By Matthew Ekholm, Digital Product Passport and Circularity Specialist at Protokol
As issues concerning sustainability continue to gain prominence across the globe, manufacturers know too well the demand on them to become more sustainable providers. As the modern consumer begins to employ an ‘eco-eye’ when it comes to purchasing decisions, UK manufacturers must start considering their sustainability image now if they want to continue thriving in this evolving marketplace. In fact, as more than four‑fifths (80%) of consumers say they are willing to pay more for sustainably produced or sourced goods, it is more important than ever that manufacturers start to consider their green agenda.
As many UK businesses bring more reusable, refillable, and recyclable products to the market, such as Wild Deodorant, Truth Toothpaste and Ventforchange in the stationary sector, it is clear manufacturers are starting to pay attention to this shifting mindset and introducing a range of more circular products to ride the wave of eco-interests.
Similarly, governments globally are also taking note and bringing into circulation a range of regulations to foster a more circular marketplace. Over the last year alone, the EU has implemented a range of legislation to force businesses (particularly UK businesses that sell into the EU market) to change and become more eco-conscious providers.
This includes the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), which stands as part of the EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan and aims to advance the sustainability factor of products circulating in the EU marketplace. In fact, the ESPR is set to apply to any business that places products in the EU, regardless of where they are based.
You only have to note that, in the UK alone, 1.76 million tonnes of waste were sent to landfills in 2023, highlighting just how important greater sustainability is for UK manufacturers across the board.
Although some companies are leaping towards greater circularity, other manufacturers aim to pursue the appearance of sustainability without true action being taken. This makes it harder for consumers to tell who’s truly committed, fueling growing fears of greenwashing. Ensuring these greenwashing claims are falsified is even more important for small to medium-sized businesses that rely on a committed and loyal customer base.
The EU’s sustainability movement and advancing consumer relations
Navigating the ESPR and other EU sustainability regulations can feel daunting for UK manufacturers given the intricate and evolving compliance landscape. This pressure is compounded by growing consumer expectations for genuinely sustainable products and services.
Yet, these challenges present an opportunity. Embracing ESPR compliance – particularly through the Digital Product Passports (DPPs) mandate – enables businesses to fulfill regulatory demands while transparently demonstrating their sustainability efforts, enhancing consumer trust and market appeal at the same time.
DPPs: The power to mitigate greenwashing claims
DPPs are emerging as powerful tools for manufacturers seeking to strengthen sustainability, transparency, and customer trust. Acting as secure, digital records of physical products, they enable manufacturers to track and share critical data across a product’s entire lifecycle, from raw material sourcing and production to resale, repair, and eventual disposal. This can include granular information such as carbon emissions, sourcing practices, and the environmental impact of each stage of production.
For manufacturers, DPPs offer a practical solution for reinforcing their sustainability commitments. By embedding clear end-of-life instructions, such as recycling or reuse guidelines, manufacturers can extend their influence beyond the point of sale and help customers dispose of products responsibly. This also demonstrates a proactive stance in environmental stewardship, a growing differentiator in today’s competitive marketplace.
DPPs also position manufacturers to meet the rising expectations of environmentally conscious consumers. Accessible through data carriers such as QR codes or barcodes, end users can instantly access detailed sustainability and traceability data via DPPs. This can include insight into raw material origins, production methods, and reuse potential, giving manufacturers a direct channel to showcase transparency and foster informed, trust-based relationships with their customers.
Critically, DPPs help manufacturers safeguard their reputation by substantiating sustainability claims with verifiable data. In an era of growing scrutiny around greenwashing, DPPs serve as credible proof points, reinforcing brand authenticity and building long-term customer loyalty.
Moreover, DPPs support the growing resale and circular economy markets by providing a convenient way to verify a product’s authenticity, ownership history, and maintenance records. This level of transparency not only enhances brand perception but also opens up new opportunities for manufacturers to engage with customers post-sale and throughout the product’s extended lifecycle.
A manufacturer’s future mindset: Tackling regulatory hurdles
For UK manufacturers, navigating complex regulatory and sustainability demands, such as the EU’s ESPR and its DPP requirements, can seem daunting. However, these challenges also present a timely opportunity to lead with innovation and purpose. By taking early steps toward DPP compliance, manufacturers can not only ensure regulatory alignment but also position themselves as forward-thinking leaders in sustainable production.
Implementing DPPs enables manufacturers to share clear, verifiable data about their products’ environmental impact, from sourcing and production to reuse and end-of-life. This transparency builds trust with customers, enhances brand credibility, and helps manufacturers differentiate in increasingly sustainability-conscious markets. Moreover, proactively adopting DPPs can reshape business strategy for the long term, signaling a commitment not just to compliance but to leading the shift toward a circular, transparent manufacturing future.
Read other recent news: https://industrial-compliance.co.uk/category/news/
