JRC published methodology for Digital Product Passport data under the ESPR

SUMMARY
- The Joint Research Centre (JRC) has published a report introducing a methodology for defining Digital Product Passport (DPP) data requirements under the ESPR. The report was also discussed during the latest Ecodesign Forum Expert Group meeting on the 19th of March. Members can find the report as well as slide deck from the meeting attached.
- While the report itself does not set the DPP data requirements or their architecture it will be used to help develop the product-specific DPP requirements under the ESPR.
MORE DETAILS
The report presents a structured methodology to support the development of DPP data specifications, with the objective of ensuring consistency, proportionality, and usability of product information across sectors.
The DPP data specification methodology in this report is intended to assist in identifying:
- The information to be included in the product passport;
- The appropriate level of product passport granularity (model, batch, or item level);
- The categories of actors that may introduce, update or access information in the product passport.
The report discusses prioritised data requirements, categorising them as essential, recommended, or voluntary based on their feasibility, value, and alignment with existing industry practices. It places strong emphasis on semantic consistency, stakeholder engagement, and compatibility with current data collection systems, while addressing key issues such as data governance and access without prescribing specific technical solutions.
The methodology is structured in four main steps:
- Step A - Scope and context - Defines product scope, stakeholders and existing legal and industry frameworks;
- Step B - Use cases and data needs - Identifies key use cases and translates them into data requirements;
- Step C - Design and development - Specifies how data should be structured, including interoperability and granularity aspects;
- Step D - Validation and consultation - Validates and refines the proposed DPP data specification, ensuring stakeholder input and internal consistency.
During the Ecodesign Forum Expert Group meeting, the representatives of the JRC presented a draft proposal for the Textile Delegated Act based on the methodology from the report and content of the 3rd milestone preparatory study. Members can find the proposed draft attached.
NEXT STEPS
The methodology presented by the JRC will serve as a basis for the product-specific delegated act and their respective preparatory studies. This includes also all the work under the Textile Delegated Act.
FESI team is currently waiting for the slide deck from the latest Ecodesign Forum Expert Group meeting.
Nevertheless, the extract from the draft DPP for the Textile Delegated Act can be found in the attachment.