Glossary

In the context of the Digital Product Passport, a data carrier refers to the technology or format used to store and transmit the digital information associated with a product. The data carrier ensures that this information can be accessed, shared, and used throughout the product's lifecycle by various stakeholders.

In the context of data access and storage, decentralized means that the data is not stored in a single, central location but is instead distributed across multiple locations or systems. This setup ensures that no single point of failure exists, making the system more resilient, secure, and accessible.

A Digital Product Passport (DPP) is a digital record that provides comprehensive information about a product and its entire value chain, covering its origin, materials, environmental impact, and disposal recommendations. It aims to bridge the gap between transparency demand and the lack of reliable product journey data. The DPP was introduced by the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). 

A European Directive is a legislative act issued by the European Union (EU) that sets out goals and requirements for member states to achieve. Unlike a regulation, which is directly applicable and binding across all EU countries, a directive provides a framework or objectives that member states must incorporate into their national laws within a set deadline. Each country has the flexibility to implement the directive in a way that suits its own legal and administrative system, as long as it meets the directive’s overall goals.