# Circularise Circularise is a supply chain traceability platform for manufacturers that need to collect supplier evidence, trace materials and transactions, and share verified product data for Digital Product Passports, compliance, and circularity programs. # Circularise Source: https://www.circularise.com/ Overview of Circularise, its supply chain traceability platform, and the main collect, trace, and share workflows it supports. Bridge your battery data seamlessly to EU Battery Passport standards Talk to an expert Collect Trace Share # Collect, trace, and share supply chain data. Collect supply chain data See our solutions below. Contact View Resources Suppliers You Customers ### Select a use case above Choose a use case that applies to your business to discover which Circularise solutions you need. Used by teams at Press Release Honda uses Circularise to strengthen battery passport readiness ahead of 2027 EU requirements Honda Motor Europe and Circularise are preparing for the EU digital battery passport deadline with traceability and controlled data-sharing. Open resource Case Study Creating a transparent supply chain: how Samsonite and Circularise are leading the future of sustainable luggage Samsonite, in partnership with Circularise, reinforces a commitment to transparency through the implementation of digital product passports. This case study explores how both companies collaborated and the tangible results of creating a traceability infrastructure in the travel accessories industry. Open resource Creating a transparent supply chain: how Samsonite and Circularise are leading the future of sustainable luggage logo Case Study Traceability as strategy: How Teijin is scaling circularity with Digital Product Passports In a collaborative effort to meet the rising demand for circularity, Teijin Limited partnered with Circularise to develop Digital Product Passports (DPPs). This project successfully traced materials from the factory to recycled content, demonstrating large-scale traceability. The findings are now guiding Teijin's next steps toward a circular economy, backed by a strategic investment in Circularise. Open resource Teijin logo Expert guide Download our guide to EU Battery Regulation and battery passports Turn the regulation into a practical readiness plan with expert guidance on requirements, responsibilities, and the steps toward 2027. Get the guide ## Implementation checklist Use this as your internal traceability plan. You can email it to yourself. # Collect Source: https://www.circularise.com/collect/ Explains how Circularise Collect helps teams gather supplier evidence for DPP, compliance, and audit-ready reporting. Requested data Data point Type Mandatory Recycled Content: Nickel Percentage No Country of origin Country Yes AI AI validation 3 rules active ## Your supplier data programme fails on participation and messy evidence. ### Ignored requests Emails end up in spam or get lost in cluttered inboxes without proper follow-ups. ### Lack of visibility No way to track where a supplier is in the process until the deadline has passed. ### Data inconsistency Manual entry leads to formatting errors and unverifiable documentation. System Alert 48% of Tier-2 suppliers haven't opened the request. ## Built for supplier adoption, not passive form filling. We measure engagement in real-time to predict which suppliers need white-glove support versus automated nudges. Passive Reliable High Momentum Critical Risk Delayed Action ← Low Engagement High Engagement → ### Predictive momentum Identify bottlenecks before deadlines. Our AI analyzes historical response speeds to forecast completion dates. ### Incentivised Flow Suppliers get instant value with automated compliance reports for their own records, increasing completion rates. AI-enhanced audit ## AI quality checks that turn messy submissions into audit-grade datasets. - Consistency analysis: Cross-references PDF evidence with form inputs to detect discrepancies instantly. - Automated nudges: Smart triggers contact suppliers only when specific data is missing or invalid. - OCR extraction: Automatically pulls key metrics from certificates and invoices without manual typing. Scope-3_Emissions_2024.pdf Verified by AI Inspector Validated Emission Value 1,240 tCO2e Facility ID FAC-8892-X Confidence Score 99.8% AI extracted and verified against request schema. Ready for evidence pack export. ## Seamless lifecycle management ### Define requirements Set metrics based on global regulations. ### Dispatch requests Omni-channel invites to all tiers. ### AI verification Real-time quality checks on entry. ### Resolve gaps Collaborative in-app feedback loops. ### Export evidence pack Audit-ready documentation in one click. ## Customer-backed from day one. Proof that verified supplier data turns transparency goals into something operational. Model carrying a Circulair Essens suitcase. ” > “Traceability is key to strengthening our sustainability initiatives, ensuring we can confidently back up our claims with verified data. By working with Circularise, we are taking steps toward full supply chain transparency, creating a foundation for more responsible production and consumption.” Pauline Koslowski VP Research, Innovation & Development at Samsonite ## Enterprise-ready by default Mission-critical infrastructure for global manufacturers. SSO & SAML Ready ISO 27001 Certified 99.9% Uptime RESTful API First ## Common questions about supplier adoption. What is supplier data collection in Circularise? It is a structured workflow for requesting, reviewing, and approving supplier evidence such as origin data, declarations, certificates, and supporting documents so that the same evidence can support compliance and customer-facing claims. Why is supplier data collection important for Digital Product Passports? Digital Product Passports depend on accurate upstream data. If supplier inputs are late, inconsistent, or unverifiable, the final passport becomes harder to trust, audit, or update. Can suppliers share data without exposing confidential information? Yes. Circularise is designed to collect the minimum data needed for a use case while keeping permissions and downstream sharing under control. Demo ### Get a product demo Take our 30-minute product demo to see how we can improve your current collection programme. # Trace Source: https://www.circularise.com/trace/ Details how Circularise Trace handles chain of custody, mass balance bookkeeping, and evidence-backed material traceability. ## Standard methodologies Native support for all ISO 22095 Chain of Custody models. 01 ### Identity Preserved Maintain full physical separation of material from origin to final product. Perfect for high-value sustainable inputs. 02 ### Segregated Certified material is kept physically separate from non-certified material, but can be mixed with other certified material. 03 ### Controlled Blending Mixing certified and non-certified material with precise percentage tracking and claim management. 04 ### Mass Balance Administrative reconciliation of material inputs and outputs within a defined boundary, allowing for complex chemical flows. ## Evidence collection Collect supplier declarations, tank inventory evidence, and governed conversion rules for petrochemical and fuel feedstocks in the same trace workflow. Boundary-aware bookkeeping ### Define the exact scope that owns each claim. Sites & Units RT Manufacturing Site Rotterdam petrochemical complex 4 processes active E3 Production line Steam cracker line 2 3 batches in inventory B7 Storage unit Feedstock tank T-107 84 batches in inventory Conversion logic ### Define process inputs and outputs with yield rates and certified allocation factors. Mass balance Active process Steam cracking to PE resin Output batch 9,000 kg Bio-naphtha 6,250 kg 62.5% Circular pyrolysis oil 3,750 kg 37.5% Yield rate 90% Output allocation Polyethylene resin (ISCC PLUS) 62.5% of output batch ## Visualise the chain correctly Stop using generic spreadsheets. See your supply chain through the lens of certified feedstock allocation and petrochemical transformations. Chain of custody 10,000 kg balance · ISCC PLUS petrochemical unit Live balance 37.5% 62.5% Input Circular pyrolysis oil 3,750 kg Input Bio-naphtha 6,250 kg Process Steam cracker + PE line 10,000 kg certified output Final product Polyethylene resin (ISCC PLUS) 10,000 kg View details Chain of custody Circular pyrolysis oil -> Steam cracker + PE line -> Polyethylene resin ### Polyethylene resin (ISCC PLUS) 10,000 kg Country of origin Belgium Activity Allocated from certified production ## AI ingestion Scan supplier declarations, delivery notes, and sustainability certificates into custody records. Circularise extracts feedstock, certification, and quantity data, then re-validates the record. iscc_plus_batch_03.pdf Supplier declaration · 1.4 MB Start scan PDF Ready to scan PDF AI validation status Waiting for PDF scan 0% Supplier Queued Rotterdam Circular Feedstocks B.V. Product Type Queued Circular pyrolysis oil feedstock Quantity Queued 10,000 kg 94% Less manual entry across supplier declarations and delivery notes 2 min From uploaded PDF to structured trace record 1 pass Extraction, mapping, and validation in the same review flow report_ISCC_PLUS_Pr... Name Size Kind Incoming_Transactions -- Folder Tx-ndpilg7iq6gup2vz2x74gil2 -- Folder Bill of Lading .pdf 7 KB PDF Document Certificate of Analysis .pdf 7 KB PDF Document Tx-ndpilg7iq6gup2vz2x74gil2 .pdf 188 KB PDF Document Outgoing_Transactions -- Folder Tx-v0yv238vdz13jr01c5mz7mgj -- Folder Tx-v0yv238vdz13jr01c5mz7mgj .pdf 193 KB PDF Document report_Circularise_B.V._ISCC_PLUS_PE_2026-03-25 .pdf 186 KB PDF Document report_Circularise_B.V._ISCC_PLUS_PE_2026-03-25 .xlsx 11 KB Excel Workbook 10 items, 92.8 GB available ## Reporting Generate reports from records with one click. - •Quarterly mass balance reconciliation summaries - •Transaction-level traceability certificates - •ISCC EU and ISCC PLUS compliance audit reports - •Audit-ready data exports (Excel & PDF) ## Built for traceability teams under audit pressure Operational control matters most when methodology, evidence, and reporting all have to line up. DOMO Chemicals Premnitz production site. ” > “Once we selected the traceability software, we really valued the collaborative teamwork with Circularise and the prompt support they provided whenever we had specific requests.” Giampaolo Buzzi Director EM Global Product Management at DOMO ## Enterprise-ready by default Mission-critical infrastructure for global manufacturers. SSO & SAML Ready ISO 27001 Certified 99.9% Uptime RESTful API First ## Common questions about governed traceability. What does traceability mean in this context? It means recording product, material, and transaction events in a way that lets a business verify origin, movement, allocation, and supporting evidence for compliance or customer disclosure. How does Circularise support mass balance workflows? Circularise records the evidence, transactions, and allocations behind each claim so teams can reconcile inputs and outputs, keep a clean audit trail, and produce reporting that matches the underlying bookkeeping. Why is traceability different from a document repository? A repository stores files. A traceability system links those files to products, transactions, claims, and approvals so the business can prove what happened and why a claim is valid. Trace walkthrough ### See Trace in action Book a product walkthrough to review custody logic, evidence collection, reporting, and governance for your material flows. # Share Source: https://www.circularise.com/share/ Explains how Circularise Share publishes verified traceability data as DPPs, partner disclosures, APIs, and QR-linked experiences. ## A disclosure layer, not just a viewer While many systems simply display data, Circularise's Disclosure Layer acts as a firewall and orchestrator for your supply chain information. It separates the source of truth from the public interface, allowing you to filter, redact, and augment data before it reaches the end user. ### Redaction engine Hide sensitive proprietary components while proving compliance. ### Dynamic rendering Switch between PDF, Digital Passport, or API outputs instantly. Public Private Environmental Product Declaration ### EV Battery Passport Battery pack VT-9920-L Active Health Restricted Charge 82% Access Public Key data points Chemistry Restricted Recycled content 28% Assembly site Zwolle, NL Lifecycle timeline 1. Restricted Locked event 2. Restricted Locked event 3. Est. 2034 End of life Environmental Product Declaration ### EV Battery Passport Battery pack VT-9920-L Active Health 98% Charge 82% Access Private Key data points Chemistry NMC 811 Recycled content 28% Assembly site Zwolle, NL Lifecycle timeline 1. Oct 2023 Manufacture 2. Jan 2024 Integration 3. Est. 2034 End of life ## Manage disclosure with precision Granular controls that let you define exactly who can see or edit what. Toggle visibility directly in each cell, then grant read or edit access where needed. | Data points Disclosure groups | Public Open scans