Digital Product Passport (DPP): Chemical Compliance Guide for EU Regulation 2024/1781

The Digital Product Passport Revolution in Chemical Compliance

In a world where sustainable development and circular economy principles are becoming essential business objectives, the European Union has introduced Digital Product Passports (DPPs) through Regulation No. 2024/1781 as a cornerstone of its sustainability strategy. This initiative will fundamentally transform how chemical products are documented, tracked, and managed throughout their lifecycle.

For chemical manufacturers and distributors, DPPs represent both a compliance requirement and a strategic opportunity to demonstrate sustainability leadership while improving supply chain transparency.

Understanding EU Regulation 2024/1781 for Chemical Products

The DPP is designed to facilitate the transition to a circular economy by improving material and energy efficiency, extending product lifespans, and ensuring optimal waste management. Regulation 2024/1781 establishes the framework for setting eco-design requirements for sustainable products available in the EU market.

Key product groups prioritized for DPP implementation include:

• Detergents and cleaning products
• Paints and coatings
• Lubricants
• Industrial chemicals
• Specialty chemical formulations

The implementation timeline shows detailed requirements being introduced after 2027, with full DPP deployment expected by 2030. However, manufacturers in priority sectors should begin preparation immediately.

Essential DPP Requirements for Chemical Compliance

Each Digital Product Passport must include:

• A unique product identifier (DPP code)
• Physical data carrier on the product (typically a QR code)
• Structured, machine-readable information accessible to various stakeholders
• Complete material composition with origin information
• Supply chain transparency while protecting proprietary formulations
• Recyclability and proper end-of-life handling instructions

All information must follow ISO/IEC 15459:2015 standards to ensure global interoperability while maintaining the security of sensitive data.

Balancing Transparency with Intellectual Property Protection

A primary concern for chemical companies implementing DPPs is protecting trade secrets while meeting transparency requirements. The regulation acknowledges this challenge, with encryption technologies enabling companies to substantiate environmental claims without revealing sensitive formulation details.

Benefits and Challenges of Digital Product Passports

Key Advantages

• Enhanced product sustainability through verified environmental credentials
• Improved material handling, facilitating reuse and repairs
• Reduction of hazardous substances through better tracking
• Waste reduction and increased energy efficiency
• Competitive differentiation through sustainability leadership

Implementation Challenges

• Balancing transparency with protection of trade secrets
• Establishing robust data management systems
• Coordinating information collection across complex supply chains
• Demonstrating compliance with evolving requirements

How NextSDS Supports Chemical DPP Implementation

As a specialized SDS management platform, NextSDS has been at the forefront of digital chemical documentation since our founding. Our comprehensive support for DPP implementation includes:

Automated SDS Data Extraction

Our platform extracts every data element from existing Safety Data Sheets, creating a powerful foundation for populating Digital Product Passports without manual re-entry.

Regulatory Expertise

Our team translates complex DPP regulations into practical implementation guidance built on our SDS management foundation.

Integration Solutions

Our technology seamlessly connects SDS data with DPP requirements, ensuring consistency throughout your product information ecosystem.

Proprietary Information Protection

We implement advanced security protocols that protect sensitive formulation details while meeting transparency requirements.

Preparing for the Digital Future with NextSDS

The Digital Product Passport will soon become an integral part of the chemical industry. By partnering with NextSDS now, you can position your company at the forefront of this sustainable transformation, turning regulatory compliance into competitive advantage.

We are intensively developing DPP capabilities that complement existing documentation like safety data sheets (SDS), technical data sheets (TDS), labels, and safe work instructions. With NextSDS, you'll be able to create, update, and manage Digital Product Passports seamlessly within your existing workflow.

Contact NextSDS today to learn how our platform can help you prepare for the Digital Product Passport revolution.