TL;DR:

The sector is developing dynamically, but sustainability remains a serious challenge – from the sources of raw materials to the recycling of finished products.

Introduction

The furniture industry is one of the most important sectors in the European economy. It includes both large manufacturing enterprises and small craft workshops that combine traditions and modern technologies. However, behind the wealth of designs and product diversity lie a number of challenges: excessive use of wood materials, lack of traceability of raw materials, presence of harmful chemicals and difficulties in recycling products at the end of their lifecycle.

In response to these problems, the European Union will introduce the Digital Product Passport (DPP) – an instrument that will become mandatory for furniture in the coming years. The passport will accompany every product throughout its entire life – from the extraction of raw materials and production, through trade and use, to reuse or recycling.

Manufacturers who are traditionally strongly export-oriented towards Europe are in a unique position. Early adoption of the new standards can turn them into preferred partners for leading retail chains and brands.

What is DPP for furniture?

The Digital Product Passport is a digital identity of a piece of furniture that collects and provides key information to all participants in the chain – manufacturers, distributors, retailers, consumers and regulators.

Origin of materials

The passport will clearly indicate whether the wood is certified, where the metal and textile components come from, and what adhesives or coatings were used. This reduces the risk of illegal logging and prevents the use of harmful chemicals that endanger human health and the environment.

Sustainability and certificates

DPP will also include data on compliance with safety and sustainability standards. This is important both for supply chain partners who require guarantees and for end customers who increasingly seek furniture with a proven environmental profile.

Carbon footprint

Each passport will contain information about emissions generated during extraction, transportation and production. This way, consumers will be able to compare two products not only by price and design, but also by environmental impact.

Assembly and maintenance instructions

Instead of just a paper manual, DPP will provide digital access to assembly, proper use and maintenance guidelines. This will extend the life of furniture and reduce the need for premature replacement.

Repairability and recyclability

The passport will also contain information about which parts of the furniture can be replaced and how they can be separated for recycling. This way, old furniture will not end up as waste but will return to the economy as raw materials.

Impact on the supply chain

Furniture production often involves materials from different countries – wood from Scandinavia, metal from Central Europe, textiles from Turkey, assembly in Bulgaria. This complex chain makes traceability difficult and expensive. DPP will change this in several ways.

Less fraud

When information about raw materials is digital and verifiable, illegal logging or the use of prohibited substances will be easier to detect. This will create a fairer market and protect honest manufacturers.

Faster control

Customs authorities and inspectors will be able to verify furniture compliance with a single scan. This will shorten inspection times and speed up trade within the EU.

Standardised data

When information is unified at European level, all participants – from suppliers to retailers – will speak the same "language". This will reduce the administrative burden and the risk of errors.

Technologies for implementing DPP in furniture

To connect the product with its passport, a physical data carrier is needed. In the furniture industry, solutions must be durable and adapted to the way the product is used.

QR codes

The most accessible solution – they can be printed on labels, packaging or hidden in the furniture construction. They are cheap and easy to use, but can fade or be damaged during long-term use.

NFC chips

An increasingly popular choice for the premium segment. They allow access via smartphone without visual contact, which is convenient for consumers. Their price is higher, but they offer better durability than QR codes.

RFID solutions

Used mainly in warehouses and logistics, where it is important to process hundreds of items at once. They provide high efficiency but require an initial investment in readers and infrastructure. Suitable for manufacturers and distributors who manage large volumes.

The best practice is to combine several technologies according to needs – for example, QR for the consumer and RFID for logistics.

Benefits for participants

Manufacturers

For them, DPP is a tool that proves sustainability and quality control. This makes them more reliable partners for international clients and creates opportunities for new markets.

Distributors

With a single scan, they receive the full product history. This facilitates logistics, reduces the risk of counterfeits and speeds up customs processes.

Retailers

DPP enables better inventory management and faster customer service. It also builds trust – the customer knows they are buying an authentic and sustainable product.

Consumers

For the end customer, DPP is a guarantee of transparency. They can be sure they are buying furniture with proven origin, safe materials and clear maintenance instructions.

Regulators and society

Passports facilitate the fight against illegal logging and the grey sector, increase the recycling rate and provide more accurate data for policies in the field of sustainable development.

Challenges and risks

Investments

Purchasing equipment, software and training requires resources. For small enterprises, this can be a serious barrier.

Cybersecurity

When data is digital, there is a risk of misuse. Therefore, reliable protection and access control systems will need to be introduced.

Technical durability

Labels and chips must withstand years of use, sometimes under harsh conditions – in hotels, public buildings or outdoor spaces.

Lack of standardisation

Differences in RFID frequencies and formats can create problems in international trade. The EU is expected to work on unified requirements.

Human factor

Implementation requires a change in mindset and training. Some companies may resist due to lack of expertise or fear of new costs.

The Furniture Industry: Opportunity and Risk

Europe has a strong tradition in furniture manufacturing – from solid wood to upholstered products and hotel furnishings.

Opportunities

Proximity to the EU market is a strategic advantage. If manufacturers implement DPP on time, they can position themselves as sustainable and innovative partners. In addition, new niches are opening up – "smart furniture" with sensors and integrated services, as well as modular systems that can be updated and partially replaced.

Risks

Small companies risk falling behind due to lack of capital and preparation. Competitors from Poland, Romania or Turkey are already investing in digitalisation and could outpace manufacturers in the race for European markets.

Our Role – WIARA as a Partner in Furniture Digitalisation

At WIARA, we view the Digital Product Passport not just as a regulation, but as an opportunity for strategic transformation. We support furniture manufacturers at every step of the process – from analysing production lines and selecting appropriate technologies to integrating them with existing ERP systems.

Our SaaS platform automates data management and ensures compliance with European requirements. We also provide team training and long-term support. This way, manufacturers get fast implementation, lower risk and a real competitive advantage in the European market.

Looking to the Future

By 2027, the first categories of furniture will be covered by DPP. By 2030, almost every product for the home and office will have a digital passport. This will lead to a number of changes.

New business models

"Furniture as a service" and a secondary market for products with proven origin will become part of the industry.

Greater trust in brands

Transparency will become a key factor in choice, and manufacturers who offer it first will be preferred.

Higher quality requirements

Customers will expect furniture with a longer lifespan, repairability and a clear guarantee of sustainability.

Conclusion

The Digital Product Passport is the future of the furniture industry. It provides transparency for customers, confidence for retailers and new opportunities for manufacturers.

For companies, the choice is clear: either wait and risk falling behind, or act now – implement DPP and position themselves as leaders in sustainable furniture production.

DPP is not a burden. It is an opportunity – an opportunity for the furniture industry to prove that sustainability and competitiveness go hand in hand.