and public landing pages. | Partners Approved recyclers and service partners. | Internal Operational teams with full clearance. | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Carbon Footprint values and methodology notes. | Hidden Read | Shown Read | Shown Edit | | Passport core Model, serial range, and compliance status. | | | | | Origin Assembly country and material provenance. | | | | ## Share data in the format that fits the moment ### Digital passports Interactive web-based views of product heritage, materials, and compliance. ### Reports Generated on-demand PDFs with cryptographic proof of authenticity. ### APIs Direct machine-to-machine data sharing for automated ecosystem updates. ### QR code experiences Physical-to-digital bridges with custom logic based on scan location. Customer-owned Portable setup QR destination scan.yourbrand.com Your team owns the domain and decides where every code resolves. Standard GS1 Digital Link Identifier GTIN + serial Customer-controlled resolution Point to Circularise today. Repoint later without breaking existing QR codes. Circularise Disclosure layer ## Create QR codes that stay neutral and portable Don't get locked into a single platform. Circularise allows you to generate portable identifiers that point to your own infrastructure while leveraging our disclosure logic. - Vendor independence: Use standard GS1 identifiers that are not tied to a proprietary database. - Domain mapping: Host the disclosure page on your own subdomain, for example scan.yourbrand.com. - Stability: Links remain valid even if your backend architecture evolves over time. ## Share data directly with systems Modern supply chains run on code. Our API Disclosure Layer allows your customers' ERP and PLM systems to pull data automatically, removing the friction of manual report exchanges. ### RESTful Standardized endpoint structures. Request API documentation { "disclosure": { "id": "DPP_88291_AZ", "status": "published", "audience": "public", "claims": [ { "type": "Recycled Content", "value": "45%" } ], "branding": { "endpoint": "https://v.acme.com/88291" } } } ## Activity logging that stays audit-ready Track field updates, newly published templates, and even external events in one structured timeline. External edit ### Maintenance record updated • service.partner@northgrid.eu Partner: NorthGrid Service Partner Change: Passport maintenance record has been updated after the latest service intervention. Oct 25, 2024 08:14:22 UTC Updated ### Maximum net power • battery@circularise.com Before 74.2 kW After 82.5 kW Oct 24, 2024 14:32:05 UTC Created ### New Asset Template: EV-Core-B4 • admin_vault@curator.io Schema V2.4 initialized Automated regulatory alignment enabled for EU Battery Passport compliance. Oct 23, 2024 09:12:44 UTC ## Disclosure programs that bring value The value appears when one source can power both consumer and B2B experiences. Portrait of Philip Altena. ” > “With Circularise, we've seen firsthand how digital product passports can seamlessly connect supply chain partners and create a truly transparent circular process.” Philip Altena Director of Sustainability, Teijin Aramid ## Enterprise-ready by default Mission-critical infrastructure for global manufacturers. SSO & SAML Ready ISO 27001 Certified 99.9% Uptime RESTful API First ## Common questions about governed disclosure What is the difference between traceability and sharing? Traceability records the underlying evidence and transactions. Sharing determines how that verified data is packaged and disclosed to customers, partners, auditors, or regulators. Why do Digital Product Passports need access controls? Different audiences need different levels of detail. A public consumer view, a certification body, and a manufacturing partner often require different disclosures from the same underlying record. Can Circularise publish data through APIs and QR codes? Yes. Circularise Share is built to support direct digital disclosures through APIs, QR-linked experiences, and product passport interfaces. Rollout planning ### Plan your disclosure rollout Book a 30-minute walkthrough to map passports, QR codes, reports, and API outputs around one governed disclosure layer. # Battery Passport Source: https://www.circularise.com/battery-passport/ Canonical Circularise page for Battery Passport software, EU Battery Regulation 2023/1542 readiness, supplier evidence collection, traceability, and QR-code disclosure. What Circularise covers ## A battery passport is only as strong as the evidence behind it. The public passport is the last step. The harder work is collecting trusted supplier data, connecting it to battery and material records, and deciding what each audience can access. Circularise brings those layers together across supplier data collection, chain-of-custody traceability, and governed disclosure for product passports. ### Supplier evidence collection Request, normalize, and review the declarations, certificates, and field-level evidence needed for passport data. ### Battery and material traceability Connect product records to sites, transactions, and upstream evidence so values are defensible when customers or regulators ask. ### Governed passport publishing Publish QR-code accessible views while keeping sensitive commercial data limited to the right audiences. Implementation workflow ## Move from compliance requirement to operating system. Battery passport readiness works best when the program is built as an ongoing data workflow, not a one-time report. 01 ### Collect required data Map battery passport fields to owners, suppliers, and systems, then automate the evidence requests that usually slow teams down. 02 ### Connect the record Link battery identifiers, batch history, supplier evidence, and sustainability claims into an auditable data trail. 03 ### Share the right view Expose the right passport data through QR codes, APIs, and partner access while retaining control over sensitive fields. Battery passport data model ## Prepare the fields that matter before the deadline arrives. Exact implementation details continue to mature, but manufacturers already know the core work: product identity, sustainability data, due diligence evidence, and lifecycle information need owners and proof. ### Battery identity Create a durable product record that can be linked to a physical battery and updated through its lifecycle. - Model, batch, and unique identifiers - Manufacturer and production location - Battery category and chemistry ### Sustainability evidence Back environmental and due diligence claims with structured supplier data and auditable documentation. - Carbon footprint and methodology evidence - Recycled content and material composition - Responsible sourcing and due diligence data ### Lifecycle information Keep the passport useful after sale with governed access to performance, safety, and end-of-life information. - Performance and durability data - Repair, reuse, and state-of-health updates - Dismantling and recycling instructions 2027 readiness ## What to do now if Battery Passport ranking and readiness matter. The teams that rank, sell, and comply best will have a clear operational answer for the same question: where does every passport value come from? Map your readiness with Circularise ### Confirm battery scope Identify which product families, markets, and customer contracts need battery passport support first. ### Prioritize supplier data Start with fields that depend on upstream suppliers, because they are hardest to reconstruct later. ### Define access rules Separate public, partner, customer, and regulator views before sensitive data reaches a QR-code destination. ### Connect existing systems Plan integrations with ERP, PLM, LCA, and compliance systems so the passport becomes a maintained record. Battery passport resources ## Support the hub with focused evidence and deeper reading. Use the canonical page for the buying and compliance query, then route deeper informational intent to guides and articles. Guide EU Battery Regulation and battery passports A practical guide to the regulation, the passport concept, and the data work behind implementation. Requirements EU battery passport regulation requirements Understand required data, access, evidence, and governance considerations for battery passport programs. Regulation Battery Regulation EU: battery passports Learn how the EU Battery Regulation changes traceability, disclosure, and product-level data expectations. ## Battery Passport FAQ Short answers for teams preparing battery passports under the EU Battery Regulation. What is a battery passport? A battery passport is a digital record linked to a physical battery. It makes product, sustainability, due diligence, performance, and lifecycle information accessible to the right audiences. When do EU battery passports become mandatory? The EU Battery Regulation requires battery passports from 18 February 2027 for electric vehicle batteries, light means of transport batteries, and industrial batteries over 2 kWh placed on the EU market. What should battery passport software do? It should collect supplier evidence, connect data to battery and material records, manage access rules, and publish QR-code or API-accessible passport views that can be maintained over time. What data is needed for a battery passport? Typical data areas include battery identity, manufacturer information, composition, carbon footprint, recycled content, responsible sourcing evidence, performance, durability, and end-of-life instructions. Battery Passport planning ### Build your battery passport roadmap Book a 30-minute walkthrough to map the data, supplier evidence, and disclosure controls needed for your Battery Passport program. # EU battery passport regulation requirements Source: https://www.circularise.com/blogs/eu-battery-passport-regulation-requirements/ Breaks down EU battery passport requirements into the upstream data, traceability, and auditability work needed for execution. As transport and industrial sectors accelerate to achieve electrification and eliminate dependence on fossil fuels, the demand for sustainable battery production is mounting. The European Parliament is pushing to ban the sale of new internal combustion engine cars by 2035, meaning the demand for battery materials will continue to increase dramatically.1 By 2030 the EU will need 5 times more cobalt and 18 times more lithium compared to the demand in 2018, numbers which exponentially increase when estimating demand in 2050.2 If electrification is to be a truly sustainable transition, a system-level approach must be taken to ensure sustainable material sourcing, efficient battery production, and effective end-of-life processing. Figure 1: Projected demand for lithium and cobalt in the battery industry. (Source: McKinsey) The update to the 2006 Battery Directive3 aims to ensure that the growth of the battery industry is done sustainably. In July 2023, the EU Battery Regulation Amendment was adopted by the EU Council, laying out the structure to achieve sustainable battery lifecycles. This includes a digital record system to enable the transfer of key information between parties – [the battery passport](https://www.circularise.com/battery-passport), which is detailed in Chapter IX of the regulation.4‍‍ ## Who does the battery passport regulation affect? According to the Battery Regulation update, every industrial or electric vehicle (EV) battery on the EU market with a capacity of over 2 kWh will require a battery passport. This means that regardless of the origin of the battery, it will require a battery passport to be listed in the European market. It will be the responsibility of the party placing the battery on the market to ensure that all data required is entered into the digital record and that the information is correct and up to date. Additionally, the new regulation also includes light means of transport (LMT) batteries, which must comply with the outlined requirements. Battery passports will therefore require input from: - Mining and refining companies - Cell and battery producers - Vehicle brands - Battery servicing, refurbishing, and recycling companies ## What information will need to be included in the battery passport? The battery passport must contain information on the following: - Identification of the battery in the form of a unique identifier. - Basic characteristics of the battery including type and model. - For the initial 2027 battery passport, only basic battery identification, type, model, and key technical characteristics are required. Updates on lifecycle performance and durability statistics may be mandated in future delegated acts, but are not legally required at the first implementation stage. - Carbon footprint specific to the manufacturing site and batch of batteries. Technical documentation on the electrochemical performance and durability of the battery must be provided, including details on how this data was obtained. This is to ensure the batteries meet the minimum requirements for battery performance and capacity in order to guarantee batteries on the market are