How North is Redefining Customer Connection Through Digital Product Passports

Building Connection Through Innovation

What if every surfboard, kite, or wetsuit could do more than perform - what if it could connect riders to a global community? That question inspired North Actionsports Group, home to North Kiteboarding, Mystic, and North Windsurfing, to reimagine how products engage customers.

With design roots in New Zealand and a reputation for pushing boundaries, North has always created gear that unites people with the water and with each other. But as expectations evolved  and new EU transparency regulations loomed - the brand saw a chance to turn every product into a digital gateway for connection and trust.

From Loyalty Programs to Living Products

North’s Club North program already offered extended warranties, exclusive events, and member-only perks. Yet static QR codes and one-time promotions couldn’t sustain engagement. The brand wanted a scalable, digital-first solution that merged transparency, traceability, and meaningful customer interaction.

The goal: transform product ownership into an ongoing experience - one that grows stronger every time a rider hits the water.

Partnering with Tappr to Bring DPPs to Life

Together with Tappr, North embedded Digital Product Passports (DPPs) directly into its 2025 product lineup. Each sewn-in QR code gives riders instant access to:

• Club North Membership – Unlock extended warranties, health insurance, events, and exclusive products.
• Lost & Found + Theft Protection – Ownership details link securely to the customer for quick recovery.
• Centralized Product Info – Specs, care instructions, and manuals in one easy-to-access place.

Implementation spanned the globe. Tappr worked hand in hand with North’s design team in New Zealand, integrating DPPs seamlessly across label suppliers and manufacturing partners.

Turning Products into Gateways for Engagement

The results have been transformative. Registration rates soared, turning every product into a natural entry point to Club North. DPPs added measurable value by boosting webshop visibility, enriching sales conversations, and setting a new standard for connected gear in the industry.

Beyond customer experience, DPPs helped North stay ahead of EU regulatory compliance, reinforcing consumer trust through transparency and traceable design.

A Future Where Every Product Connects

With Tappr’s Digital Product Passports, North Actionsports Group has redefined what it means to build connection through products. Each item now tells its own story - a story of performance, care, and community.

For riders, it’s more than just gear. It’s a living link to the brand, a passport to shared experiences, and proof that innovation in watersports doesn’t stop at the shoreline.