Digital Product Passports (DPPs), blockchain technology, and AI-powered applications are converging to create an unprecedented level of traceability in the food industry, forcing companies to accelerate their digitization efforts.
Consumers are now able to trace the complete history of their food products using just a smartphone. These new technologies – the DPP, blockchain, and intelligent apps – are creating a new level of transparency, changing how we shop and eat, and putting pressure on the industry to adapt.
The Digital Product Passport: A QR Code for Everything
The European Union is introducing the Digital Product Passport (DPP) with the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). While food products are currently excluded, packaging is not, and experts anticipate an eventual expansion of the regulation to include food itself.
The DPP aims to provide comprehensive information with a simple scan of a QR code, including:
- Origin of ingredients
- Production conditions
- CO₂ footprint
- Recycling capability of the packaging
Companies that proactively offer such passports are gaining a competitive advantage, building trust with consumers, and opening new avenues for customer communication.
Blockchain: The Tamper-Proof Supply Chain
Originally developed for the financial sector, blockchain technology is now being applied to the food industry to create a secure and transparent supply chain. Every step – from the farm to the supermarket shelf – is recorded in an immutable digital ledger.
This builds trust and allows for rapid identification of the source of issues during recalls. Major retail chains are already utilizing blockchain to guarantee the origin of products like meat and salad. For consumers, Which means increased confidence in the accuracy of information on packaging.
AI-Powered Apps: The Nutritionist in Your Pocket
Modern apps are going beyond simple calorie counting. They scan barcodes and provide detailed information on nutritional values, allergens, and ingredients. Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming these apps into personalized nutrition advisors.
Some apps can analyze the contents of a plate through a photo, while others create customized plans for pregnant women. Apps like “planeatery” help users align their diets with global sustainability goals, evaluating the environmental impact of different food categories.
More Transparency, More Responsibility
For decades, consumers have relied on the often-limited information provided on food labels. These new digital tools represent a turning point. Demands for transparency – regarding issues like “shrinkflation” (hidden price increases through reduced product size) – are gaining momentum.
This presents a dual challenge for the food industry: the need to invest in digital processes and embrace greater openness. Simultaneously, it offers an opportunity to build trust and customer loyalty through transparent data. Digitalization is becoming a key factor for the future of the industry.
The EU is introducing new requirements by 2026, such as the Digital Product Passport as part of its sustainability and circular economy initiatives. Generative AI and large language models are also playing a role in managing the data transformations required for compliance.
Managing reverse supply chains, crucial for recycling and circularity, presents challenges including a lack of information transparency and traceability, and inconsistent cooperation. Integrating blockchain with DPPs can help address these issues.
By integrating digital product passports into the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles, policymakers aim to enhance traceability and transparency. This approach is likely to be extended to other sectors, including food and beverage.
