Introduction
Beyond Tokens: Other Significant ERC Standards You Should Know is an essential topic for anyone exploring the Ethereum ecosystem. While most people associate ERCs with token standards like ERC-20 or ERC-721, the truth is that Ethereum has produced dozens of proposals shaping much more than tokens. From digital identity and account abstraction to composable assets, these standards are pushing blockchain technology into new territories.
In this blog, we’ll break down other ERC standards explained, highlight their importance, and show how they extend far beyond tokens. By the end, you’ll understand why developers, businesses, and innovators should pay close attention to these evolving frameworks.
What Are ERC Standards and Why They Matter?
ERC stands for Ethereum Request for Comment. These are technical documents where developers propose improvements or set rules for how applications interact on Ethereum.
The most famous examples are token standards:
- ERC-20: Created fungible tokens, fueling DeFi.
- ERC-721: Standardized NFTs, sparking the digital art boom.
- ERC-1155: Enabled multi-token contracts for efficiency.
But ERC standards beyond tokens exist. They address identity, security, interoperability, and even user experience. Think of them as the building blocks that help Ethereum grow from a simple smart contract platform into a global digital infrastructure.
ERC-725: Digital Identity Standard
One of the most important Ethereum token standards beyond tokens is ERC-725, also called the identity standard.
What It Does
- Defines a structure for digital identity on Ethereum.
- Lets users or organizations manage public keys, attributes, and authorizations.
- Works like a blockchain-based passport for individuals, businesses, or devices.
Why It Matters
Today, identity is fragmented. You log into social media with one account, banking apps with another, and government portals separately. ERC-725 identity standard aims to unify identity across platforms while giving users full control.
Imagine proving your age for an online service without revealing your name or address. ERC-725 makes selective disclosure possible.
Use Cases
- KYC in finance: Secure and decentralized customer verification.
- IoT devices: Machines with unique blockchain identities.
- Enterprise identity: Corporations managing employee access.
This ERC pushes Ethereum closer to being a backbone for Web3 digital identity.
ERC-4337: Account Abstraction for Better User Experience
Another game-changing proposal is ERC-4337 account abstraction.
What It Does
- Decouples accounts from private keys.
- Enables smart contract wallets that handle transactions on behalf of users.
- Adds flexibility in fee payments (gas can be paid in tokens, not just ETH).
Why It Matters
Current Ethereum wallets are not beginner-friendly. Lose your private key, and you lose everything. With ERC-4337, wallets can include recovery options, multi-signature security, or even biometric authentication.
This ERC standard for developers opens doors to mainstream adoption by making Ethereum as easy as traditional apps.
Use Cases
- Wallet recovery: Trusted contacts help restore lost access.
- Gasless transactions: Apps sponsor gas for users.
- Custom security rules: Businesses set spending limits for employees.
With ERC-4337 account abstraction, Ethereum bridges the gap between hardcore crypto users and everyday consumers.
ERC-998: Composable Tokens
If ERC-721 gave us NFTs, ERC-998 composable tokens take them to the next level.
What It Does
- Allows NFTs to own other NFTs or even ERC-20 tokens.
- Creates hierarchical structures of ownership.
Why It Matters
Think of an in-game avatar NFT. With ERC-998, that avatar can “own” clothing items (NFTs) and gold coins (ERC-20 tokens). Sell the avatar, and the buyer gets everything inside.
Use Cases
- Gaming: Transfer full characters with assets intact.
- Real estate: A property NFT could hold rental agreements or tokenized furniture.
- DeFi portfolios: Bundle multiple assets into a single NFT.
This non-token ERC standard reshapes how digital ownership works, making assets more flexible and intuitive.
ERC-777: An Advanced Token Standard
While technically still about tokens, the ERC-777 token standard deserves mention because it improves on ERC-20 in important ways.
Key Features
- Allows operators (like custodians) to send tokens on behalf of others.
- Prevents accidental loss of tokens due to wrong contract interactions.
- Provides hooks for better smart contract communication.
Why It Matters
ERC-20 was revolutionary but has flaws. Many tokens have been lost because users sent them to contracts that couldn’t handle them. ERC-777 token standard fixes that.
Use Cases
- DeFi platforms: Easier integration and safer transfers.
- Enterprise tokens: Built-in operator roles fit corporate needs.
- Cross-chain bridges: Enhanced communication protocols.
This standard shows Ethereum is constantly evolving, even in areas it already dominates.
Other Notable ERC Standards Beyond Tokens
Ethereum’s flexibility has produced many creative ERCs. Some are experimental, others already in use:
- ERC-1400: For security tokens, ensuring compliance with regulations.
- ERC-1155 (multi-token): Used heavily in gaming and marketplaces.
- ERC-4626: Vault standard for DeFi, improving yield strategies.
- ERC-2612: Adds gasless approval for ERC-20 tokens.
Each of these ERCs contributes to the future of ERC standards, making Ethereum more secure, efficient, and user-friendly.
The Future of ERC Standards
Looking ahead, ERC standards and interoperability will be crucial. Ethereum faces competition from blockchains like Solana and Polkadot. To stay ahead, ERC proposals must focus on:
- Interoperability: Seamless asset movement across chains.
- Compliance: Aligning with global financial regulations.
- Scalability: Lower gas costs and faster processing.
- User experience: Removing friction for mass adoption.
As more industries embrace blockchain, understanding Ethereum improvement proposals will become vital not just for developers but for businesses, governments, and end users.
Conclusion
Beyond Tokens: Other Significant ERC Standards You Should Know proves that Ethereum innovation doesn’t stop at ERC-20 or NFTs. Standards like ERC-725, ERC-4337, ERC-998, and ERC-777 show how Ethereum evolves to solve real-world problems: from digital identity and user-friendly wallets to composable ownership and advanced security.
By following these ERCs, developers and businesses gain insight into the Ethereum ecosystem’s future. The blockchain world is moving from hype-driven tokens to robust frameworks that power finance, identity, and beyond.