operational and efficient over a sufficient lifetime. To gain access to the battery passport, the physical battery must have a QR code printed or engraved on it to act as a unique product identifier.5‍ __wf_reserved_inherit Information stored in the battery passport will need to be [selectively shared](https://www.circularise.com/share) with three distinct groups: the general public, regulatory bodies, and battery service and end-of-life processors. Each group of users will need to have different read and write permissions for the data in each battery passport so that everyone has the information they need while data privacy is maintained. The precise data points each group of users requires access to are detailed in Annex XIII. The Battery Regulation embeds a broad framework for making key data available across the battery value chain. From chemical composition and recycled content to carbon-footprint declarations and the upcoming battery passport, the regulation sets structured requirements for transparency and traceability. While the battery passport is formally mandated for relevant batteries from 18 February 2027 and acts as the core data-record platform, the Regulation also anticipates that further delegated acts will expand both the scope and format of required data disclosure. At the same time, the Regulation emphasises the protection of commercially sensitive information: economic operators must ensure that confidential business data, including intellectual-property-protected material and competitive information, is safeguarded when fulfilling information-sharing obligations. [https://youtu.be/CIsQnu7kP5s?feature=shared](https://youtu.be/CIsQnu7kP5s?feature=shared) ## ‍When will battery passports be required? As the European Union accelerates its shift toward sustainable electrification, the EU Battery Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2023/1542) sets the foundation for responsible battery production, use, and end-of-life management across the bloc. Replacing the 2006 Battery Directive, the regulation introduces a comprehensive lifecycle approach — from raw material sourcing and manufacturing to reuse and recycling. Following its entry into force on 17 August 2023, a series of key implementation deadlines will progressively apply, including battery passport requirements, due diligence obligations, and recycled content targets — each designed to ensure transparency, traceability, and sustainability across the European battery value chain. - Battery Passport implementation: From 18 February 2027, all electric vehicle (EV) and industrial batteries with a capacity greater than 2 kWh placed on the EU market must have a digital battery passport, accessible via a QR code. Due dilligence obligations : - Originally set for 18 August 2025, the application date for due diligence obligations was postponed to 18 August 2027 through Regulation (EU) 2025/1561, allowing economic operators additional time to prepare. Recycled content requirements : - From 18 August 2031, batteries placed on the EU market must meet minimum recycled content thresholds for cobalt, lead, lithium, and nickel. __wf_reserved_inherit Figure 2: The timeline for the EU Battery Regulation implementation. ## Interoperable, transferable, and trustworthy battery passports There are stringent requirements for the systems used to create battery passports, therefore you must ensure that the system you choose meets the EU requirements for a scalable and reliable battery passport network. All information included in the battery passport needs to be based on open standards and be in an interoperable format that is transferable through an open interoperable data exchange network such as [Catena-X](https://www.circularise.com/press-releases/circularise-joins-catena-x-to-strengthen-a-secure-data-exchange-in-the-automotive-industry). There are clear requirements for selective data access, editing, and sharing, while also maintaining a high level of data security and privacy. Therefore you must choose a system with strong [selective data sharing](https://www.circularise.com/share) capabilities that ensure data privacy. Data authentication, reliability, and integrity must also be ensured. Therefore using a private cloud or blockchain-based system could risk non-conformity due to [their weaknesses in this area](https://www.circularise.com/blogs/traceability-with-privacy-enabling-a-circular-economy-with-blockchain#public-vs-private-blockchain-2). It is worth considering more decentralised systems which excel in [data immutability](https://www.circularise.com/blogs/traceability-with-privacy-enabling-a-circular-economy-with-blockchain#immutability-bringing-traceability-and-trust-2). ### ‍What is decentralised data storage? Decentralised data storage involves keeping data in multiple interconnected locations rather than in a single centralised point. This approach ensures the integrity of a single source of truth, such as a manufacturer's bill of materials, while allowing for the necessary information to be continually distributed as required to selected parties in a peer-to-peer fashion. A strategy that is also supported by the EU Data Economy Strategy.6 Mr Thomas Götz from the Wuppertal Institute explained the current landscape of digital product passports and how it brings together data in one place, while also emphasising the need to do this in a decentralised way: ‍“A decentralised approach using data from different sources is - especially from the beginning phase onwards - very important because the spread data has to be brought together. It’s reasonable to use existing data and link to it from the DPP so that (...) all needed information is collected and can be found in one place.” [Learn more about the importance of decentralisation and data security for digital product passports](https://www.circularise.com/resources#webinars) ## 2025 product carbon footprint for electric vehicle batteries From 18 February 2025, manufacturers must calculate and declare the carbon footprint for each battery model and manufacturing plant, including emissions from all relevant lifecycle stages. The declaration must include emissions from all relevant lifecycle stages — extraction and processing of raw materials, active material and cell manufacturing, battery assembly, distribution, and end-of-life processing. This carbon footprint data must be third-party verified and made publicly accessible online via a weblink. While these data are not yet required to be stored within the battery passport until 18 February 2027, the 2025 declaration serves as a preparatory phase for the full traceability requirements that follow. JRC's methodology for calculating and verifying carbon footprints requires site-specific and batch-level data for each manufacturing facility.12 Carbon offsets cannot be used to reduce reported emissions. Over time, this information will form the basis for carbon footprint performance classes, allowing batteries to be categorised by environmental impact. All resources # Battery Regulation EU: Learn about battery passports Source: https://www.circularise.com/blogs/battery-regulation-eu-what-you-need-to-know-about-battery-passports/ Explains why the EU Battery Regulation makes battery passports and traceable product data an operational priority. The [European Union's Battery Regulation Amendment](https://www.circularise.com/blogs/eu-battery-passport-regulation-requirements)'s will require all EV and industrial batteries on the EU market to have a unique battery passport to be identified with a QR code. Since it was introduced in 2006, it has had a significant impact on the battery industry. It provided a comprehensive set of rules that are designed to protect the environment by reducing the amount of hazardous materials found in batteries and increasing the recycling rate of batteries. The amended regulation took effect on 18 February 2024, with a transition period lasting until 18 August 2025, when it will fully replace the Battery Directive. While due diligence obligations were originally set to take effect on that date, their implementation has been postponed — but the urgency for battery passports and robust traceability solutions remains. In this article, we explore the EU Battery Passport as a digital record ensuring compliance with regulations by tracking a battery’s lifecycle — from production to recycling — while facilitating transparency, sustainability, and due diligence across the supply chain, with blockchain-based digital product passports offering a secure solution for compliance. ## What is a battery passport? A battery passport is a document that stores relevant battery data throughout the entire battery lifecycle, containing detailed information about a battery’s production, testing and recycling. It is designed to ensure that batteries comply with the Battery Regulation Amendment, as well as to provide a record of the battery’s history. This is especially important for batteries that are sold to consumers, as it provides them with the assurance that the battery they are purchasing is safe and compliant with the regulation. __wf_reserved_inherit Figure 1: An example of battery passports Circularise has already built. ## What information needs to be included in a battery passport in the EU? 1. Identification: A unique serial number which must be clearly visible on the battery and cannot be easily altered. 2. Basic characteristics: Information on production date, battery type and model, chemical composition, and intended use. This information will be stored in the EU electronic exchange system and must include the name and address of the manufacturer or importer. 3. Statistics on performance and durability: Technical information over the battery lifecycle must be updated by parties conducting repair or repurposing of the battery and include details on how this data was obtained. Additionally, since February 1, 2025, the carbon footprint specific to the manufacturing site and batch of batteries must also be documented. The Battery Regulation requires many other criteria to be met to sell batteries in the EU, including that all batteries must be recycled in an approved manner. Here are some of the main requirements that must be met: 1. Facilitate repair and end-of-life processing: Information must be made electronically available to all parties conducting any repair or end-of-life processing, as well as end users to facilitate collection schemes for end-of-life batteries. 2. Increase recycled content: Batteries must contain a minimum of 12% cobalt, 85% lead, 4% lithium, and 4% nickel from non-virgin sources by 2030. 3. Calculate carbon footprint and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions: Battery producers will be obligated to report the carbon footprint associated with the overall life cycle (excluding the use phase) of the specific manufacturing batch of batteries 4. Battery health data: Must be made available to the battery owner in order to determine the potential for further use, repurposing, or remanufacturing. 5. Conformity declarations: Before a battery can be placed on the EU market, it must have a conformity assessment conducted by a notified body. 6. Safety and hazardous materials: Must include evidence that they are safe during their normal operation. All batteries cannot contain materials which present a hazard to humans or the environment during all stages of the battery life cycle. 7. Battery supply chain due diligence requirements: As of 12 months after the proposed Battery Regulation update is implemented, companies selling EV and industrial batteries on the EU market must conduct supply chain due diligence to mitigate social and environmental risks. All information must be made available to the public, to authorities upon request, and to downstream customers. ## Who does the EU battery passport regulation affect? Every industrial or electric vehicle (EV) battery on the EU market with a capacity of over 2 kWh will require a battery passport, regardless of the origin of the battery. The party placing the battery on the market holds the responsibility to ensure that all the required data is entered into the digital record and that the information is correct and up to date. Battery passports will require input from: - Cell producers - Module producers - Battery producers - Automotive OEMs - Battery service, refurbishing, and repurposing companies Figure 2: Batteries must have data collected from various stakeholders in the supply chain for their battery passports. Photo by David Ballew. ## Risks of non-compliance with the EU Battery Regulation The 2022 amendment to Article 69 states that “businesses should actively remedy harm caused by themselves or in cooperation with other actors even when due diligence has been carried out. Such operators should be liable for any adverse impact within their control that they caused or contributed to.” This means that anyone adversely impacted will be able to make significant compensation claims when something goes wrong. ## When will battery passports be required in the EU? - 2023: Portable batteries collection target set at 45%. - 2024: The regulation started to apply on 18 February, coexisting with the Battery Directive until 18 August 2025. Carbon footprint must be third-party verified and publicly accessible online. - 2025: From 18 August, the new regulation fully replaces the Battery Directive, introducing additional obligations over time. - 2027: All electric vehicle (EV) and industrial batteries will require a unique battery passport. Impact assessment of battery life cycle must be made. Portable batteries collection target set at 51%. - 2028: Documentation on the percentage share of recovered materials in EV and industrial batteries must be provided. Collection targets for light means of transport (LMT) batteries are set at 51%. - ‍2030: Collection targets for portable batteries are set at 73%.