Digital Product Passports and the CPR regulation: a new era for construction compliance

Introduction

The construction industry is undergoing a digital and regulatory transformation with the introduction of Digital Product Passports (DPPs) as part of the revised Construction Products Regulation (CPR). The European Union (EU) aims to improve transparency, traceability, and sustainability across industries, with the construction sector being among the first to implement these changes. By 2026, DPPs will be fully integrated into the construction market, reshaping how product information is documented and shared.

In this article, we’ll explore what Digital Product Passports are, why they matter, and how they will impact businesses operating in the European construction sector.

Why are Digital Product Passports emerging? The data challenge in construction

The construction industry is one of the largest contributors to carbon emissions, resource consumption, and environmental impact. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the built environment accounts for 40% of global CO2 emissions—a staggering number compared to the aviation industry’s 2.5%.

Despite increasing sustainability efforts, the sector still struggles with data fragmentation, lack of transparency, and inefficiencies in tracking product origins, compositions, and lifecycle impacts. The DPP initiative seeks to address these challenges by creating a standardized, digital framework that ensures every construction product has a detailed, traceable record of its journey from raw material sourcing to end-of-life disposal.

What is a Digital Product Passport?

A Digital Product Passport (DPP) is a dynamic digital record containing key details about a product’s composition, origin, sustainability impact, and compliance status. Much like a personal passport tracks a person’s travels, a DPP monitors a product’s entire lifecycle, including manufacturing, distribution, usage, repairs, and disposal.

DPPs will be accessible through NFC chips, QR codes, or RFID tags attached to the product, enabling stakeholders to retrieve real-time information with a simple scan.

What data is stored in a Digital Product Passport?

While the EU is still finalizing exact data requirements, key elements of the DPP for construction products will likely include:

• General product information – Name, batch number, manufacturing date, and warranty details.

• Material composition – Detailed breakdown of raw materials, suppliers, and sourcing locations.

• Sustainability metrics – Carbon footprint, resource efficiency, and recyclability details.

• Repair and maintenance history – Information on past repairs, replacements, and servicing.

• Compliance & safety data – Certifications, conformity assessments, and safety documentation.

These data points will empower businesses, regulators, and consumers to make informed decisions while improving sustainability and regulatory compliance.

Who does the Digital Product Passport affect?

DPPs will impact all stakeholders in the construction industry, including:

• Manufacturers – Required to collect, store, and share detailed product data.

• Architects & engineers – Gain enhanced insight into product performance and sustainability.

• Construction companies – Ensure compliance with procurement and material selection.

• Regulatory authorities – Improve market surveillance and enforcement of safety standards.

• Consumers & building owners – Gain transparency into the materials used in their properties.

The global reach of Digital Product Passports

Although the DPP is an EU-driven regulation, its influence extends globally. Any company selling construction products in the EU—regardless of where they are manufactured—must comply. A window manufacturer based in Asia but exporting to Europe will need to implement DPPs just as an EU-based producer would.

This regulation is expected to set a global precedent, with other regions likely adopting similar digital product tracking systems to ensure sustainable and transparent supply chains.

How will Digital Product Passports affect the construction industry?

The construction sector is one of the first industries to implement mandatory DPPs. Here’s how they will drive change:

• Sustainable design & materials – Architects and engineers will have access to detailed sustainability data, allowing for eco-friendly material selection and better lifecycle planning.

• Regulatory compliance – DPPs will help businesses demonstrate compliance with the revised CPR and other EU environmental regulations.

• Circular economy support – By tracking repairability, recyclability, and material composition, DPPs will enable greater reuse and recycling of materials, reducing waste and extending product lifespans.

• Supply chain efficiency – Enhanced traceability will improve logistics, material sourcing, and fraud prevention.

• Market differentiation – Companies that embrace DPPs early will gain a competitive advantage, as demand for sustainable, transparent products increases.

Timeline for Digital Product Passport implementation

The rollout of Digital Product Passports follows a structured timeline:

1. 2024 – EU legislation mandates DPPs for various industries, including construction.

2. 2025 – Data infrastructure for DPPs goes live, allowing businesses to prepare.

3. 2026 – Full implementation of DPPs across the construction industry.

   
   

Companies should start preparing now to avoid disruptions and ensure seamless integration into their supply chains.

The importance of data in construction compliance

The shift toward data-driven sustainability presents challenges, particularly in data collection, standardization, and integration. Many construction companies still rely on manual documentation and fragmented digital systems, making compliance with DPPs a daunting task.

However, DPPs offer long-term benefits by:

• Improving supply chain visibility

• Reducing environmental impact

• Enhancing product accountability

• Lowering costs through material efficiency

Final Thoughts

The Digital Product Passport initiative represents a major step forward in the construction industry’s sustainability and transparency efforts. With the CPR regulation mandating DPPs, companies must take proactive steps to integrate digital tracking and compliance mechanisms into their operations.

By embracing DPPs early, businesses can stay ahead of regulatory changes, enhance their environmental impact, and build trust with customers and stakeholders in an increasingly data-driven market.

Is your company ready for the CPR? Take a look at our comprehensive CPR Checklists to see what it can offer you.