Integration of the digital product passport into a PLM system

The increasing focus of the European Union on a sustainable and circular economy in the industrial sector has led to the development of the Digital Product Passport (DPP), introduced under the 2020 Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP). The DPP acts as a digital identity assigned to physical products, providing a structured record of essential information about their lifecycle, composition, maintenance, environmental impact and end-of-life management. By facilitating data flow among authorities, supply chain businesses and consumers, the DPP enhances traceability and the achievement of regulatory compliance, serving as a key lever for circular economy strategies. At the same time, Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems play a crucial role in managing product data across different phases, from design to disposal or recycling. However, integrating the DPP into a PLM system presents several challenges, including data standardization, interoperability and compliance with evolving regulations. This thesis explores the theoretical integration of the DPP into the Aras Innovator PLM system, analyzing technical requirements, potential architectures and implications for product data management. The research identifies key functional areas where the DPP can enhance PLM capabilities, such as data exchange, regulatory compliance and supply chain transparency. By proposing a conceptual framework for DPP-PLM integration, this work aims to lay the foundation for future implementations, contributing to a more sustainable and circular approach to product lifecycle management.