Digital information plays a central role in the sustainable design of products and value chains. As part of the international initiative "Digitalization for Circular Economy" (D4CE), the Wuppertal Institute is working together with international partners to develop a Blueprint for a Global Framework for Digital Product Information Systems (DPIS). One example is the EU's Digital Product Passport (DPP). These systems are intended to provide reliable information along the entire value chain – for example, on material composition, carbon footprint and recyclability.
The aim of the project is to employ the opportunities created by digital transformation to develop an environmentally and socially responsible circular economy. The Wuppertal Institute contributes its expertise on transformation processes, resource policy and governance.
The initiative is part of an international collaboration led by the One Planet Network and the Coalition for Digital Environmental Sustainability (CODES). Partners include the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The global Framework is intended to provide guidelines and recommendations for the design of interoperable, inclusive and sustainable DPIS.
The Wuppertal Institute’s work steps include:
- a data gap analysis and the development of a structured data list,
- an analysis of technological requirements for the implementation of DPIS,
- support in conducting international consultations with stakeholders from academia, industry, and politics to identify their opportunities, obstacles, and needs in relation to implementing DPIS.
Close cooperation between all parties involved is essential to creating a solid foundation for a comprehensive understanding of the requirements and Framework conditions of a future global DPIS.