Sigma Technology to help clients to prepare for EU legislation with Digital Product Passports

Swedish companies are gearing up for the upcoming EU legislation requiring the use of Digital Product Passports. At a recent event hosted by Borås Science Park, Niklas Malmros, CEO of Solutions Group at Sigma Technology, together with Erik Lundh, Project Leader of Interior Cluster, spoke about how they are collaborating with clients to prepare for the legislation, presenting the digital product passport framework developed by Sigma Technology and Interior Cluster. The Digital Product Passport promotes transparency and accountability in the manufacturing and consumption of goods.

In March 2022, the European Commission introduced the European Green Deal, a plan for sustainable development and growth. The Green Deal aims to achieve a 55% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030 compared to 1990 levels and, additionally, to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. To promote a circular economy and reduce waste, the European Commission has proposed a range of initiatives covering the entire life cycle of a product. These initiatives are designed to maximize the use of materials within the EU economy and minimize waste. Digital Product Passport (DPP) is among the solutions to achieve the goal.

The requirements for the digital product passport will affect all products in the European Market. First out for a passport will be textile, electronic devices, construction, plastics, automotive, and chemicals. All other products will follow that. By 2026, the representatives of these industries are to implement the DPP solution.

Together with Interior Cluster, which is part of the Nordic Blockchain Alliance, Sigma Technology has worked out a framework on how companies can work and prepare for implementing a dynamic digital passport that follows the product along the life cycle and can be adjusted as more changes and details are introduced to legislation. The company is collaborating with Linnaeus University in Växjö, where students are making a thesis on the Digital Product Passport. Sigma Technology and Interior Cluster are currently also in dialogue with companies, which are part of the Nordic Blockchain Alliance, on how they are preparing for the legislation and exploring potential prototypes and how blockchain technology can enable Digital Product Passports.

Earlier in April 2023, Borås Science Park hosted an event called "Leading the transition to a circular textile & fashion industry," where industry leaders, researchers, and experts gathered to discuss the latest developments in sustainable production and consumption practices. One of the highlights of the event was the presentation by Niklas Malmros, CEO of Solutions Group at Sigma Technology Group, who spoke together with Erik Lundh from Interior Cluster about the upcoming requirement from the European Union to start using Digital Product Passports and how Swedish companies and plants can prepare for this legislation.

Niklas comments: "Companies preparing for the Digital Product Passports will be well-positioned for tomorrow's circular economy. By enhancing transparency and traceability, this solution will enable companies to build trust with consumers and stakeholders, which will help to drive sustainable and responsible practices in the industry. Waiting until the legislation is in place risks putting companies at a disadvantage and missing out on the many benefits that come with embracing sustainability."

Erik adds: “SMEs face several challenges with the digital product passport. The work Sigma and Interior Cluster Sweden are doing will clarify the benefits and challenges of the product passport. The industry will therefore be more prepared when the requirements from the EU are implemented.”

For more information, contact:

Nataly Lamkén, Chief Communication Officer at Sigma Technology Group, nataly.lamken@sigmatechnology.com

Niklas Malmros, CEO of Solutions Group at Sigma Technology Group, niklas.malmros@sigmatechnology.com