Selecting the Right Digital Product Passport (DPP) Solution Provider for Your Supply Chain

Digital Product Passports (DPPs) are emerging as a crucial tool for ensuring transparency, compliance, and sustainability across various industries. Forthcoming European Union (EU) regulation will require supply chains to implement DPPs to promote product circularity and improve brand transparency about material sourcing and carbon footprint. Companies within the apparel, construction, Electric Vehicle (EV) batteries, and consumer technology markets will be the first required to use DPPs.

To help enterprises identify the most crucial traits in a DPP solution provider, ABI Research evaluated 9 vendors. Our unbiased competitive ranking provides insights into the leading innovators and implementers of DPP solutions, focusing on both innovation and implementation criteria. This article shares key findings, highlighting the strengths of top companies in the DPP space.

Table 1: Key Criteria for a Digital Product Passport Solution

(Source: ABI Research)

DPP Product Innovation Criteria

The following innovation criteria were used to evaluate companies in the DPP market:

• Software Platform Use & Navigation: This criterion assesses the usability of the software solution, including whether it operates as a standalone system or integrates with existing technologies. A user-friendly interface is crucial for supporting customers in creating DPP products.
• Data Management: Effective DPPs require robust data management capabilities. This includes storing static and dynamic information from various stakeholders, ensuring secure access, while adhering to global standards such as the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 27001.
• Data Governance: This criterion evaluates how well companies manage data flows and address missing information through alerts or foundational technologies.
• Interoperability: The ability to collect and link information from different suppliers, as well as integrate with third-party software like Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems, is essential for creating comprehensive DPPs.
• Innovative Platform Features: Unique platform features, such as the incorporation of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) and dynamic data links, set companies apart in the DPP market.

Related Content:

As the EU Mandates Digital Product Passports, Here’s What Supply Chain Leaders Should Know

Early Examples of EU Digital Product Passports in Action

Tech-Driven Sustainability and Traceability for Consumer Goods Is Paving the Way for Accelerated Adoption of Digital Product Passports Ahead of the Regulations

Top Three Innovators in DPPs

Avery Dennison (Score: 83.3)

Avery Dennison is a global leader in materials science and digital identification solutions. The company launched DPP as a Service (DPPaaS) in October 2023, enabling brands to comply with upcoming EU regulations. This offering integrates software for data capture and consumer engagement with hardware and implementation services.

The DPPaaS solution leverages the atma.io connected product cloud to create unique digital Identities (IDs), enhancing transparency and optimizing supply chain efficiency. Avery Dennison employs Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to monitor data integrity and ensure compliance with regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Its innovative features include real-time tracking and alerts for missing or outdated information, setting it apart in the market.

Arianee (Score: 80.8)

Founded in 2018, Arianee specializes in NFT solutions for the luxury market, focusing on creating DPPs using open-source technologies on a public blockchain. This approach enables dynamic, user-controlled data accessibility throughout a product's lifecycle.

Arianee's platform integrates seamlessly with SAP Commerce Cloud, enhancing the user experience. The company has established partnerships with key players to expand its offerings, positioning itself as a leader in digital continuity and sustainable practices. Arianee's future developments include enhanced DPP authentication certificates, further solidifying its commitment to innovation.

3E Exchange (Score: 77.8)

With a legacy of 36 years in tracking chemicals and regulatory compliance, 3E Exchange focuses on providing DPPs for compliance and traceability. The company collects data through supplier inputs, ensuring customers meet Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), California’s Prop 65 (the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986), and other regulations.

Its platform excels in interoperability, allowing for efficient data collection and supporting multiple languages. The pricing model encourages supplier participation, leading to the development of a substantial DPP library with over 200,000 passports. 3E Exchange also prioritizes user support, providing dedicated resources for clients navigating regulatory complexities.

Are you a supply chain stakeholder seeking to learn more about the role of digital product passports in your operations? Contact us today to discuss how we can help your organization.

DPP Implementation Criteria

The implementation criteria evaluated companies on their practical application of DPPs:

• Commercial Success and Market Share: This criterion measures the number of suppliers onboarded and investment spending in DPP solutions.
• Geographical Coverage: Companies operating in multiple regions are better positioned to navigate regulatory landscapes.
• Supply Chain Mapping: The depth of mapping from raw material sourcing to downstream activities is critical for DPP implementation.
• Ecosystem Partners and Case Studies: The number of active economic operators on the platform indicates the company's market penetration.
• Solution Adaptability: This criterion evaluates the provider's ability to pilot solutions across various industries, including Electric Vehicle (EV) batteries, apparel, and electronics.
• Deployment Support: Quality of in-house and customer support services is essential for successful DPP implementation.
• Time to Value: This criterion assesses the financial and operational benefits realized by clients after adopting DPPs.

Top Three Implementers of DPPs

Avery Dennison (Score: 77.5)

Avery Dennison's presence in over 50 countries and a workforce of 35,000 employees position it as a leader in DPP implementation. The company has executed numerous pilot projects across a variety of sectors, including apparel, automotive, and pharmaceuticals. Its DPP portal, built on the atma.io platform, offers a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution that enables brands to adopt DPPs seamlessly.

Notable initiatives include collaborations with circular.fashion and other partners to promote sustainable practices. Avery Dennison provides extensive training and onboarding support, ensuring that clients can implement the platform efficiently. The advantages of using Avery Dennison's DPP solutions include enhanced data management, improved material flow, and compliance with stringent regulations.

Arianee (Score: 76.0)

Arianee has positioned itself as a key player in the luxury market, providing DPP solutions to over 40 global brands, including Breitling and L'Oréal. The company has executed more than 35 projects across various sectors, delivering transparency, regulatory compliance, and enhanced customer engagement through its DPP offerings.

The platform integrates seamlessly within large-scale Information Technology (IT) ecosystems, allowing brands to automatically generate DPPs for new products. Arianee's focus on sustainability and consumer empowerment is reflected in its plans to expand its offerings to include durable goods beyond luxury items. With strong partnerships and innovative technology, Arianee is well-equipped for continued growth in the DPP space.

Kezzler (Score: 75.3)

Headquartered in Oslo, Kezzler specializes in connected products management and offers a robust platform for creating DPPs. The company has successfully implemented its solutions across various sectors, including food, fashion, and construction, with over 25 clients using the platform for DPP applications.

Kezzler’s Connected Products Platform (CPP) collects data from all stages of a product's lifecycle, ensuring traceability and compliance with regulations. Its integration capabilities allow it to connect seamlessly with existing IT infrastructure, minimizing disruption, while leveraging past investments. Kezzler's commitment to providing structured Application Programming Interface (API) documentation and comprehensive onboarding support has significantly contributed to its success in the DPP market.

Summary

Digital Product Passports are transforming how industries manage product information and sustainability practices. The competitive ranking by ABI Research, part of the company’s Digital Product Passports Research Spotlight, highlights leading innovators and implementers in this space, showcasing companies like Avery Dennison, Arianee, and 3E Exchange for their innovative solutions and effective implementations. As businesses increasingly recognize the value of DPPs, these insights will guide decision makers in selecting the right partners to enhance transparency and compliance. Download today