New: EU-compliant Digital Product Passport starter is live — see it in action. Book Demo
Book Demo
Data Carriers

Direct Access to Digital Truth

The bridge between your physical product and the digital world. Secure, durable, and instant access.

Explore Solutions

Data carriers for DPP Data carriers for Digital Product Passports are the physical mediums that link a product to its digital identity. Main options include NFC tags (such as NTAG 424 DNA), QR codes, and DataMatrix codes, each with different levels of security, cost, and durability. Authentica supports all major data carrier standards and offers solutions such as Smart Patch and Smart Label with embedded NFC chips.

Digital Product Passport on garment

Built to Connect.
Ready to Integrate.

Deploy smart labels fast and integrate them into your existing workflows. Our hardware solutions provide the physical bridge to your digital products, ensuring security and durability at scale.

From NFC and QR to smart patches and woven labels, we support the format that fits your product and supply chain—so you can meet compliance, fight counterfeits, and unlock new customer experiences without slowing down.

Secure
Instant Access
Plug & Play
Customizable
Catalog

Available Data Carriers

Choose the right data carrier for your products and workflows.

Smart Patch data carrier

Smart Patch

Premium external patches for accessories and outerwear branding.

Smart Label data carrier

Smart Label

Discrete design woven directly into garments for permanent identification.

QR Code data carrier

QR Code

Scan-to-engage QR codes for packaging, hangtags, and instant access to product stories and verification.

NFC Chip data carrier

NFC Chip

Tap-to-verify NFC inlays and tags for contactless authentication and rich product data at point of sale.

Hardware Advisory

Unsure which carrier is right for you?

Contact Solutions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between NFC and QR code for DPP?

NFC tags offer cryptographic authentication that is impossible to clone and do not require visual contact, but have a higher unit cost (€0.10-€0.50). QR codes are inexpensive (€0.01-€0.05) and easy to print, but can be copied.

What type of NFC tag does Authentica use?

Authentica uses NTAG 424 DNA chips from NXP Semiconductors, the industry standard for cryptographic authentication. Each chip supports SUN (Secure Unique NFC) authentication with unique codes at every scan.

Can I use both NFC and QR code on the same product?

Yes. Many brands combine an NFC chip for high-security authentication with a visible QR code for quick access to product information. Both can be linked to the same Digital Passport.

Are the tags resistant to washing and wear?

Authentica's Smart Patches and Smart Labels are designed to withstand industrial washing, extreme temperatures, and mechanical wear. Durability varies based on application type and product material.