An Auditable PPR Framework for the Digital Product Passport using AAS-based Process Passports

Abstract

Starting with 2027, the first product groups in the EU are legally bound to introduce the Digital Product Passport (DPP) as an enabler for circular economy by sharing product-related information along the entire life cycle. While the DPP also provides new business opportunities through data transparency, companies face uncertainties regarding design, setup, operation and maintenance of the required IT infrastructure, and securing their business secrets. In this paper, a framework for the DPP is presented, enabling detailed traceability of individual processes, and recalculation, verification and extension of DPP key performance indicators (KPIs) in case of audits or changing DPP requirements. Through referencing between products and processes within the Asset Administration Shell (AAS), a verifiable DPP is envisioned, facilitating services like accountability for green audits and aggregation for a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). Finally, the framework is applied in a case study within tool manufacturing for the calculation of the Product Carbon Footprint (PCF).