“Many are still waiting” – GS1 Sweden on challenges and lessons in Digital Product Passports
As work with Digital Product Passports moves forward, many organisations are still trying to understand what is required and how to get started. From a standardisation perspective, one pattern is particularly clear.
– Many are still waiting, says Staffan Olsson, Head of Public Affairs at GS1 Sweden.
The reason is not a lack of interest, but uncertainty. The regulatory framework is still evolving at EU level, and the development of delegated acts is ongoing. This makes it difficult for companies to know exactly how to act and when to begin. As a result, building a shared understanding of upcoming requirements has taken longer than expected.
At the same time, there is a need for clearer coordination at the national level. Companies are still looking for guidance on how authorities will support them, and which roles different actors will have.
As the work progresses, some early assumptions are also being reconsidered. What was initially seen primarily as a compliance issue is now understood in a broader context. Additional regulations are expected, and organisations are starting to recognise potential business value alongside regulatory requirements.
– It is becoming clear that this is just the beginning, says Staffan Olsson.
At the same time, data sharing remains a key challenge. Many companies are cautious about how much information they share across the value chain, which adds complexity to implementation and collaboration.
For organisations at an early stage, the advice remains practical. It is important to understand upcoming requirements, map existing data, and engage with suppliers across the value chain. Standard based solutions can help ensure interoperability, while also reducing the risk of becoming dependent on a single technical solution.
Ultimately, the organisations that move early and take a structured approach will be better positioned not only to meet future requirements, but to turn Digital Product Passports into a competitive advantage.
