Digitalization Meets Sustainability: »DigiPass« Connects Material Data Across Europe

Digital materials, sustainable processes, networked data: In the EU project »DigiPass,« we at Fraunhofer ITWM are working on a digital infrastructure for the circular economy of tomorrow. Our goal: to intelligently link material and product data along the entire value chain – securely, standardized, and in compliance with EU regulations. We contribute our expertise in system integration, data harmonization, and regulatory implementation, and develop practical training programs for specialists. In this way, we are creating the conditions for data-driven innovation and a sustainable, digital industry in Europe.

Sustainability is one of the European Union's strategic goals – and the circular economy is a key component of this. When products and their components are not remanufactured but specifically reused or recycled, this conserves valuable raw materials and saves technical and financial resources. This is where the EU project »DigiPass« comes in: it cooperates with European industry associations to support their members in the green and digital transformation.

A Digital Passport for Materials and Products

The core of the project is the Digital Material and Product Passport (DMPP). This new tool consists of two components: 

• a publicly accessible product passport that meets legal requirements
• a material passport that allows sensitive data to be shared securely and specifically in innovation processes

In this way, »DigiPass« creates the basis for data-supported, networked collaboration – while protecting confidential information.

The DMPP offers new perspectives, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises. Thanks to its modular structure, it can be used flexibly and adapted individually to the digital maturity level of the company. This makes the DMPP a practical tool for getting started with data-driven processes – and paves the way for a sustainable, digital future in material development.

Networking Instead of Data Silos

Today, material data is often still stored in separate systems – distributed across databases, simulations, models, or machines. These data silos stand in the way of efficient and sustainable product development. DigiPass therefore aims to systematically link all these sources and make the information accessible to all participants along the digital value chain – in a standardized, structured, and compatible way.

To achieve this, the project harmonizes not only data formats, but also terms, methods, and technologies, taking regulatory requirements into account. This creates the basis for a common understanding – across company and national borders. This makes exchange easier, more transparent, and significantly more efficient.

A particular focus is on collaboration along the entire value chain – from research institutes to medium-sized companies to the manufacturing industry. DigiPass is testing the developed solutions under real-world conditions in four specific case studies. The results flow directly back into the project and help to further develop the tools and processes in a practical manner.