Digital Product Passports (DPPs) are rapidly evolving from a concept into a legal requirement. They are set to become a crucial building block for the European circular economy. That presents significant opportunities.
During a Community Meeting on 22 January, the Centre of Excellence for Digital Product Passports (CoE-DPP) presented the DPP Landscape Scan and DPP Adoption Pulse to the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate (EZK). The reports show where the Netherlands currently stands and what is needed from government to take the next step.
Simon de Jong, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate (EZK): ‘These reports offer further insights into the Dutch DPP ecosystem and the potential of DPPs for sustainability, transparency, and resilience. They offer a great foundation for policymakers, manufacturers, and service providers to work together in making DPPs a success, both within the Netherlands and across borders.’
Mapping the DPP ecosystem
The DPP Landscape Scan provides an overview of the key actors and roles within the Dutch DPP ecosystem. To support this, a new Ecosystem Framework was developed, structuring these roles across three layers: the supply chain, the value chain, and the broader ecosystem network.
Laura van den Aarssen, CoE-DPP/TNO: ‘Service providers dominate the current landscape because they clearly recognise business opportunities. But for real adoption and scaling, it is crucial to involve the parties in the supply chain more effectively. After all, they are the end users of the DPP. Opportunities exist for them as well.’
The picture is clear: knowledge sharing and experimentation are highly developed, but the step towards broad operational implementation requires greater involvement from the core of the ecosystem.
What do the front runners say?
The DPP Adoption Pulse is based on conversations with DPP pioneers across various sectors. For these organisations, DPPs are not merely a requirement: they are seen primarily as a strategic opportunity for sustainable growth and economic resilience.
DPPs can contribute to more efficient and transparent supply chains, cost reductions through improved material flows, new circular business models, reduced dependency on imported raw materials, and a strengthened competitive position for the Netherlands. The message from industry is clear: government support is needed to accelerate the transition and seize these opportunities fully.
Richard Ooms, CoE-DPP/INNOPAY: ‘The DPP is the data backbone for transparency, reuse, and high quality recycling within a circular economy. If we organise it beyond compliance, it becomes a sustainable growth engine for the entire Dutch economy. That requires targeted policy.’
Join the movement
CoE-DPP, part of the Centre of Excellence for Data Sharing & Cloud (CoE-DSC), plays a central role in coordinating the Dutch DPP landscape, accelerating implementation, and strengthening the Netherlands’ position within the EU. By investing now in collaboration, standardisation, and scaling, the Netherlands can secure a leading role in Europe.
Would your organisation like to contribute to the development of DPPs, participate in pilots, or stay informed about the latest insights? Get in touch with CoE-DPP and join the growing ecosystem.
There will also be extensive attention to DPPs at the Data Sharing Festival. Registration has recently opened, and an early bird discount is still available.
