In this article you will discover what the regulation doesn’t tell you about the Digital Product Passport, but that would allow you to have a far more competitive product on the market.
The Digital Product Passport (DPP) was born in the context of the green and digital twin transition promoted by the European Union, as an integral part of the European Green Deal and the Circular Economy Action Plan. From 2028, it will no longer be a choice. It will be an obligation. And for labels & packaging converters, acting now means turning a regulatory obligation into a concrete competitive advantage.
2024
Publication of ESPR EU 2024/1781
2026
European central registry operational
2027
First obligations for the batteries & textiles sectors
2028
Obligation extended to major product categories
Introduced by the ESPR Regulation (Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, EU 2024/1781), the DPP is a digital identity card for the product: a structured set of data accessible via a physical data carrier on the label (typically a QR code) that links to an online portal containing information on sustainability, circularity, composition, repairability and regulatory compliance.
It will become mandatory for a growing number of product categories (textiles, furniture, mattresses, steel, aluminium, batteries, construction products, to name just a few) and will apply to anyone placing products on the European market. The central European registry will be operational by July 2026. The first concrete obligations come into force from 2027–2028. (Learn more about what the DPP is)
The regulation provides for three levels of DPP:
a single data carrier, identical on all products in the same range
High clonability risk
Adoption:
a unique data carrier for each production batch
Medium clonability risk
Adoption:
a unique data carrier for every single product
Clonability protection
Adoption:
For many companies, the simplest and least expensive choice seems obvious: start at model level (item), or at most batch level. The regulation allows it. Implementation costs appear lower. Management complexity is reduced.
But there is a serious problem this choice brings with it, one that is rarely discussed openly.
“A QR code that is the same on every product in a range is a QR code anyone can copy in seconds. All it takes is a smartphone, a free app, and a printer.”
This is not a theoretical scenario. According to data from the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), counterfeiting costs European businesses tens of billions of euros every year in lost sales, with losses in the apparel sector alone exceeding 12 billion euros annually. And this is happening today, before the DPP even exists. Tomorrow, with an identical code on every product in a range, the job will be even easier for those who do it professionally.
With a batch-level DPP the situation partially improves, but is not resolved: a batch code can still be replicated at scale, especially if the batch is large and the data carrier contains no authentication mechanisms.
The result?
You are investing in regulatory compliance, but you are also building the perfect tool for anyone who wants to counterfeit your products.
The solution is technically mature: adopting an product-level DPP (item) with unique identifiers for every single unit produced, via serialised QR codes and/or NFC RFID. (Learn more about the difference between the two technologies)
A QR code that incorporates a unique serial code transforms the data carrier from a risk vector into an active anti-counterfeiting tool. Every product has its own code. Every scan can be tracked. If the same code is scanned in different locations or at inconsistent times, the system detects it.
This logic, already well established in pharmaceutical packaging and the luxury sector, is now relevant and urgent for anyone implementing a DPP.
The regulation does not prohibit this choice. On the contrary, it explicitly provides for it as the most complete option. And the relevant technical standards, including ISO/IEC 19987:2024 for supply chain tracking and GS1 standards for product identifier management, together provide a globally recognised and proven framework on which to build a robust and scalable variable data system.
Then there is the question of cost. It is understandable that the idea of serialising every single unit produced evokes complexity and investment. But the comparison must be made correctly: not between the cost of variable data and the cost of fixed data, but between the cost of variable data and the economic, reputational and legal cost of a large-scale counterfeiting incident.
We work with converters of labels, packaging, hangtags and many other products, and we know the pressures you are facing: regulatory deadlines, production costs, brand owner requirements, supply chain complexity.
On the DPP, we are able to support you at every stage of the process:
01
Risk analysis
We assess your product’s counterfeiting exposure profile together
02
Variable data design
We design your unique identification system together, from the format (GTIN, UUID, proprietary serial code) to machine integration
03
Certified quality
Our automated printing systems and certified quality controls ensure that every data carrier is readable, compliant and traceable
04
Integration with verification systems
We support you in connecting the printed data to the DPP portal (es: atma.io di Avery Dennison)
The DPP is a requirement.