‍ - 2031: Collection targets for LMT batteries are set at 61% __wf_reserved_inherit Figure 3: The timeline for the Battery Regulation. All electric vehicle (EV) and industrial batteries placed on the EU market will require a unique battery passport by 18 August 2027. This passport must include a QR code providing access to information on the battery’s carbon impact, electrochemical performance, and durability. To ensure compliance with carbon footprint thresholds, manufacturers must conduct a life cycle impact assessment by 18 August 2027, detailing the percentages of cobalt, lead, lithium, and nickel sourced from recovered materials. Collection targets for portable batteries are set at 45% by 2023, 63% by 2027, and 73% by 2030. For light means of transport (LMT) batteries, targets are 51% by 2028 and 61% by 2031. Additionally, minimum levels of recovered materials must be reused in new batteries: 16% cobalt, 85% lead, 6% lithium, and 6% nickel. All battery waste, including that from LMT, EV, starting, lighting, ignition (SLI), and industrial batteries, must be collected free of charge for end-users, regardless of their nature, chemical composition, condition, brand, or origin. By 31 December 2030, the European Commission will assess the feasibility of phasing out non-rechargeable portable batteries. ## How can Digital Product Passports on the blockchain support compliance with the EU Battery Passport Regulation? To effectively comply with the Battery Passport Regulation, companies need a solution to trace each individual battery throughout the entire battery lifecycle. The best way to do this is with the help of [digital product passports](https://www.circularise.com/blog/digital-product-passports-dpp-what-how-and-why). Much like your passport containing information about you and where you have been, digital product passports contain a range of information to track products throughout their entire lifecycle from production to end-of-life disposal. As information about the battery’s production history, usage, and end-of-life needs to be gathered from various databases and ERP systems of companies across the supply chain and integrated in order to meet the requirements of the regulation, these companies need to be willing to share this information. This is only possible if they know that there is no risk of exposing their sensitive or confidential data. In addition, to make such a system trustworthy there needs to be a way to determine if the data provided is reliable and valid. Digital product passports built on the blockchain are well-suited to this task, as they serve as a single source of truth distributed across a network of systems and allow information to be exchanged in a secure and verifiable manner. The distributed nature of [blockchain technology](https://www.circularise.com/blogs/blockchain-the-key-to-the-traceability-and-trust-in-sustainable-manufacturing) ensures that any modifications or updates to information about each specific battery from source to production, to end user, reuse and recycling are recorded and validated, and it cannot be altered or tampered with. Open public blockchains, in particular, are beneficial as they more easily allow for interoperability with existing systems and the transfer of information and records from one system to another. Due to these factors, Circularise built its digital product passport traceability system on a public, decentralised blockchain. Through our patented [Smart Questioning technology](https://www.circularise.com/blogs/smart-questioning-achieve-supply-chain-visibility-without-risking-data-privacy) actors can selectively [share battery data with the highest level of privacy and confidentiality](https://www.circularise.com/blogs/traceability-with-privacy-enabling-a-circular-economy-with-blockchain). In this way, we ensure that relevant and necessary battery information is easily accessible to all actors in a supply chain while protecting sensitive and proprietary details, increasing the level of trust in the system. The [EU Battery Regulation Amendment](https://www.circularise.com/blog/battery-passports-and-the-battery-regulation-amendment-requirements) is an important step in protecting the environment and ensuring that batteries are safe and compliant with the regulation. It will help improve end-of-life battery recovery, and ensure fair and safe working conditions for involved parties. Battery passports will be a core tool in enabling a [circular battery value chain](https://www.circularise.com/blogs/circular-supply-chains-the-importance-of-traceability-and-financing), allowing all stakeholders involved to cooperate and share the relevant information to maximise safety, optimise battery use, and ensure responsible recycling. Read more about [EU battery passport regulation requirements](https://www.circularise.com/blog/battery-passports-and-the-battery-regulation-amendment-requirements) or contact our team to find out how we can help you implement a digital battery passport solution. ‍ All resources # Why traceability is becoming the foundation of industrial resilience (Automotive traceability series - Part 1) Source: https://www.circularise.com/blogs/why-traceability-is-becoming-the-foundation-of-industrial-resilience-automotive-traceability-series-part-1/ Explores why traceability is becoming a core pillar of industrial resilience, especially in automotive supply chains. ##### What are battery passports, due diligence and vehicle circularity signalling for automotive supply chains? Modern supply chains no longer move only physical goods. They move data. In today’s geopolitical landscape, volatility has become the norm. Tariffs shift. Sourcing strategies change. Regulations evolve. Markets react. Yet one concept has remained central since the pandemic which is that of resilience, and for good reason. Across automotive, batteries, clean tech, critical raw materials, energy, and defence, billions are being mobilised to strengthen industrial capacity, reduce strategic dependencies, and make “Made in” products more competitive on the global stage. New funding programmes, industrial initiatives, and acceleration packages all point in the same direction: traceability and verifiable value chains are the new economic priorities to ensure long-term resiliency. This matters not only for European manufacturers, but also for the global companies across global supply chains that need to meet rising traceability, compliance and market-access expectations. In this context, product traceability is no longer just an operational “nice to have” for companies invested in sustainability. It is becoming a core business capability for market access, risk management and long term competitiveness and increasingly a foundation for a [resilient supply chain](https://www.circularise.com/blogs/dpp-upgrade). Across the Union, a growing number of regulations are introducing the mandatory use of labels, data carriers and digital product passports, from batteries and electric vehicles to constructions, textiles, detergents, and toys. But this is more than an EU regulatory trend. It reflects a deeper transformation: product data is becoming as essential to market access as logistics, quality control, or certification. Companies that can track, structure, and share product data reliably gain: - faster market access - lower long-term compliance costs - stronger customers and partners trust - and more resilient supply chains With the battery passport coming into effect in just one year, the direction is clear - but it is just the first step in a broader data journey for products. ## What is a digital product passport? Much like your passport contains information about your identity and travels, a [digital product passport (DPP)](https://www.circularise.com/blogs/digital-product-passports-dpp-what-how-and-why) is a secure digital record containing all the information about a product and its journey throughout its entire lifecycle, from raw materials and manufacturing to its end-of-life. From a normative EU context, the concept originates from the [Ecodesign for Sustainable Product Regulation (ESPR)](https://www.circularise.com/blogs/a-guide-to-the-ecodesign-for-sustainable-products-regulation-espr) and is now being broadened into a growing number of sector-specific rules. For example, the proposed EU [End-of-Life Vehicle Regulations](https://www.circularise.com/blogs/dpps-required-by-eu-legislation-across-sectors#end-of-life-vehicle-elv-directive-revision) foresees the introduction of a Digital Circularity Vehicle Passport, while the [Critical Raw Material Act](https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/sectors/raw-materials/areas-specific-interest/critical-raw-materials/critical-raw-materials-act_en) refers to an indelible label and data carrier for permanent magnets. Depending on the product and sector, information can include: - material composition and origin - carbon footprint and environmental performance - repairability information - recycled content - supply chain actors and processing steps __wf_reserved_inherit Figure 1: Examples of battery passport data, including origin, composition, compliance and recycling. But this is not only an EU-driven shift. China is developing a digital identity and national traceability framework for new energy vehicle batteries, while Japan is advancing interoperable data-sharing initiatives across automotive and battery supply chains through the Ouranos Ecosystem. Pressure also comes from other directions. In the US, the Inflation Reduction Act ties major clean-tech and battery incentives to verifiable supply-chain conditions, while long-standing conflict minerals disclosure rules require companies to trace and report the origin of specific raw materials used in their products. Different regulatory paths, same outcome: structured product data is becoming a prerequisite for operating in global value chains connected to Europe. ## Why are companies hearing about this now? The [Battery Passport](https://www.circularise.com/battery-passport) is the first large-scale implementation of this concept. From February 2027, batteries placed on the EU market will be required to carry a digital passport containing verified sustainability and supply-chain information. But batteries are only the starting point. Over the next few years, the concept will expand across product categories, with the upcoming new Circular Economy Act and the EU Product Act expected to further embed traceability into how products are designed, marketed, and regulated, extending traceability requirements to additional sectors. Of course, one may argue that in recent years, companies have seen regulatory timelines shift and some requirements being postponed. But despite the recent simplification debates and timeline adjustments by[Omnibus](https://www.circularise.com/blogs/eu-omnibus-regulation), the overall direction has not changed. Postponements may affect when companies need to act, but not whether they will. And this transition is not only regulatory — it is economic. Indeed, not every challenge comes without opportunity. The shift toward digital traceability is being actively supported by billions. Recent initiatives such as RESourcEU and the Battery Booster are directing significant funding towards digital product data, monitoring critical raw materials, and resilient industrial value chains. Resilience is the common thread. - Resilience against supply disruptions. - Resilience in the face of geopolitical uncertainty. - Resilience to regulatory change. - Resilience in volatile markets. For companies, investing in traceability is increasingly a way to build that resilience directly into their operations. Those who invest early benefit from: - accelerated access to regulated markets, especially the EU market - reduced compliance and audit costs - higher credibility with customers and public authorities - stronger supply-chain risk management - faster adaptation to future regulatory updates Companies that can provide reliable, structured product data will move more smoothly through procurement processes, customs procedures, regulatory checks, and customer onboarding. In the years ahead, the question will no longer be whether your products are traceable, but whether your business is built