Q&A - Preparing for Digital Product Passports with LCAs
Here we have collected answers to some of the questions that couldn’t be addressed during our webinar on November 6th 2024, due to time constraints.
Q: Does the EU (or industry associations) work towards one system or at least systems that can be aligned? For a material producer, it would be impossible to share information on numerous platforms.
A: Yes, the EU is currently in the process of developing standards for DPP solutions to ensure complete interoperability between businesses.
Q: How applicable are DPPs for a B2B product, where the customer is another business?
A: DPP-specific requirements will apply to various product categories, which generally do not differentiate between B2C and B2B products.
Q: I thought the passport only encompasses environmental aspects—for example, manufacturers being required to “disclose comprehensive environmental footprints of their products,” including upstream, on a 'product-by-product' basis."
A: The information to be included in DPPs goes beyond environmental information. For example, a DPP will also include company and product identification, specific product characteristics such as size and weight, and even care and use instructions. Additionally, DPPs should include information for users and other value chain actors on how to maintain the product within a circular economy—for example, reuse, repair, re-manufacturing, and recycling.
Q: Could you elaborate on the potential overlaps between DPP and EPD?
A: These overlaps could include:
Materials used in the products and their origins
Information about the product's supply chain
Carbon footprint, energy, and water usage
Expected product lifespan and how to manage it at the end-of-life phase
Q: What is the difference between LCA and PEF?
A: PEF stands for Product Environmental Footprint. It is basically a more strictly specified product specific LCA, that uses the European EF = Environmental Footprint LCIA method. A PEF follows product category specific PEFCR's = PEF Category Rules.
Q: Do the rules on DPP specify what methods to use in the calculation of, e.g., carbon footprint? Other draft regulations within the ESPR requires that Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) is applied in the calculations of the climate impact.
A: It is likely that the EF should be applied, but not certain, as the Delegated Acts for different product category specific DPP's are not ready yet.
Q: Does this mean EPDs will be incompatible with DPPs?
A: That is a good question. As we don't yet know exactly what the detailed contents of DPPs will be, it is too early to say at this point. However, it is important to keep in mind that EPDs are based on LCAs, and the regulators in the EU do have advanced expertise in the field. They will most likely aim to enable a smooth transition to applying DPPs.
Q: In the food industry, most of the carbon footprint comes from raw materials and how they are produced. How do you take farmer practices into consideration in LCA/DPP?
A: Using primary data in an LCA will give more accurate results, so farmer practices can be taken into account if data is available.
Q: How can we streamline the alignment of LCA with DPP requirements, considering the time-intensive data collection process and increasing regulatory demands for detailed, accurate data?
A: There are technical solutions for creating LCAs at scale, including the use of accurate primary data. The complete answer is a bit more complex, and there are some variables to take into account. Feel free to contact Poul at poul@environmentalacademy.org to find out more.
Q: What is the advantage of using a DPP when we already have an EPD?
A: DPPs will also contain other data than just LCA or EPD results. Please also note that we are not 100% certain whether DPPs will have to include LCA (or EPD or PEF) results, although we believe it is quite likely.
Q: What is your experience so far with companies' readiness for digitalisation to begin the DPP undertaking, not to mention LCA?
A: This varies significantly, but generally speaking, companies have quite a lot of work to do to prepare their systems and data for DPP requirements.
Q: Is a full LCA exercise required, or is it sufficient to report emissions, including upstream Scope 3?
A: We don't know for sure yet, but this might vary by product category. However, conducting an LCA will also provide valuable insights into GHG emissions.
Q: What type of tool or format would be standard for sharing and providing input for DPP?
A: There is no real standard here and it largely depends on companies’ abilities or willingness to adopt better solutions. In general, Protokol remains flexible in being able to retrieve data from a wide range of sources and formats into their DPP platform.
Q: Do you think at one stage consumers are going to pay more for products with DPP and/or DPP showing limited impact on planet?
A: The question is not related to the DPP itself but rather what information (aka value) the DPP can provide for consumers in their purchase decision. The DPP provides direct and easy access to a wide range of information about the product and manufacturer, which could encourage consumers to pay more compared to products without such information or transparency.
Q: How can I contact the speakers?
A: You can connect with them on LinkedIn:
Q: How can my company get started with Environmental Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)?
A: Upskill your employees or hire emerging environmental talent through Environmental Impacts Academy.