Preparing for the EU Digital Product Passport (DPP): Utilising France’s Product Sheet relating to Environmental Qualities & Characteristics
With the impending introduction of the EU’s Digital Product Passport (DPP), businesses are already seeking ways to ensure they meet the anticipated requirements for sustainability and environmental transparency. For those working in the textiles industry, preparing for the DPP can feel daunting, especially as the regulations are yet to provide the specific mandatory information requirements. However, for companies operating in France, the nation’s existing requirement for a Product Sheet Relating to Environmental Qualities and Characteristics offers an excellent starting point for DPP readiness.
While the specifics of the EU’s DPP framework are still evolving, it is clear that sustainability will play a central role. Since gathering environmental data can be time-consuming, early preparation is crucial. The overlap between France’s Product Sheet and the DPP framework can guide businesses in making significant early progress toward compliance with both regulations. Here, we examine how utilising this existing French requirement can streamline DPP preparation.
France’s Product Sheet: A head start for DPP compliance
France’s Product Sheet Relating to Environmental Qualities and Characteristics, which falls under the country’s AGEC law (Anti-Waste for a Circular Economy), sets out a clear framework for producers, importers, and marketers to provide key environmental information about their products. The aim is to inform consumers about the environmental qualities of products, empowering them to make more sustainable choices.
This requirement is particularly significant for businesses in the consumer product industry, which is under increasing scrutiny for its environmental impact. The product sheet focuses on key sustainability information, including the origin of raw materials, recyclability, reparability, and overall environmental impact. Given these focus areas, the Product Sheet is well-aligned with the objectives of the upcoming DPP, even before the EU has finalised its specific requirements.
Areas of overlap between the Product Sheet and the DPP
Though the details of the DPP are still emerging, we already know that the EU aims to create a standardised system for sharing essential product information, with a heavy emphasis on sustainability, transparency, and circular economy principles. Many of these priorities mirror the requirements laid out by France’s AGEC law.
Some key areas of overlap between France’s Product Sheet and the anticipated DPP include
- Environmental transparency: Both the Product Sheet and the DPP will require detailed information on a product’s environmental impact, such as chemicals of concern, incorporation of recycled materials, and information on packaging. By gathering and presenting this data for the Product Sheet, companies will also be covering essential elements likely to be included in the DPP.
- Circular economy: The DPP is expected to promote a circular economy by providing consumers with clear information on how products can be reused, repaired, or recycled. France’s Product Sheet already requires such information, where reparability and recyclability are crucial in reducing environmental waste.
- Product traceability: The traceability of products through the supply chain, which is a focus of the Product Sheet, will also likely be a core component of the DPP. This information allows consumers to understand the sourcing of the materials used in products, supporting more responsible purchasing decisions.
For more information on the DPP, read this white paper or view this webinar on-demand.
Why brands should focus on sustainability data now
For consumer product brands and retailers, the Product Sheet is not only a legal requirement under French law but also an essential step toward future DPP compliance. By preparing now and focusing on key sustainability metrics, businesses can get ahead of the curve, ensuring they meet France’s AGEC requirements while also laying the groundwork for EU-wide compliance with the requirements of the DPP.
However, gathering the required data for the Product Sheet can be complex. Producers and importers must ensure they can accurately report on everything from material composition and recyclability to supply chain transparency. This is where the Product Sheet Readiness Assessment can be incredibly helpful.
Product Sheet Readiness Assessment: Your guide to early compliance
To help businesses navigate the requirements of the Product Sheet, Eurofins offers a comprehensive Product Sheet Readiness Assessment. This assessment is designed to guide brands through the process of identifying the necessary environmental data, collecting it efficiently, and displaying it in a way that meets both AGEC obligations.
The assessment helps brands
- Identify key sustainability metrics and data points
- Develop a streamlined process for collecting and verifying environmental information
- Ensure clear and transparent communication of this data to consumers through the Product Sheet
By using this tool, businesses can start building a strong foundation for both France’s current requirements and the EU’s future DPP, positioning themselves as leaders in sustainability and transparency.
How Eurofins can help
As sustainability regulations continue to evolve, early preparation is key. France’s Product Sheet on Environmental Qualities and Characteristics offers a great starting point for businesses looking to prepare for the EU’s Digital Product Passport. By focusing on the overlapping areas between these two frameworks, particularly in the textiles sector, companies can make meaningful progress toward compliance while also strengthening their sustainability practices. Contact us today to learn how we can support your business.