to operate in a data-driven market at all. ‍ All resources # The automotive regulations converging on your supply chain (Automotive traceability series - Part 2) Source: https://www.circularise.com/blogs/the-automotive-regulations-converging-on-your-supply-chain/ Explains how multiple automotive regulations converge on the same supplier, product, and traceability data foundations. Automotive companies aren't dealing with one new regulation, but with a growing set of overlapping requirements emerging across markets, several of which require Traceability and Digital Product Passports (DPP), rolling out between 2026 and 2032. Different scopes. Different timelines. But they all need the same thing from the supply chain: structured, verifiable data about what's in the product, where it came from, and how it was processed. Most companies are still treating each regulation as a separate project. Separate teams, separate data collection, separate timelines. That approach worked when you had one or two obligations to manage. It won't hold when you've got several landing in quick succession, all pulling on the same suppliers for overlapping (but not identical) information. This article maps out what's converging, when it hits, and why the underlying data challenge is bigger than any single regulation. ## What's converging and when The EU has introduced a cluster of regulations that directly affect automotive manufacturers, battery producers, and their supply chains. Each one targets something different: emissions transparency, battery sustainability, critical material security, end-of-life circularity, responsible sourcing. But they all land on the same operational problem: getting verified data from suppliers across multiple tiers. The table below maps the regulatory timeline. __wf_reserved_inherit Figure 1: Automotive regulations converging on supply chain data ## The pattern underneath: one data challenge, many regulatory labels Taken together, these regulations form a coordinated regulatory framework rather than a set of isolated requirements. They build on overlapping data flows, supplier inputs, and verification mechanisms, reinforcing the need for a coordinated approach to supply chain data. Different regulatory entry points, but a shared operational backbone. Strip away the policy framing, and the requirements start looking highly aligned: - Collect structured data from suppliers about materials, components, and processes - Trace that data across multiple tiers, not just from direct suppliers but from raw material sources - Verify the data through third-party audits or digital verification mechanisms - Report or disclose the data in a standardised, machine-readable format The terminology may differ. "Passport." "Due diligence." "Traceability." "Declaration of Conformity," but the underlying requirement is the same: a reliable, structured data trail running from raw material extraction through to the finished vehicle. The main variation is depth. Passport obligations mostly require data about the finished product or component. Due diligence pushes further, demanding evidence from the mine, the refinery, and every processing stage in between. But the underlying infrastructure to collect, verify, and structure that data? It's the same. We'll go deeper into each of these regulations in dedicated articles later in this series. Most companies haven't recognised this convergence yet. They're still running each regulation as a separate compliance workstream. That creates duplication, inconsistency, and a lot of wasted effort when several regulations are pulling on the same supply base within a few years of each other. ## One vehicle, many passports The scale of this challenge becomes clear when you examine a single product. Take a battery electric vehicle sold in the EU from 2027. That one vehicle could need: - A Battery Passport for the traction battery, covering cell chemistry, sourcing, carbon footprint, and recycled content ([EU Battery Regulation](https://www.circularise.com/blogs/eu-battery-passport-regulation-requirements)) - An Environmental Vehicle Passport (EVP) with emissions performance, energy consumption, and durability data (EURO7) - CRM traceability system for permanent magnets in electric motors and other automotive components, tracing rare earth elements back to their source and reporting on recycled content ([Critical Raw Materials Act](https://www.circularise.com/blogs/dpps-required-by-eu-legislation-across-sectors)) - A supply chain due diligence report for cobalt, lithium, nickel, and natural graphite in the battery (EU Battery Regulation, Article 39) - Eventually, a Digital Circularity Vehicle Passport (DCVP) covering the vehicle's full material composition, recyclability, and end-of-life handling ([ELV Regulation](https://www.circularise.com/blogs/dpps-required-by-eu-legislation-across-sectors),) - Component-level passports for parts which may be applicable under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation ([ESPR](https://www.circularise.com/blogs/digital-product-passports-dpp-what-how-and-why)) __wf_reserved_inherit Figure 2: One battery electric vehicle requiring multiple compliance outputs These aren't just the same data repackaged into different formats. Each regulation asks for different data points, from different parts of the supply chain, at different levels of granularity. A Battery Passport needs cell-level composition data. A CRM label needs rare earth origin tracing for the magnets used in Automotive components and their recycled content. An EVP needs whole-vehicle environmental performance metrics. A due diligence report needs risk assessments from the mining tier. The suppliers involved overlap, but they're not identical. The data requirements overlap, but they don't match up neatly. Each regulation has its own reporting format, verification requirements, and update cycles. Companies that try to handle these one at a time will end up running multiple parallel data programmes, sending overlapping (but slightly different) requests to the same suppliers, and producing outputs that aren't interoperable. That's expensive. It's slow. And it creates inconsistencies that auditors will notice. The smarter play is to recognise that while the outputs differ, they draw from a shared pool of supply chain data. Collect it once, structure it properly, and route it into whatever compliance output you need. ## The real bottleneck isn't policy, it's data‍ Most automotive companies understand the rules of the game. The challenge isn’t understanding them, it’s building the practical infrastructure needed to play. The default tool for [supplier data collection in automotive](https://www.circularise.com/collect)is still the questionnaire: a spreadsheet sent to tier 1 suppliers, asking them to self-report on material origins and composition. Three problems with that, and they get worse as the regulatory load increases. It doesn't reach deep enough. Several of these regulations require data from raw material sources, which typically sit at tier 3, tier 4, or deeper. Most companies can barely see past tier 1. A supplier assembling battery cells may not know where the cathode manufacturer sources its nickel. Even when that data exists further upstream, it rarely flows down in a structured, verifiable format. It doesn't scale. When you need data from hundreds of suppliers across multiple product lines for several regulatory frameworks, manual questionnaires collapse. Each regulation asks for slightly different information in different formats, which means overlapping requests that frustrate suppliers and produce inconsistent results. The automotive industry's new [Due Diligence Reporting Template (DDRT)](https://www.automotivelogistics.media/lean-logistics/editors-recap-blog-the-most-important-insights-from-alsc-global/668326) is an attempt to standardise this, but standardised templates still need digital infrastructure to process at volume. It doesn't protect confidentiality. Suppliers across global supply chains, particularly in regions with less established data-sharing norms, are often reluctant to share detailed sourcing or process data. Concerns around intellectual property, competitive positioning, and commercial sensitivity are well-documented barriers to supply chain transparency. Without mechanisms that allow suppliers to share what's required for regulatory compliance while protecting commercially sensitive information, data collection efforts frequently stall. ## What a data-driven approach actually requires If the regulatory landscape converges on structured supplier data, and manual methods can't keep up, what does a modern approach look like? Across [automotive supply chain traceability](https://www.circularise.com/blogs/battery-supply-chain-traceability-the-role-of-battery-passports) programmes, four building blocks keep coming up. #### N-tier visibility, not just tier 1 declarations Due diligence, battery passports, CRM label: they all need data from raw material sources, not just from direct suppliers. That means building mechanisms for cascading data collection, where requests flow through the supply chain tier by tier and each supplier adds their portion before passing it on. [Porsche demonstrated this approach in practice](https://www.circularise.com/case-studies/achieving-visibility-into-the-porsche-supply-chain), working with Circularise to trace plastics across multiple supplier tiers while maintaining data privacy. The infrastructure needs to make this operationally feasible, not just theoretically required. #### Confidentiality-preserving data sharing Suppliers won't share sensitive data if they think it'll be visible to competitors or customers downstream. Any system serving this regulatory landscape needs granular access controls. Suppliers share what's required for compliance and auditing, nothing more. No pricing data. No volumes. No proprietary process information leaking out. This is often the difference between getting data and getting nothing, especially from suppliers in regions where data protection concerns run high. #### Connected compliance outputs A single electric vehicle may require multiple, interconnected passports, from component-level like the Digital Battery Passport(DBP), to broader vehicle-level Passports. Setting up a separate system for each type of DPP creates data silos, duplicates effort, and makes it significantly harder to maintain consistency across regulatory submissions. The data collected from your supply chain should feed directly into all of these outputs, along with your due diligence reports, from a single connected infrastructure. A unified approach that serves multiple compliance needs produces more consistent, more auditable results and reduces the burden on both your teams and your suppliers. #### Digital infrastructure over manual processes Questionnaires and spreadsheets can't support compliance at the scale automotive supply chains need. Companies need a [dedicated supplier data collection infrastructure](https://www.circularise.com/collect)that automate data collection, validate incoming data, maintain tamper-proof audit trails, and generate reports for multiple regulatory frameworks at once. ## Beyond compliance: the business opportunity It's easy to look at this regulatory landscape and see only cost and complexity. But there's a different way to read it. Companies that invest in supply chain data infrastructure now aren't just ticking compliance boxes. They're building capabilities that create real business value: - Digitalisation at scale. Collecting and structuring supplier data accelerates digital transformation across the supply chain. That same infrastructure improves decisions across procurement, quality, and product development, well beyond what regulators ask for. - New value from existing data. Once you've got structured supply chain data flowing through a digital system, you can do more with it than file regulatory reports. Carbon footprint optimisation, supply chain resilience measures, supplier benchmarking, material substitution analysis, circular business model development. - Stronger customer relationships. OEMs and tier 1 suppliers that can demonstrate verified, transparent supply chains build trust and loyalty that competitors relying on self-declarations can't match. Traceability is becoming a competitive differentiator, not just a regulatory checkbox. The regulations create the obligation. But the data infrastructure they require also creates lasting operational value. ## The road ahead Supply chain compliance in 2026 isn't about meeting one regulation at a time any more. The convergence means that investing in data infrastructure now prepares you for all of them at once: battery passports, vehicle passports, CRM traceability, material declarations, due diligence reporting, and circularity obligations. Different names. Different timelines. Different policy origins. Same underlying ask. The sooner companies recognise that, the sooner they can stop building in silos and start building something that lasts. At [Circularise](https://www.circularise.com/industry/automotive), we provide one platform for traceability across your entire automotive supply chain. We help OEMs and suppliers collect verified data across multiple tiers, protect commercially sensitive information through selective disclosure, and connect that data directly to regulatory outputs. Battery passports, CRM disclosures, due diligence reports, vehicle passports: one data collection process, multiple compliant outputs. You build it once. You don't rebuild for every new obligation. In the next articles in this series, we'll look at the Critical Raw Materials Act and CRM passports, followed by a deeper dive into battery regulation due diligence and then the ELV Regulation. ‍ All resources # Creating a transparent supply chain: how Samsonite and Circularise are leading the future of sustainable luggage Source: https://www.circularise.com/case-studies/samsonite-circularise/ Case study on how Samsonite used Circularise for traceability, supplier data, and Digital Product Passport workflows. > At Samsonite, our goal is to lead the luggage industry toward a more sustainable future. Traceability is key to strengthening our sustainability initiatives, ensuring we can confidently back up our claims with verified data. By working with Circularise, we are taking steps toward full supply chain transparency, creating a foundation for more responsible production and consumption. Samsonite logo Pauline Koslowski VP Research, Innovation & Development at Samsonite Taking responsibility ## Using data to back up sustainability claims For more than a century, Samsonite has been a leader in travel innovation, producing durable, high-quality luggage designed to withstand the test of time. But in today's world, durability alone is not enough. With increasing regulatory pressure and consumer demand for sustainable products, Samsonite is enhancing its efforts to highlight the responsibility behind its production, ensuring that its suitcases continue to meet high standards of durability and sustainability. To achieve this, Samsonite turned to Circularise, a product traceability platform. Through this collaboration, Samsonite has taken major steps to increase its knowledge of the supply chain and provide sustainability claims backed up by data. Picking a solution ## Why Samsonite chose traceability In an era of heightened environmental awareness, companies can no longer rely on broad sustainability commitments without concrete evidence. Consumers, regulators, and investors are asking deeper questions: Where do materials come from? Are they truly sustainable? Can companies prove their claims? For Samsonite, these questions became central to its strategy. The company has long focused on sustainable materials, circularity, and responsible sourcing. However, as global regulations continue to evolve, traceability became a necessity rather than an ambition. To lead by example, Samsonite needed a system that would allow them to track materials across their entire supply chain, ensuring compliance with European regulations while providing customers with full transparency. > The reason we focus on traceability is to strengthen our message in new sustainability initiatives. We want to provide our customers with more backed-up information so that we can make claims with more confidence. Samsonite logo Katrijn Goethals Sustainability Coordinator, Samsonite By partnering with Circularise, Samsonite found a solution that not only met these needs but also respected supplier confidentiality. Circularise's Smart Questioning technology allows companies to share only the necessary sustainability and compliance data while protecting sensitive business information, making traceability practical and scalable. Through its partnership with Circularise, Samsonite aims to: - Strengthen sustainability communication by backing claims with verified data and proof. - Build hands-on experience with supply chain traceability, with a focus on tracking recycled materials, involving key suppliers, and understanding the process and workload. - Test the market response to digital product passports, exploring what information consumers find valuable and relevant. - Prepare for a full-scale roll-out of digital product passports across all products by learning from this phase. Collaboration with Circularise ## Starting small: first pilots In 2022, Samsonite took its first step toward full supply chain transparency by launching a digital product passport pilot in partnership with Circularise. The project focused on the Magnum Eco Spinner suitcase, a product made with recycled materials from leading polymer supplier LyondellBasell. As a result, Samsonite was able to track key sustainability data, verify the materials used, and learn from first-hand experience implementing digital product passports. First Samsonite digital product passport pilot visual The reaction was overwhelmingly positive. After presenting the pilot results at K-Show, a global industry event, it became clear that both consumers and industry leaders were eager for more transparency. Building on the momentum of the first pilot, Samsonite launched a second, more ambitious phase of the project in December 2023. This time, the company chose two additional suitcase models, one manufactured in Belgium and another in Hungary, to further investigate the complexities of supply chains across different regions. The goal was to track not just the recycled materials used in shell production, but also the components sourced from suppliers across Asia and Europe. This phase required deeper collaboration with suppliers, from component manufacturers to raw material providers, ensuring that every stage of the process could be traced. As a result, Samsonite successfully achieved 86.7% traceability of the total product, with 100% of the recycled material fully traced back to its source. The company also worked with 15 suppliers to gather essential data, a crucial step in preparing for upcoming European regulations that will require greater supply chain accountability. Expanded Samsonite supply chain pilot visual These initial pilots focused on understanding the challenges of end-to-end traceability and defining key data points rather than customer communication. As part of this effort, Samsonite developed digital product passports, providing verified data on material sourcing, recycled content, and regulatory compliance. While these passports are not publicly available, the pilot established a scalable framework for expanding traceability and launching the next public project with Circularise. Circular suitcases ## Earth Day launch: public digital product passports On Earth Day Samsonite launched two groundbreaking circular luggage collections: ESSENS™ Circular and PROXIS™ Circular, both powered by Circularise's digital product passports. These launches marked a major step forward in Samsonite's sustainability journey, combining innovative materials, verified data, and supply chain transparency. Circularise facilitated the onboarding and management of data from more than 30 distinct suppliers, successfully overcoming significant logistical and communication challenges. The platform enabled seamless data integration, giving Samsonite clear oversight of material origins, supporting regulatory compliance, and accelerating the shift toward more sustainable solutions. ### ESSENS™ Circular: Maximising recycled content The ESSENS™ Circular suitcase was developed with a strong focus on increasing recycled content. It is available in two sizes: SP55 and SP75. The ESSENS™ Circular SP75 went from 50% to 70% in recycled content. ESSENS Circular suitcase traceability visual The journey of the ESSENS™ Circular includes: - Dismantling of old suitcases at Aarova, a social workplace - Shredding of the outer shells by Tivaco - Material blending by LyondellBasell, combining shredded suitcase parts with post-consumer household waste - Production of new suitcase shells using this high-recycled-content blend by Samsonite The full supply chain was tracked using Circularise, ensuring material transparency from collection to finished product. ### PROXIS™ Circular: introducing bio-circular materials PROXIS™ Circular SP75 went up to an impressive 65% in recycled and bio-circular content, marking Samsonite's first use of bio-circular materials in luggage production. PROXIS Circular suitcase material traceability visual Key innovations include: - Used cooking oil converted by LyondellBasell into polymer-grade material via a mass balance approach - This material is used to create bio-circular films - Samsonite then produced ROXKIN™ shells for the suitcase using these films This is the first Samsonite suitcase that incorporates bio-circular materials in its shell. The product is certified under ISCC PLUS, confirming the bio-circular origin of materials. Results ## Project impact and key figures 8,000 suitcases produced 5 SKUs across both collections 27 suppliers involved ~3,000 data points collected ~100 material batches tracked 100% of recycled content traceable through the supply chain The focus of the digital product passport initiative has been to provide clarity on the percentage of recycled and bio-circular content, material types used, and carbon footprint of each suitcase. > What we're doing with Samsonite is not business as usual. It's rare to see this level of openness about where materials come from and how they're made. Samsonite's commitment to transparency is setting a new standard in the industry. Circularise logo Silvia Cosentino Integration Lead, Circularise Samsonite digital product passport consumer experience visual This push for openness has not just benefited Samsonite. Many suppliers participating in the project took the opportunity to improve their own data collection processes, recognising the growing importance of sustainability and traceability in their operations. The digital product passports, now accessible via QR codes on each suitcase, offer consumers detailed insights into the manufacturing journey of their luggage. This innovation not only enhances trust but also positions Samsonite as a committed contributor to circular economy practices within the travel industry. Supply chain complexity ## Overcoming challenges in supply chain traceability Despite the successes, achieving full traceability was not without its challenges. One of the biggest hurdles was ensuring supplier participation. Many suppliers were unfamiliar with product traceability systems and needed training to understand both the value of the project and how to use the Circularise platform. Language barriers also added complexity, requiring multilingual support and clear, visual instructions to ensure seamless adoption across diverse supplier networks. > We needed to find the right balance between gathering enough information while not overwhelming our suppliers with excessive demands. Some suppliers went above and beyond, making real efforts to collect and verify data. Samsonite logo Katrijn Goethals Sustainability Coordinator, Samsonite Engaging with European suppliers presents another challenge for traceability projects like this one, as they are often highly cautious about sharing sensitive information. Circularise's flexible approach to data sharing helped alleviate these concerns. The platform enables companies to control how much information they disclose, allowing businesses to comply with regulations while maintaining confidentiality where needed. A new norm ## Future-proofing through transparency The results of the collaboration have reinforced Samsonite's position as a leader in sustainable supply chain management, but this is just the beginning. As supply chain traceability becomes an industry norm, companies that embrace digital solutions will gain a competitive edge. Samsonite's work with Circularise is not only helping to future-proof its operations but is also demonstrating that transparency is possible, scalable, and beneficial for businesses, suppliers, and consumers alike. > You only truly understand the complexity of digital product passports once you start working with them. This is just the beginning for Samsonite. Samsonite logo Katrijn Goethals Sustainability Coordinator, Samsonite With global regulations evolving and consumer expectations rising, Samsonite's work with Circularise is setting a benchmark for the luggage industry. Companies across chemicals, fashion, electronics, and automotive industries are now looking at similar traceability solutions. As transparency becomes the norm, the message is clear: the time to start is now. Learn more about Circularise ## Start your own traceability programme. Our team will walk you through how you can start with digital product passports for your business. Book a Demo Continue the conversation ## See how Circularise can support your supply chain. From supplier data collection to digital product passports, the platform is built for traceability that scales. Talk to us More Case Studies # Traceability as strategy: How Teijin is scaling circularity with Digital Product Passports Source: https://www.circularise.com/case-studies/teijin-circularise-traceability-as-strategy/ Case study on how Teijin used Circularise to make traceability and DPP work part of a broader circularity strategy. We at Teijin are determined to push forward the transition to a circular economy. Working with Circularise, we're building a solid foundation for supply chain transparency. We chose Circularise because of their expertise and innovative platform, which is empowering us and our customers to achieve quick successes, meet regulatory demands, and maintain control of our data. Gerke Spaling New Business Development Manager, Teijin Brightlands Innovation Center End-to-end traceability Proven traceability from production to market ready for recycling Supply chain knowledge Insights into supply chain partner readiness and data integration Digital Product Passport Foundation for company-wide DPP adoption and regulatory compliance ## About Teijin (TSE: 3401) is a technology-driven global group with two core businesses: high-performance materials and healthcare solutions. Established in 1918 as Japan’s first rayon manufacturer, Teijin today comprises some 170 companies employing 20,000 people in 20 countries. Teijin is committed to its purpose, “Pioneering solutions together for a healthy planet.” Teijin works together with employees and external partners to achieve its long-term vision, “To be a company that supports the society of the future.” Teijin posted consolidated revenue of JPY 1,005.5 billion and total assets of JPY1,061.3 billion in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025. ## About Circularise is a supply chain traceability platform based in the Netherlands, helping companies build more resilient operations, reduce emissions, and unlock new business value. Since 2016, it has enabled secure, end-to-end product traceability and deep supplier data collection beyond tier-1. Circularise supports the implementation of Digital Product Passports and simplifies compliance with regulations like the ESPR, RED III, and the EU Battery Regulation. Trusted by industry leaders including Asahi Kasei, Samsonite, and Airbus, Circularise’s patented technology safeguards sensitive data while delivering audit-ready insights that power sustainable and profitable growth. starting with traceability ## Why Teijin chose Circularise to enable traceability Teijin has long been a pioneer in sustainable innovation. From launching PET recycling products in 1995 (ECOPET®) to developing para-Aramid (TWARON®) products made from recycled materials over 25 years ago, sustainability has been woven into the company’s DNA. This commitment extends beyond products to internal recovery processes that reduce environmental impact, such as solvent and process water recycling. In recent years, Teijin’s leadership saw a pivotal shift in the materials industry. The traditional "take-make-dispose" model was no longer viable. In response, the company established its Environmental Solutions Department to lead the transition within Teijin toward circularity across all material businesses. This move aligned with Teijin’s broader vision:" Pioneering solutions together for a healthy planet”. Digital Product Passports (DPPs) quickly emerged as a key enabler of this strategy.They offered the transparency needed to meet tightening regulatory requirements and to validate sustainable practices across the supply chain. But implementing traceability at scale required more than internal systems. Teijin needed an external partner with the right mix of technology, security, and industry know-how. After a careful evaluation process, Teijin looked for a partner that could offer: 1. Secure and verifiable traceability across the full product lifecycle 2. Interoperability with existing systems and global standards 3. Support for compliance with evolving regulations 4. A strong balance between transparency and confidentiality 5. Expertise in best practices and legal frameworks Circularise met all of these criteria. A successful Proof of Concept confirmed the fit, and in late 2024, Teijin deepened the relationship with a strategic investment. This partnership will give Teijin the digital foundation it needs to shift from linear models to truly circular product lifecycles, with visibility from origin to recycling. building a practical experience ## Running a Proof of Concept to explore traceability in practice Teijin’s collaboration with Circularise began with a focused Proof of Concept (PoC), centered on tracing one of its Aramid products within a specific market and application. Teijin’s group company Teijin Aramid as product owner designed the PoC with several clear goals in mind: 1. Validate cradle-to-cradle traceability: Prove that products can be tracked from the factory gate through use and back to recycling. 2. Gauge market response: Understand how customers and stakeholders in the high-performance fibers sector react to circular initiatives. 3. Build practical experience: Learn what it takes to implement traceability measures and Digital Product Passports at scale. The PoC offered an opportunity not only to test the technology but also to evaluate how traceability could drive long-term competitiveness and create new value across the supply chain. Teijin therefore also aims to further assess the outcome of the PoC in order to answer questions like: - What are the potential financial and strategic returns? - How can traceability support compliance with future regulations? - Does increased transparency improve customer trust and experience? circular loop ## Scaling traceability with Digital Product Passports Teijin’s first Proof of Concept (PoC) with Circularise demonstrated that circularity in high-performance materials is not only possible but measurable and scalable. The pilot focused on Teijin's Twaron® para-Aramid yarns and followed the material through its full lifecycle. The circular loop in action: 1. Material production: Teijin produced high-performance, lightweight Twaron® yarns. 2. Product manufacturing: The yarns were supplied to Hampidjan and used in the production of the first 100% recyclable heavy lift slings - TERRA Slings. 3. End-of-life recovery: After their operational life, the slings were collected, and the material was recovered and cleaned. 4. Market-ready for reintegration: The high-quality recovered para-Aramid yarn is ready to be reused as raw material to create circular Twaron® pulp, used in applications like brake pads and gaskets. Key outcomes from the first PoC: 1. Digital Product Passports (DPPs) created: Three publicly accessible DPPs were issued for Twaron® yarn, the TERRA Sling, and the recycled Twaron® pulp. 2. End-to-end traceability achieved: Materials were traced from production to recycling, and back into manufacturing. 3. Proven material origin transparency: By linking DPPs, Teijin could verify the origin of recycled inputs used in new products, creating a transparent and auditable supply chain. Throughout the project, Circularise’s platform provided detailed insights into the composition, movement, and recovery of materials. This allowed Teijin and its partners to track recovered yarns as they re-entered the supply chain with confidence and clarity. The Proof of Concept has provided us with valuable insights into the practical application of traceability. We've seen firsthand how digital product passports can seamlessly connect supply chain partners and create a truly transparent circular process. This initiative has reinforced our belief that traceability is an important enabler of the circular economy, and the cooperation with Circularise helps shaping our strategy for scaling sustainable practices across our operations. Philip Altena Director Sustainability, Teijin Aramid Encouraged by the results, Teijin expanded its use of traceability to other group companies. In a second PoC, Teijin Carbon Europe launched DPPs for: 1. Tenax™ filament yarn residues (raw material) 2. Pelletized circular Tenax Next™ short carbon fiber (intermediate product) 3. A finished consumer product made from the circular fiber — a bicycle tire lever These new DPPs demonstrated how specific waste streams could be reintegrated into new products, reinforcing Teijin’s vision for closed-loop manufacturing. With the launch of our Tenax Next™ product line this year, Teijin Carbon has taken a decisive step toward circularity. These materials are designed to combine top-tier performance with a clear sustainability profile — and thanks to traceability tools like Digital Product Passports, we’re making that value visible and verifiable across the entire supply chain. Dr. Julian Lowe Global Industrial Group Manager, Teijin Carbon next steps ## Looking ahead: Traceability as a competitive edge With regulations like the ESPR and CSRD reshaping the industry, Teijin needs a scalable, future-proof approach, one that would not be held back by siloed data or manual reporting. But still Teijin had a choice: treat traceability as a compliance exercise or use it as a lever for long term advantage. The company decided not to stop at pilot projects and wait for legislation to come. After a successful first PoC, the company made a strategic investment in Circularise to strengthen the partnership and accelerate the rollout of traceability across its global operations. The next phase focuses on expanding DPP activities across multiple business units. By aligning internal data systems, deepening supply chain collaboration, and embedding traceability into product development, Teijin aims to unlock new value and build circularity into the core of its business. As a leading company in high-performance materials, we at Teijin are actively increasing our efforts to become more circular. The investment in Circularise will enable us to cooperate with leaders in the field of traceability and to create an environment that will support us in setting the right steps forward. Ton de Weijer General Manager of Teijin’s Brightlands Innovation Center (TBIC) This partnership shows what is possible when sustainability and strategy align. Together, Circularise and Teijin are proving that traceability can do more than meet regulations. It can transform how industries operate, build trust, and create lasting environmental and business impact. Teijin's initiatives powerfully demonstrate the crucial intersection of sustainability goals and market demands. Through this collaboration, Circularise's innovative platform enabled Teijin to not only prove the operational effectiveness of DPPs but also to unlock their shared capacity to drive transformative change within the industry, securing long-term environmental impact and business success. Get in touch with Circularise [circularise.com](https://www.circularise.com/contact/) Get in touch with Teijin Teijinaramid.com; Teijincarbon.com; Teijin.com Ready to transform your supply chain and embrace circularity? See how traceability can help you comply, compete, and scale circularity. Talk to our team today. Talk to us # Achieving visibility into the Porsche supply chain Source: https://www.circularise.com/case-studies/achieving-visibility-into-the-porsche-supply-chain/ Case study on improving automotive supply-chain visibility for Porsche while keeping confidential supplier data protected. ## Problem The lack of transparency across automotive supply chains Ever more stringent environmental requirements, the growth of the circular economy, increasing consumer expectations, and regulatory demands for material traceability and transparency - these are just a few of the major trends the automotive industry is facing today. Many of these changes have led to positive results, such as the greater willingness of OEMs to collaborate with automotive partners and other parties. However, these challenges have also highlighted the lack of transparency across supply chains needed to assess the environmental footprint of automobile manufacturing. The lack of transparency of automotive supply chains is understandable when we look at a regular car that has ~30,000 different parts, made from a range of raw materials, including aluminium, iron, steel, rubber, plastics, special fibres, and glass. Combined with a supply chain that can be over 20 tiers long due to the various processing and manufacturing steps. This means getting detailed information about the materials used for automobile manufacturing is extremely difficult. ## Goals Enable Porsche to gather more information directly from the suppliers about the parts and materials they use in cars. Porsche has a large number of suppliers providing parts and components to its cars but it doesn’t stop the company from looking into their supply chains for more information about the materials. In order to tackle this challenge, Porsche partnered with Circularise as well as the pioneering material suppliers Borealis, Covestro, Domo Chemicals, Sika, Asahi Kasei, PPG, Mitsubishi Chemicals, two aluminium providers, the certification body UL, and others to work on a blockchain traceability project. The key question we addressed was “How can Circularise’s blockchain