As the deadline for the mandatory implementation of Digital Product Passports (DPPs) in the European Union approaches, it’s becoming clear that not all sectors will be affected at the same time. Instead of a universal rollout, the European Commission has chosen a phased approach, starting with priority industries – those with the greatest environmental impact, the most transparency issues, or complex supply chains.
In this blog, we provide an overview of four sectors that are first in line for DPP implementation: batteries, electronics, textiles, and packaging – and explain why these are the priority.
In the battery sector, Digital Product Passports (DPPs) will become mandatory as of 18 February 2027, in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2023/1542.
From that date, all industrial batteries and electric vehicle batteries placed on the EU market must have their own Digital Product Passport.
Why batteries?
Complex and risky materials (e.g. lithium, cobalt)
Major environmental impact and poor working conditions in mining
Need for traceability throughout the entire lifecycle (from raw materials to recycling)
Requirement for standardized data on safety, emissions, and circularity
This sector is also a testing platform for other industries, as it is already developing technical standards, registration systems, and access methods for the DPP via QR code.
Electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) such as computers, TVs, smartphones, and household appliances are next in line for DPPs under the ESPR regulation (Regulation (EU) 2024/1781). The first obligations are expected to come into force in 2027, following the adoption of secondary legislation for specific product groups.
Why electronics?
Huge volume of electronic waste (e-waste) in the EU
Complex products with many components and manufacturers
High potential for repair, reuse, and recycling
Frequent cases of “greenwashing” in sustainability claims
With DPPs, consumers will be able to check product lifespan, availability of spare parts, energy efficiency, and recycling instructions.
The textile industry is one of the largest polluters in Europe – and one of the least transparent when it comes to supply chains. The EU has announced that textiles will also require a DPP, with mandatory application starting after 2027.
Why textiles?
Harsh working conditions and unethical production
High volume of discarded clothing and fast fashion
Complex materials (blends, treatments, dyes)
Lack of information on product sustainability
A DPP for textiles will provide insight into fiber origin, certifications, chemicals used in dyeing, care instructions, and circularity data (e.g. recycling or resale).
One of the most recent announcements comes from the packaging sector, with the adoption of Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on Packaging and Packaging Waste in July 2025, introducing DPPs for all packaging materials starting in 2028.
Why packaging?
Enormous volume of waste – especially plastic
Low recycling rates and incorrect sorting
Lack of consumer information on composition and circularity
Need to track reusable packaging
In the future, every piece of packaging – from bottles and bags to industrial containers – will have a digital identity. It will provide information on composition, recycled content, sorting labels, and reuse data.
If your company operates in one of these sectors – batteries, electronics, textiles, or packaging – the time to prepare is now. But even if you’re not directly involved in these industries, these early stages can serve as a source of knowledge and guidance for future obligations.
NOS is already developing and implementing DPP solutions tailored to different industries – from technical preparation and data mapping to interface development and integration with existing systems.
Want to know how your industry fits into the DPP regulation and what real-world implementation looks like?
Contact us at: info@nos.hr
