What will Digital Product Passports offer the construction industry and is it ready for them? Alex Small, Digital Platforms & Innovation lead at Tata Steel UK, spoke to us about potential impact and what they mean for the UK’s light steel frame industry.
Introduced by the European Commission in 2024 as part of its Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), Digital Product Passports (DPP) are part of the Commission’s approach to more environmentally sustainable and circular products.
They are being implemented by the European Commission as part of the new Construction Product Regulation (CPR), that was recently launched about a month ago. The timeline for implementation is expected to be within the next two years. However, the exact timeline for each product will depend on how quickly the relevant European harmonised standard for that product is updated.
“There’s quite a lot of work to do at the European Commission level to get everything in place,” says Alex. “Currently, around 50 harmonised standards are waiting to be processed through what’s called the CPR Acquis. Even though it’s a couple of years away, we shouldn’t be complacent. I strongly believe the UK should implement DPP on the same timelines and structure as the European Commission. Every manufacturer in the UK will need to comply for export purposes, so it’s crucial that our domestic market aligns with European requirements to avoid regulatory complications.”
For Light Steel Frame Association (LSFA) members, DPP will be relevant in the same way as for all construction sectors. The construction product regulation will oversee the process, and the key standards for structural steelwork will be the most important to monitor. When they are mandated, LSFA members will be kept informed about the progress of these standards and how they affect operations.
Implementation challenges
Of course, over the two-year timeframe there will be many challenges relating to standards and processes when implementing DPP. “This passport consists of several key components,” says Alex. “Starting with a digital identifier – a unique identifier for the product, such as a QR code or data carrier applied to the product itself, the delivery note, or other related documentation. GS1 standards, including Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs), are expected to be widely used for this purpose.
“Another crucial component is product information, which extends the existing Declaration of Performance, now referred to as the Declaration of Performance and Conformity (DOPC). The structure and format of this information are currently being defined by TC442 Working Group 12, which I am a member of. Ensuring compliance requires that this data is properly stored, governed and made readily available.”
Manufacturers face several challenges in this process, including understanding the standard requirements, determining how to effectively store and manage their data and deciding on the most suitable method for applying the digital identifier, whether through laser etching, printing, or labelling.
Alex says: “Additionally, a feasibility study by DG Grow is exploring three potential approaches for data handling: the creation of a centrally funded repository managed by the European Commission, outsourcing data management to IT service providers, or allowing manufacturers to manage their own systems, either individually or collectively. The latter option is currently being developed through the Manufacturers Information Hub initiative, which aims to provide a collaborative solution for industry stakeholders.”
As with any new regulation or technical requirement, levels of awareness and preparedness vary. Making sure businesses are familiar with the concept will take some work. “There’s definitely some confusion,” says Alex. “DPP have been discussed for several years, but some companies are misrepresenting what they offer. No final agreement on the definition has been made yet, so anyone claiming to provide a complete solution now is premature. In Europe, manufacturers are feeling the pressure to prepare for compliance. However, in the UK, due to the lack of clear Government direction, there’s less urgency. We need to come together as an industry to create awareness and provide clear steps for implementation.”
Manufacturer concerns
Certainly, manufacturers should be more involved in developing DPP and understanding the advantages they offer. Participation is essential because compliance will be mandatory, but manufacturers should seek guidance to navigate the changes effectively.
“As a member of the Steering Group, I understand industry bodies like the LSFA will play a vital role in sharing best practices and supporting companies through webinars and workshops,” says Alex. “Collaboration is crucial – if only a few companies comply, the industry cannot build compliant structures. By working together, we can simplify processes and reduce costs associated with digital data integration.
Some companies are concerned about losing intellectual property (IP) but according to Alex these concerns are often exaggerated. “The information shared in a digital product passport is limited to basic product data, such as performance characteristics and identification details – information that is usually already available on company websites. Data security is a priority, and efforts are being made to ensure secure digital connections while limiting data exposure.”
Sustainability measures
A further key element to the introduction of DPP surrounds wider questions on sustainability and contribution to circular economy principles. LSFA members are at the forefront of promoting recycled steel and raising the profile of ‘green steel’. “DPP will significantly enhance sustainability efforts by integrating environmental product declarations (EPDs) into the system,” says Alex. “For example, with the upcoming electric arc furnace at Port Talbot and British Steel’s sustainability initiatives, we will have very low embodied carbon steel. Additionally, building logbooks will be introduced to store DPP information at the project level, enabling tracking of materials throughout a building’s lifecycle.
“This data will facilitate reuse and recycling through online marketplaces, ensuring products and systems are repurposed effectively. For light steel frame systems, which have long lifespans, this means entire frames or panels can be reused rather than dismantled, thereby promoting a circular economy approach.”
The provision of wider transparency and essential data on products and supply chains via DPP, will further boost light steel frame’s contribution to sustainability and also help specifiers make informed decisions towards faster build times and increased building performance. LSFA members will be kept up to date with DPP developments and implementation advice throughout their introduction.
Light Steel Frame Association
The LSFA works to drive engagement, champion change and spread the word about the cost, productivity, performance and sustainability benefits of contemporary light steel systems. The highly innovative and digitally savvy light steel sector has developed panelised and modular solutions that deliver high quality structures on fast-track programmes that meet Building Safety Regulations. Bringing together a wealth of experience and technical know-how, the LSFA membership represents manufacturers, installers, industry supply chains, architects, engineers, consultants and clients operating in the light steel sector.
For more information visit: www.lsf-association.co.uk
