This brief report by the German Advisory Council for Consumer Affairs (SVRV) examines which aspects of consumer protection should be considered in the development of a Digital Product Passport (DPP). It is based on a workshop report from three workshops with consumer advocates and industry representatives. According to the report, the DPP should provide information on the product lifecycle and thus promote sustainable actions by consumers and companies. Key factors include ease of use, trust and clear added value. Consumers should be actively involved and the benefits should be made clear through understandable and intuitive applications. Challenges include balancing transparency and privacy, and resolving conflicts between environmental goals and economic interests. Clear access rights, privacy standards and international norms are needed to ensure acceptance and interoperability. At the same time, data-driven insights should create transparency without compromising business secrets. For implementation, the report recommends the creation of a central coordinating body responsible for data management and consumer communication. Public investment and scientific support are critical to fostering adoption and sustaining long-term production and consumption practices.
Link to publication.