatory guidelines.

5. Avoid Waiting for the “Perfect Moment”

One of the biggest risks right now is that you are simply waiting too long. It can feel sensible to hold off until every technical detail is confirmed, but that often means scrambling to catch up later. The initial steps, like mapping your supply chain, aligning with suppliers, and organising your information, can already start today. Starting early gives you breathing space and control without needing to react under pressure. With the regulatory landscape going through phased adoption, having that control will make all the difference.

The Digital Product Passport is rapidly becoming a standard requirement. Brands that start implementing programs to capture and align processes will be in the best position to adjust to these changes. From supply chain visibility to complete DPP implementation, Ennotrace supports brands from start to finish, giving you the clarity and confidence you need to proceed. Get in touch with us today to take your first step.