A Review on Digital Product Passports as Drivers of Digital Transformation in Industry

Abstract

Digital Product Passports (DPPs) are emerging as pivotal tools driving the digital transformation across industries by providing standardized, interoperable, and detailed digital records of products. This enhances tracking, transparency, and lifecycle management, fostering sustainable and efficient digital ecosystems. While the potential of DPPs is recognized, existing reviews often lack a specific focus on their role as active enablers of industrial digital transformation. This paper addresses that gap by presenting a comprehensive review of the state-of-the-art in DPP research and applications, critically examining how they facilitate this transformation. We outline the methodology used to gather the literature, propose a taxonomy of DPP types based on technology and function (illustrated visually and summarized in a comparative table), present an evaluation framework with relevant metrics, and analyze their implications across various industrial sectors. Key contributions include this structured taxonomy, the evaluation framework, and a critical discussion of challenges (e.g., interoperability, standardization, readiness gaps) and opportunities, offering recommendations for leveraging DPPs effectively.