Predictive generation of digital product passport as decision support in circular networks

Abstract

In order to guarantee the development of sustainable solutions in the framework of a circular economy, there is a continuous need for data traceability and access to the relevant stakeholders in modern product engineering. Digital product passports (DPPs), which are digital identities linked to physical products and can track their lifecycles using information like technical specifications, user manuals, and repair and maintenance guides, are one of the innovative technological solutions that can facilitate the shift toward a circular economy. DPP aims to help consumers make better (more sustainable) purchase decisions based on the available product information. The technical needs of DPPs remain unclear, although the relevant academic community has begun to provide a full review of their potential to form an enabler for the circular economy DPP shall support the repair, remanufacturing, and recycling activities of a product. DPP becomes complex for products with variants or configured products. For this purpose, an integrated DPP framework is developed, including a chatbot, with the potential of being adapted in different sector stages for the generation and distribution of DPPs both for stakeholders and consumers. This solution demonstrates the usage of DPP in different configurations along the product lifecycle. This study elaborates the concept of DPP as a strategic capability by contributing a framework for developing new DPP services that strengthen companies' relationships with their customers, sustain and accentuate the collaboration among companies in the supply chain, and generate new competitive advantage in the market.