But with the right choice, it becomes a strategic opportunity.
We help you turn regulatory compliance into a real competitive advantage.
Non-conforming product marking or reconciliation
We integrate Videojet 1280/ VJ1580+
The unit has been fully integrated into the machine control panel what enables a wide range of benefits
For the operator:
Possibility of having a single panel where every machining parameter can be configured
For net plant productivity:
Reduction of setup time and guarantee of constant and correct functioning of the unit
Non-conforming Product Marking Functionality
The machine process automatically handles the marking of non-conforming products by integrating it within the error management process chosen for production.
Functionality of printing on the back of the material
The machine process automatically manages the printing of variable data on the back of the material (liner) for each reconciliation requirement by integrating their management within the error management process chosen for production.
Ability to integrate other third-party CIJ systems
Other third-party CIJ printing systems can be integrated upon development of the command-and-control interface.
Thermal transfer printing
We integrate Videojet Dataflex 6530
The unit has been fully integrated into the machine control panel what allows a wide range of advantages
Ability to integrate other third-party TTO systems
Other third-party TTO printing systems can be integrated upon development of the command-and-control interface.
Spark Cam™
Vision inspection system
What is SPARK CAM?
SPARK CAM™ is a high-performance vision inspection system fully designed and built by our R&D department to control print quality during production.
The system reliability is also the result of more than two decades of direct market experience with some of the most popular inspection systems including: Decosystem and Lake image.
System fully integrated into the machine control panel
The system is fully integrated into the machine control panel which enables a wide range of benefits
Single system to manage the Print Ǫuality of graphics and Variable
Single system where two control macro areas can be activated with different libraries related to specific production needs:
Print Ǫuality Inspection:
Libraries for the inspection of security elements, scratches, smears, streaks, stains, ink splashes, ghost effects, torn material, creases, color deviation, …
Thanks to our vision engineering department, it is, in addition, possible to directly develop customized control features.
Print Ǫuality inspection of Variable Data:
Libraries for OCR control (with a full range of fonts/special characters), machine readable codes also with grading features according to international standards:
With a wide range of codes and encoding protocols including: ǪRcode, Data Matrix, … and with GS1 coding standards, ….
Wide range of available templates
Due to the fact that we make our inspection systems in-house, Graphimecc can meet any production requirement.
Available are:
both black-and-white or color systems, and with a wide range of resolutions to fit every inspection specification.
Spark Jet™
Inkjet printer
What is SPARK JET?
SPARK Jet™, is an inkjet printing system completely designed and built by our R&D department to go beyond the frequent limitations of traditional printing systems.
The system reliability is also the result of more than two decades of direct market experience with some of the manufacturers of the most popular inkjet printing systems such as: Domino, Videojet, REA JET.
System fully integrated into the machine control panel
The system is fully integrated into the machine control panel which enables a wide range of advantages:
High performance and print quality
SPARK JET™ offers different print resolutions depending on the production speed. Thus, you can get a high-quality product (600x600dpi) or lose definition slightly to increase production speed.
Modular print height
Each printing module has a printing height of 54mm.
The SPARK JET printing system is fully modular and can be composed to achieve the desired print height without any limitation.
Wide range of inks that can be used
SPARK JET™ can be configured to print with different base inks:
This flexibility allows adaptation to the widest range of materials, managing every production requirement.
Single-color, multi-color system
SPARK JET™ is available in two versions:
Automatic cleaning system
To maximise the durability of SPARK JET™ print heads, we have developed an automatic cleaning system that is fully managed via the machine’s central panel. This system cleans the heads every X hours of printing (with X being a parameter that can be adjusted according to the characteristics of the print and substrate) and positions them so that they rest in a way that protects them from ink drying inside the nozzles.
Furthermore, as it is fully motorised, it allows for easy and precise adjustment of the print head’s height and transverse position relative to the material.
