Digital Product Passports (DPPs), also referred to as
Material Passports – are anticipated to bring transformative change to the
construction industry. Ben Towe, Chair of the Light Steel Frame Association
(LSFA), highlights that the principal advantages of DPPs are strongly aligned
with those inherent to light steel frame construction.
The
LSFA is preparing to guide our members through the DPPs journey – not only on
compliance but also on unlocking its wider benefits. Far more than a regulatory
requirement, DPPs reinforce the information required under Building Safety
Regulations, ensuring traceability of products and materials throughout a
building’s lifecycle.
Introduced
in 2024 through the European Commission’s Ecodesign for Sustainable Products
Regulation (ESPR), DPPs aim to increase transparency across every stage of a
product’s life. While some see them as compliance obligations, the LSFA views
them as an opportunity to demonstrate quality, unlock circularity, build trust and
minimise the construction programme across the supply chain by building faster.
Strengthening
the golden thread
A crucial advantage
of DPPs is the ability to reinforce the ‘golden thread’ – the complete record
of materials and processes underpinning Building Safety Regulations. For light
steel frame manufacturers, every stud, track and component can be digitally
identified, verified and traced to its source. This traceability
improves accountability and supports compliance with standards such as EN 1090,
EN 1993 and EN 14195. Performance data covering fire, structural integrity or
acoustics is always accessible, reassuring regulators, contractors and building
owners while providing manufacturers with proof of compliance at every stage.
Unlocking
lifecycle value
Light steel is
inherently circular – it can be recycled indefinitely without loss of quality
and systems are increasingly designed for reuse. DPPs accelerate the shift from
the traditional build, use, demolish model towards a more circular light steel
approach – reduce, reuse, recycle, repeat. By documenting material
composition, recycled content (usually 60% for light steel), embodied carbon
and end-of-life options, DPPs enhance the environmental profile of light steel
systems. A simple QR code scan could confirm recycled content, CE marking, ISO
certification and full recyclability. Such transparency adds long-term value,
supports secondary markets for reuse and strengthens the sector’s
sustainability credentials.
Enhancing
safety with digital traceability
Safety is a top
priority for construction, and DPPs enable instant verification of component
identity, composition and performance. If issues arise, they can be traced
quickly to the source, enabling corrective action and supporting regulatory
oversight. For an industry focused on the Building Safety Act, DPPs are
a proactive step. Instead of paper trails or siloed data, safety information is
digital, verifiable and accessible, strengthening confidence at every stage of
a project.
Integration with digital workflows
To deliver their full
value, DPPS must integrate with Building Information Modelling (BIM) and other
digital workflows. Interoperability is crucial – data must be structured,
machine-readable and continuously updated. For manufacturers, DPPs become
a ‘live record’ updated as processes or data change. For designers and
contractors, accurate product information feeds directly into BIM and asset
management systems, reducing errors and improving efficiency across the
construction process.
A
guide for the light steel sector
We are currently preparing
to guide our members through the DPPs journey – from compiling and structuring
lifecycle data, to selecting the right digital formats and ensuring
interoperability. A typical passport for a light steel stud might
include:
Looking ahead
With regulatory requirements expected to roll out over the next two years,
the LSFA encourages early adoption. Proactive engagement reduces risks,
positions businesses as industry leaders and demonstrates commitment to
transparency and sustainability. After years of sustainability
discussions, DPPs represent decisive action. For the light steel sector, they
go beyond compliance to demonstrate leadership in digital traceability, safety
and circularity. The LSFA is committed to supporting members throughout
this transition. By embracing DPPs early, the sector can continue leading the
way in safe, sustainable and future-ready construction.
For
more information visit: www.lsf-association.co.uk
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