Both publications provide companies and decision-makers with key insights into how data-driven approaches can be used to implement and scale circular value creation in practice.
The Digital Product Passport as a Catalyst for the Circular Economy
Under the title “Digital Product Passport: A Digital Catalyst for a Circular Transformation,” the researchers are examining how the Digital Product Passport (DPP), as a structured data space spanning the entire product lifecycle, can create transparency and thereby specifically support circular strategies such as reuse, repair, and recycling. It becomes clear that the DPP goes far beyond a mere regulatory instrument and is increasingly understood as the infrastructural foundation for circular value creation systems.. Its key value lies in the availability, structuring, and interoperability of product data, which are essential for enabling transparent and traceable supply chains. At the same time, implementation is not only a technical challenge but also requires high data quality, appropriate governance structures, and the ability to share information across organizational and industry boundaries. The authors’ conclusion: The DPP should not be viewed in isolation, but rather as part of a comprehensive digital ecosystem. It is only through collaboration among manufacturers, suppliers, recycling companies, and platform providers within interoperable data spaces that it can realize its full potential.
Data and Digital Technologies for a Circular Ecosystem
The findings presented in the report titled “Towards a Smart Circular Ecosystem in the Automotive Industry: The Role of Data and Digital Technologies” demonstrate how data serves as an enabler for circular value creation in the automotive industry: As a unifying element throughout the entire vehicle and component lifecycle, they provide transparency regarding material flows while also enabling the systematic use of product and usage data for repair, reuse, and remanufacturing processes. On this basis, new data-driven and circular business models are emerging. At the same time, the researchers emphasize that technological solutions alone are not enough; rather, collaboration along complex, highly interconnected value chains is crucial. Data availability and quality, common standards, and trust among stakeholders are key prerequisites for this. The transition to a smart circular ecosystem can only succeed if digital and sustainable transformation are consistently integrated—so far, treating them separately has left significant potential untapped.
See publications
Dietrich, K., Schuster, T., & Bühler, L. (2025). Digital Product Passport: A Digital Catalyst for a Circular Transformation. Journal of Circular Economy, 3(2).60-83
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55845/joce-2025-32212
Fendt, D., Schuster, T., & Hamper, A. (2026). Towards a Smart Circular Ecosystem in the Automotive Industry: The Role of Data and Digital Technologies. Journal of Circular Economy, 3(5). 70-99
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55845/joce-2026-3527
Contact
Prof. Dr. Tassilo Schuster
