The development of the Digital Product Passport (DPP) is progressing rapidly, but the regulatory requirements and practical implementation are still unclear, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises. From 2027, the first sectors and industries for regulated product groups, such as batteries, will have to introduce a mandatory DPP in the European Union - similar to the CE marking. A cross-industry and cross-sector IT architecture is to be established for the DPP system, which will later form the basis for all required data. By using a uniform system architecture, the DPP promotes interoperability by ensuring that information about these components and machines is easily accessible and exchangeable. This makes it easier for companies to collaborate along the entire value chain and ensures greater transparency and efficiency.

Openness to technology and interoperability as key factors

The German Engineering Federation (VDMA) is addressing these challenges with the new "DPP for Machinery" initiative. The focus is on ensuring technological openness and interoperability - key factors for technical implementation in heterogeneous machinery and plant engineering. Existing interfaces and standards are to be used and further developed for this purpose. According to Andreas Faath, Managing Director of the VDMA's Machine Information Interoperability department, interoperable interfaces are essential in order to implement cross-sector, technology-neutral solutions: "Interoperable interfaces are the key to creating standardized and technology-neutral solutions across sectors that meet the requirements and needs of all stakeholders. Otherwise, the DPP will not be feasible for the mechanical and plant engineering industry, which covers many sectors."

A platform for structured exchange

The initiative is also intended to facilitate a structured exchange between associations, companies and other stakeholders in order to compare the various technical solutions and make them compatible. This helps smaller companies in particular to identify practical and individually adaptable implementation options.

As a central platform for members, the VDMA's "DPP for Machinery" initiative will in future serve as a contact point for technical orientation, information exchange and strategic positioning on the Digital Product Passport. Dr Sandra Drechsler, Head of Technology Policy and Standardization at the VDMA, emphasizes the strategic relevance: "The founding of the DPP for Machinery initiative marks a decisive step in the successful pooling of interests and implementation of the DPP."