A proposed universal definition of a Digital Product Passport Ecosystem (DPPE): Worldviews, discrete capabilities, stakeholder requirements and concerns

• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.135538
• Publication Date: 2022-12-10T06:37:13Z
• Authors: Melanie R.N. King; Paul D. Timms; Sara Mountney
• Keywords: Circular Economy; Digital Economy

This paper contributes new knowledge and understanding about the role that Product Passports might play in advancing sustainable business practices towards a Circular Economy. The significance of this research is proposed universal definition Digital Passport Ecosystem (DPPE) for international policy, industrial technical communities. novelty lies systems thinking approach, coupled with engineering, to define model DPPE as System Systems derive definition. Stakeholder perspectives requirements concerning were synthesised using data analysis from European Commission's (EC) open consultation on Sustainable Products Initiative (SPI). Nine high-level capabilities have been identified, each explored by mapping list information discussed within consultation. It shown different applications benefit (or detriment) stakeholder groups. Findings suggest solutions must be systemic, providing interoperability across multiple product life cycles, organisations, supply chains, value chains order operate borders: thus realising benefits world (circular) economies planet. Furthermore, it if stakeholders utilise conjunction set agreed ethical principles underpin legislation, there would fewer contradictions ambiguity between regarding purpose reasons sharing data. Finally, authors conclude more needed incentives producers share integrate their existing production broader ecosystem architectures allow maximum minimal duplication. In addition, future should determine specific DPP product-by-product basis, along opportunities will enable symbiosis.