The days of blind trust are over. Consumers are demanding more and more information - not only about the quality of hunting equipment, outdoor clothing or optical accessories, but also about their origin and environmental footprint. The EU will make the Digital Product Passport (DPP) mandatory by 2030 at the latest. By then, over 62.5 billion digital product passports will have been created worldwide. But what is behind this innovation? What are the specific challenges for the industry and what opportunities can companies take advantage of? One solution is offered by our IWA VISION partner Diwima, which is driving the digital transformation in the industry and helping companies to meet the new requirements.
What is the Digital Product Passport?
The digital product passport is a digital twin of a physical product. It contains all relevant information about its materials, origin, environmental footprint, repair options and recycling options. For manufacturers and retailers of hunting and outdoor products, this means that, for example, the exact origin of leather goods, the carbon footprint of binoculars or the recyclability of hunting clothing must be documented transparently.
Sustainability and consumer protection along the entire supply chain
The introduction of the Digital Product Passport is closely linked to the new Ecodesign Regulation and consumer protection. Manufacturers are faced with the challenge of not only disclosing the material composition, but also making the conditions of raw material extraction and production processes traceable. This particularly affects companies that use natural materials such as leather, wood or wool. The EU Commission has defined clear requirements in the regulation that oblige companies to document raw materials, production processes and the entire disposal process. The national government is actively involved in the implementation with the BMUV (Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety) in order to promote the sustainable use of resources.
Why is the DPP so important right now?
The EU Commission has introduced the Digital Product Passport as a key measure to promote the European circular economy. There are already concrete legal measures in place:
- Circular economy package (2018): Foundation stone for more sustainable products
- New action plan for the circular economy (2020): Increased regulation to conserve resources
- ESPR Regulation (2024): Requirements for the environmentally friendly design of products
- Mandatory DPP from 2027 for certain sectors: These include textiles, construction, automotive and consumer electronics.
- The DPP will be for all product groups 2030 mandatory by at the latest.
These regulations not only affect large European industrial companies, but also the hunting and outdoor industry, which increasingly needs to act more sustainably. Customers are attaching more and more importance to ethically responsible products - be it hunting clothing made from certified wool or weapons made from recyclable materials.
One company that is already working intensively on implementing the Digital Product Passport is Diwima, the new IWA Vision Partner 2025. Together with their parent company Narravero, they are setting standards in process digitization and supporting companies in successfully shaping the digital transformation.
Advantages and challenges of the digital product passport in the hunting and outdoor industry
The DPP accompanies products through all phases of their life cycle and facilitates environmentally friendly decisions for companies and consumers alike. Those who rely on the DPP at an early stage can secure long-term competitive advantages and actively contribute to the circular economy - a decisive factor in an industry that is closely linked to nature.
Advantages
- Maximum transparency: Consumers receive all information about a product at a glance, which strengthens trust in the brand.
- Sustainability: Manufacturers can take targeted measures to extend product life, e.g. through repair-friendly hunting clothing or reusable packaging.
- Promote the circular economy: Recycling and reuse are made easier, e.g. through recyclable materials for knife sheaths or wooden parts for weapons.
- Comply with regulations more easily: ESG and GHG reporting obligations are met through automated data storage.
- Creating trust: Consumers can make more conscious purchasing decisions and prefer sustainable brands.
Challenges - Technical implementation: Companies have to adapt their systems to the new requirements, especially for complex hunting products with many components.
- Data management: The collection and management of product information requires robust IT infrastructures - a challenge for medium-sized manufacturers.
- Costs: Implementation can be challenging at first, especially for smaller companies, as extensive documentation is required.
- Data protection: Sensitive information, e.g. on the origin of raw materials, must be processed securely.
How companies can successfully implement the DPP
- Launch pilot projects with clearly defined products
- Enter into partnerships with technology providers such as Diwima & Narravero
- Using transparency as a competitive advantage
- Invest in sustainable IT infrastructures at an early stage
The digitalization of the industry is inevitable - those who actively shape it will benefit in the long term!
DIWIMA as IWA VISION Partner 2025: Pioneer of digital transformation
IWA OutdoorClassics is the world's leading trade fair for hunting, shooting sports, outdoor and safety. In 2025, IWA presents DIWIMA, a vision partner that is playing a key role in the digitalization of the industry.
Who is Diwima?
Diwima GmbH, based in Münster/Westphalia, is the market leader in process digitization for hunting, forestry and (veterinary) authorities. Its SaaS platform enables secure, transparent and seamless handling of security-relevant processes - from the authorities to the end user.
As a subsidiary of Narravero, Diwima also specializes in DPP-as-a-Service and offers companies in the hunting and outdoor industry solutions ranging from consulting to implementation and analysis.
Take action now!
The digital product passport is no longer a vision of the future, but a reality established by law. Companies that prepare for this at an early stage have clear advantages: they can position themselves as sustainable and trustworthy brands, proactively meet regulatory requirements and develop new business models.
With Diwima and Narravero, the industry has a strong partner at its side who is actively shaping change. The IWA VISION Partnership 2025 shows: Those who get to grips with the digital product passport now are helping to shape the future.
