Imagine: you buy a new mattress and you want to know where it came from, what materials it contains and how best to maintain it. Or you want to know how and if you can recycle your mattress when it reaches the end of its life. That will soon be very easy thanks to the Digital Product Passport (DPP). The DPP is a digital document linked to your mattress that contains all the important information about its origin, materials, sustainability and recycling. Starting in 2029, this passport will become mandatory for mattresses in Europe. In this article, we explain to you what exactly the DPP is, why it is being introduced, and what it means for you as a consumer.

What is the Digital Product Passport (DPP)?

The Digital Product Passport (DPP) is a digital document that collects all essential information about your mattress and, most importantly, makes it easily accessible. For example:

• Materials and composition: what materials were used, such as foam, textiles, metal springs and so much more.
• Origin and production process: where and how was the mattress made?
• Sustainability features: How long does the mattress last, what is recyclable, and what is the carbon footprint?
• Maintenance and repair tips: How best to maintain, replace parts and repair your mattress.
• End-of-life phase: How can the mattress be recycled or reused?

This information is standardized and offered consistently, so that everyone in the chain – from manufacturer to you as a consumer – speaks the same language and uses the same definitions. Saves a lot of research and provides a lot of efficiency.

Why is the DPP being introduced?

With the DPP, the European Union aims to promote the sustainability of products and accelerate the transition to a circular economy. This means making products last longer, easier to repair and more recyclable. The DPP is an important part of the so-called“Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation” (ESPR), which entered into force in July 2024. This ESPR aims to make products more sustainable and reduce their impact on the environment.

By introducing the DPP, the EU wants to achieve some things, think of:

• Provide transparency and traceability across the product life cycle.
• Better inform consumers so they can make more sustainable choices.
• Reduce waste by using products longer and recycling better.
• Require manufacturers and vendors to market more sustainable products.

When will the DPP become mandatory?

The implementation of the DPP is gradual. For mattresses, the DPP will become mandatory from 2029. This applies to all new mattresses entering the European market. There is a transition period, with large companies being the first to comply with the obligation. Medium-sized companies are likely to get a delay, until probably 2030, and small companies are largely exempted for the time being to avoid unnecessary administrative burdens.

Although you can expect, or better, – hope – we think, that a lot of companies will start using it soon. Because this passport also makes life easier. The DPP allows you to find a lot more than the legal elements. At least if the products are also “enriched” with this information. And let us now plead for that with all producers!

This way, you no longer have to search for the size of your mattress or get immediate tips on maintenance or additional interesting products that you can also purchase through your favorite store.

Practical advantages

• Access to information: You can access the DPP through a QR code or RFID tag on the mattress, an app or website.
• Buy more consciously: You can choose a mattress with longer life or better recyclability.
• Answers: Slept wonderfully in your B&B or hotel and want to know what mattress you had? Scan the DPP and you’ll know exactly the answer.
• Additional services: Imagine that you sleep badly and you want to use the services of a sleep coach, when your mattress brand sends this info along via the DPP, you’ll be helped quickly.
• Simpler maintenance and repair: You can easily find spare parts and maintenance instructions after a simple scan.
• Clarity about recycling: You know where and how to return the mattress at the end of its useful life.

Any disadvantages or additional costs?

• There are no additional costs associated with the DPP for consumers.
• You have to take a small action yourself to get the information, such as scanning a QR code with your smartphone.

How does the DPP work in practice?

1. Unique identification: Each mattress is given a unique code, such as a GTIN (Global Trade Item Number), linked to a QR code or RFID tag.
2. Data collection: All product information going from raw materials, materials, origin, sustainability, etc. is collected and stored centrally.
3. Hosting and Access: Through a DPP provider, the data is securely hosted and accessed.
4. Use by different parties: Consumers, repairers, recyclers and regulators will have access to the relevant data.

The manufacturer is responsible for maintaining the DPP. However, it often cooperates with a provider, such as the Belgian TripleR.io. Upon resale or reuse, the DPP is automatically transferred to the new owner.

Common questions and misconceptions

• Do I need to do anything myself to activate or maintain the DPP?
  No, the DPP is automatically linked to your mattress and you don’t have to do anything yourself.
• Is my privacy protected?
  Yes, no personal information is associated with the passport.
• What if the mattress does not have DPP?
  The digital passport will become mandatory for all new mattresses starting in 2029. Mattresses prior to that time will not have DPP.
• Can I save money with the DPP?
  Possibly so, especially when more than just legal data is accessed.

Future Prospect

• The DPP is also introduced for other products, such as furniture, electronics, textiles, steel and aluminum.
• The digital product passport contributes to a circular economy by making products last longer and recycle better.

Summary

The Digital Product Passport (DPP) is a digital document linked to your mattress that contains all the important information about a product’s composition, origin, materials, sustainability and recycling. Starting in 2029, this passport will become mandatory for mattresses in Europe. The DPP helps you make smarter, more sustainable choices and ensures your mattress lasts longer and is better recycled.

So when purchasing a new mattress soon, ask explicitly about the DPP, should it not be offered as standard.

Want to read more? Check out our resources:

• GS1 Netherlands: ESPR – Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation
• NVRD: Europe – NVRD
• Milgro: Digital Product Passport (DPP) explained
• TripleR: TripleR – Detail – Flanders Circular
• Empact: Digital Product Passport: a digital identity card for your products
• European Commission: Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation