Exploring the value ecosystem of digital product passports

Digital product passports (DPPs) are an emerging digital technology that advances the circular economy (CE) by facilitating inter-organizational data sharing and life-cycle management of products. This paper investigates DPP value ecosystems, articulated through the e³-value modeling language, to address the research question: How to model the value ecosystem of digital product passports as boundary objects by identifying and analyzing the relevant actors, their needs, and the connections between them? Utilizing a systematic literature review, secondary data collection from active DPP instances, and gray literature, we construct a comprehensive e³-value model. The model delineates the interactions and value flows among key stakeholders, including manufacturers, suppliers, consumers, end-of-life actors, and regulatory authorities. A specific application of the model is demonstrated through the battery passport, mandated by the EU Battery Regulation. The findings suggest that DPPs enhance transparency, regulatory compliance, and sustainable practices by providing detailed product lifecycle data. The study underlines the necessity for clear data-sharing guidelines and highlights the multifaceted roles of DPPs in supporting a CE.