High-precision adjustment holder
Each SPARK JET™ system is equipped, as a basic feature, with a high-precision adjustment system that, in the absence of the automatic cleaning system, allows the adjustment of the printer position both in height (distance from the substrate) and in transverse position with respect to the material.
With this option, the head cleaning and resting activities are manual.
Spark RFID™
RFID antenna and reader
What is Spark RFID?
Spark RFID™ is a system completely designed and built by our R&D department and allows to control and encode any RFID TAG (UHF, HF, NFC, BLE and RF, …), ensuring maximum reliability and efficiency.
The system reliability is also the result of continuous collaboration with chip and Inlay manufacturers such as:
Modular system that can be configured according to individual needs
Due to its modular structure SPARK RFID can be configured in different modes to allow the best productivity according to production needs and the type of RFID to be processed.
Easy encoding, even for inexperienced operators
Thanks to our fully graphical GMG RFID Memory Map™ editor, the creation of any type of encoding finally becomes intuitive and accessible to everyone.
Ǫuick and intuitive setup, even for inexperienced operators
Setting up RFID production becomes quick and accessible to every operator; thanks to the high level of automation, our machines can be operated autonomously by any finishing operator without requiring specific knowledge of electronics or telecommunications.
System fully integrated into the machine control panel
The system is fully integrated into the machine control panel allowing a wide range of advantages
100% compliant with regulatory standards
Certified CE Marking
CE marking plays an increasingly important role in protecting operators and the enterprise.
For Graphimecc this is an indispensable value.
Advanced levels of automation
Integration with external software
The machine is natively integrable either directly or with the GM ENTERPRISE™ CMS with any ERP and enterprise database ensuring secure, real-time data exchange.
Usable by any operator
Fully graphical interface
Designed to be usable by any operator regardless of experience level.
Advanced operator login
Integration with user management via corporate Active Directory for machine access in compliance with internal security policies.
To certify the quality of production
Automatic production reports
The machine generates various production reports fully automatically and with customisable content.
Automatically eliminates all production errors
ZERO™: the technology that enables you to produce a 100% error free finished
Developed since 1999, it is now in its 5th generation and is the most advanced technology for:
ZERO™ represents the next generation of quality finishing in that it allows:
ZERO™: the technology that guarantees the highest productivity
ZERO™ enables productivity levels up to 10 times higher than other solutions available on the market.
ZERO™ enables productivity levels up to 10 times higher than other solutions available on the market.
ZERO™ allows you to choose between 21 different error management processes to meet every production need.
Detects all errors with absolute precision
Inspection of Variable data
You can manage the control of any type of variable data: OCR, Linear Barcode (1D and 2D), 2D Matrix Barcodes with different encoding types (Industrial, GS1, …).
Inspection of printing defects of the graphic products
You can manage the inspection of various printing defects typically related to the graphics part such as: scratches, smudges, streaks, spots, ink splashes, ghost effects, torn material, creases, color deviation, …
Modular control features
With our fully graphical GMG Layout EditorTM, configuration of each control feature becomes intuitive and accessible to everyone.
Ability to customize the vision system to your specific needs
Machine configuration also allows you to choose the vision system best suited to your production needs:
Our specialty since 1999
Print every type of variable data
You can manage the printing of any type of variable data: OCR, Linear Barcode (1D and 2D), 2D Matrix Barcodes with different encoding types (Industrial, GS1, …).
OCR
Linear barcodes 1D
Matrix barcodes 2D
Advanced Variable Data Printing Functionality
Thanks to our fully graphical GMG Layout Editor™, creating any type of variable data printout becomes intuitive and accessible to everyone.
Ability to manage any type of protocol and sequence
Variable data printing can be configured by choosing from a wide range of fonts and codes to which sequences of all types can be linked, being able to meet every production need.
Possibility to integrate a wide range of printing systems
The machine can be configured by integrating different printing units to best meet production needs and investment budget.
