In today’s rapidly digitizing world, Digital Product Passports (DPP) are becoming a key tool for ensuring product transparency, traceability, and authenticity. DPP makes it easy to convey information about a product—from its components or materials to sustainability and recycling processes.
This is where NFC (Near Field Communication) and QR codes come into play as practical ways to link physical products to their digital records. Below, we compare these two technologies and offer guidance on choosing the optimal solution for your business.
NFC uses short-range wireless communication (up to 10 cm). It’s most commonly found in contactless payment systems (like Apple Pay or Google Pay) but is increasingly used in the context of Digital Product Passports.
Why Choose NFC?
High Level of Security – Short range and advanced protocols offer strong protection against malicious use.
Simple User Experience – Just bring your phone near the tag (no need to open the camera), and the desired information appears automatically.
Suitable for High-Value Products – Luxury goods, electronics, and similar items often require an authenticity check via a secure technology.
The main drawback of NFC is the initial cost, which involves installing NFC chips or tags, as well as somewhat more complex implementation compared to QR codes.
A QR code is a two-dimensional barcode that can be quickly scanned using a smartphone camera. Its widespread use in advertising, retail, and everyday life has made it a highly recognizable and accessible technology.
Why Do Many Choose QR Codes?
Low Production and Implementation Costs – Codes are easily generated, printed, and placed on products or packaging.
Wide Availability – Almost all smartphones today have a built-in capability to scan QR codes.
Dynamic Updates – With dynamic QR codes, you can change the destination content without needing to print a new code.
One potential risk with QR codes is physical tampering (placing a fake code over the original) or phishing attacks, so it’s important to perform regular checks and educate users on secure usage.
A Digital Product Passport doesn’t have to rely exclusively on one technology. It’s crucial to understand your business needs, security requirements, and customer habits:
If you need to emphasize authenticity and security, providing end users with a “tap-to-view” experience, NFC is often the better choice.
If simplicity, mass usage, and lower costs are your top priorities, QR codes may be your go-to option.
A combined strategy can also work—NFC for verifying authenticity of specific products, and QR codes for providing quick access to information across a broader product range.
A successful Digital Product Passport implementation can significantly improve brand perception, boost customer trust, and streamline access to highly sought-after product information. NFC and QR codes serve as “entry points” to that data. Whichever approach you choose, it’s important to have a clear strategy, conduct regular maintenance, and always keep the end user’s needs in mind.
At NOS d.o.o., we develop and implement Digital Product Passports. If you’d like to learn more or are unsure which technology suits your business best, feel free to reach out: info@nos.hr.
We’ll be happy to discuss your needs and propose the optimal solution to accelerate your digital transformation.