technology help increase transparency across Porsche's value chain?” > “We need to know more details on the parts and materials being used in our products, that means information on production processes deep down the supply chain, statements of recycled content and more.” Antoon Versteeg - Project Lead Innovation Research, Porsche #### Can supply chain visibility be achieved while ensuring confidentiality for suppliers? Despite supply chain complexity, automotive manufacturers need to and want to understand where materials come from, what they are made of, where their products end up, and how they might impact the environment throughout their production, use, and end-of-life. However obtaining this full picture of the supply chain immediately raises concerns around trust, privacy, and confidentiality. This is because the available data on the materials is often proprietary, not accessible or incomplete. In an ideal world, all members of the supply chain would provide proof that all the criteria required to ensure a sustainable system have been met (LCA, chain of custody, certifications, social and corporate governance), without having to forfeit their proprietary information. This way all companies could showcase their sustainability and maintain their competitive advantages. To achieve this, Porsche and its suppliers partnered with Circularise to use blockchain and a patent-pending Smart Questioning technology to set up secure, end-to-end traceability for specific material streams. Figure 2: Information flowing into the Porsche consumer app #### Using blockchain to drive supply chain transparency Using a decentralised blockchain ensures that each party maintains ownership of their data and prevents the information from being tampered with. This technology allows a digital record to be created for the material flowing through the supply chain. The digital product passport is updated by each company as the material moves through the supply chain, creating a record with the total history and impact of that material. Combining this approach with Smart Questioning ensures that the information being shared is reliable and also prevents proprietary data from being shared publicly. Smart Questioning allows key information to be selectively shared with members of the value chain, where the owner of the original data is always in control of who can access the insights into this data. #### Practical benefits of supply chain visibility By digitising materials on blockchain car manufacturers can make better decisions for the next generations of vehicles and support end-of-life recycling approaches, as well as help final consumers to learn more about their vehicle and its origins, enabling them to make more sustainable choices. Ultimately reducing the environmental impact across the whole value chain. ### Process #### Digitising the Porsche supply chain To launch the project we started with one use case - the digital traceability of plastics - and over time more materials and companies were added to cover aluminium, fabric, coatings, adhesives, and a certification body. Using Circularise’s API and a Porsche demo app, we wanted to give consumers better insights into the impact of their vehicles. By digitising each batch of material on the blockchain we created a digital copy, called a digital twin/ passport. Figure 3: Members of the Porsche value chain working to achieve supply chain visibility with Circularise An audit of all the available product information was conducted, including LCA data, chain of custody, certifications, and social governance information. The various categories of information were then prioritised to decide what data should be included in the digital twin/ passport, such as its environmental footprint and origin. This digital thread (how the digital twin transfers through the supply chain) improved transparency between supply chain actors. This also offered great advantages to the material suppliers to differentiate their materials or products within the market. ### Outcome #### Reliable and secure supply chain visibility By creating a new digital thread in the automotive value chain in cooperation with Porsche and selected Tier 1-2 suppliers, we have proved that supply chain transparency and sustainable material traceability can be achieved even within complex production. This is a big step forward in supporting industries like the automotive sector, in achieving their sustainability goals and complying with upcoming regulations. Digitising materials on blockchain helps car manufacturers to make better decisions for the next generations of vehicles and support end-of-life recycling approaches. This information is made available to consumers by connecting the data insight outputs to the Porsche app. Supply chain information helps final consumers to learn more about their vehicle and its origins, enabling them to make more sustainable choices. All of this combined helps to reduce the environmental impact across the whole value chain. Figure 4: Dashboard of the information available to the supply chain #### Expanding the network Circularise is in continuous dialogue with automotive value chains to introduce supply chain transparency into the automotive industry. We are also forging a range of partnerships across the value chain with groups such as Catena X and RAI Automotive, to jointly create new solutions on processes for increased digital supply chain transparency and the circular economy. > "For us, it is really important to share information and be more transparent while maintaining confidentiality. For instance, the material composition is of competitive advantage so we would never share that openly. Here, Circularise helps us to maintain this confidentiality and only disclose the information needed from raw material producer to recycler. And with that, we can close the loop." Uwe Peuker - Vice President Regional Product Management Polycarbonates, Covestro Continue the conversation ## See how Circularise can support your supply chain. From supplier data collection to digital product passports, the platform is built for traceability that scales. Talk to us More Case Studies # Building a transparent solar future: How Circularise and FAIR PV pioneered circularity with Digital Product Passports Source: https://www.circularise.com/case-studies/building-a-transparent-solar-future-how-circularise-and-fair-pv-pioneered-circularity-with-digital-product-passports/ Case study on how Circularise supported FAIR PV with Digital Product Passport and transparent solar-product data workflows. The energy transition must be built on a foundation of transparency and circularity. Our collaboration with Circularise is central to this mission. Their technology allows us to prove the sustainability of our panels—from ethical raw materials to end-of-life recyclability—without compromising sensitive IP. This isn't just about compliance; it's about creating a new, fair standard for the entire solar industry. Siemen Brinksma Co-Founder, Biosphere Solar Takeaway 1 Successfully defined a comprehensive data ontology and launched a functional DPP prototype for solar PV. Takeaway 2 Established a framework for secure, confidential data sharing among competitors and supply chain partners. Takeaway 3 Created the foundational transparency required for compliance with the EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) and CSRD. ## About the Fair PV Project The FAIR PV project is a Dutch consortium comprising Biosphere Solar, AMS Institute, and TU Delft, funded under the Knowledge and Innovation Agenda for Circular Economy (KIA-CE). Its mission is to develop the world's first fully repairable, refurbishable, and transparently sourced solar PV module. The project combines hardware innovation (liquid-based encapsulation, modular design) with digital innovation (dynamic DPPs) to advance the solar industry towards a circular future. ## About Circularise is a supply chain traceability software provider based in the Netherlands. Its patented Smart Questioning technology enables companies to share verified information across complex supply chains without revealing confidential data. Circularise’s platform provides the foundation for Digital Product Passports, simplifying compliance with regulations like the ESPR, Battery Regulation, and CSRD. Trusted by industry leaders like Asahi Kasei, DOMO Chemicals, and Mitsubishi Chemical, Circularise turns traceability into a strategic advantage. ## Why FAIR PV chose Circularise The FAIR PV project began with a clear goal: to move solar panels from disposable products to durable, circular assets. Biosphere Solar’s hardware innovation, a panel designed for disassembly, solved only part of the challenge. The consortium still needed a digital layer to prove circularity claims and enable new business models. Their selection criteria were stringent. The solution needed to: - Provide end-to-end traceability from raw materials to end-of-life, far beyond tier-1. - Ensure confidential information sharing to protect the IP of all supply chain participants (e.g., material formulas, processing techniques). - Be interoperable and capable of handling dynamic, real-time data like performance degradation and maintenance history. - Deliver audit-ready documentation for regulators and certifiers. - Provide a direct path to compliance with the EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). Circularise was the only platform that met all these criteria, offering a secure, scalable, and supplier-centric approach to transparency. ## Proof of concept and implementation The PoC focused on developing a dynamic Digital Product Passport (DPP) tailored to the solar industry's unique needs. The work was structured in two key phases: 1. Ontology development (TU Delft & Circularise) The team developed a sophisticated data ontology — the blueprint for the DPP. This involved mapping 176 data classes and 131 properties to capture everything from raw material origin and toxic substance content to real-time energy output and repair history. Insights from 12 stakeholder interviews revealed a critical industry need: data on a panel's current condition is more valuable for reuse/refurbishment decisions than its original specifications. 2. Platform integration & prototyping (Circularise) Using this ontology, Circularise configured its platform to create a working DPP prototype. The platform employed its patented Smart Questioning technology, allowing different actors in the chain (e.g., glass supplier, cell manufacturer, recycler) to respond to verified data requests without exposing their entire dataset. The prototype showcased key information for compliance and circularity, including recycled content, carbon footprint, material composition, and a verifiable chain of custody. ## Key outcomes The collaboration delivered tangible, strategic outcomes that prepare the FAIR PV consortium for a circular future: - Supply chain transparency achieved: Mapped the entire solar PV value chain within a standardised ontology, creating a single source of truth for all product-related data. - Digital Product Passports deployed: Launched a functional, sector-specific DPP prototype that aggregates static (e.g., bill of materials) and dynamic data (e.g., predicted health) into a secure, accessible record. - Confidential information sharing proven: Demonstrated that competitors and partners can collaborate and share necessary sustainability data using Smart Questioning, all while preserving business-critical IP. - Regulatory preparedness secured: Built a system that is pre-aligned with the data requirements of the EU's ESPR, CSRD, and potential future solar-specific mandates, de-risking the compliance journey. - Audit-ready documentation: Established an immutable, blockchain-backed record of material provenance and chain of custody, providing undeniable proof for sustainability claims and certifications. ## Expansion and future plans: Scaling circularity The successful PoC is not an endpoint but a launchpad. The FAIR PV consortium is actively planning the next phases: - Living lab validation: The DPP and circular panels will be tested in a real-world environment at the Innovation Pavilion in Amsterdam, involving installers, maintainers, and recyclers to validate the workflow and business case. - Commercialisation of circular panels: Biosphere Solar will utilise the DPP as a core component of its market differentiation and sales strategy, targeting sustainability-driven public and private organisations. - Industry-wide adoption: Circularise is leveraging the FAIR PV ontology and learnings to onboard other solar manufacturers and recyclers, promoting an industry-standard approach to traceability that unlocks circular economies of scale. ## Closing Statement The FAIR PV project demonstrates that traceability is the critical enabler that bridges physical circular design and circular business models. The collaboration between Circularise and the FAIR PV consortium proves that companies can meet ambitious sustainability goals, comply with evolving regulations, and build supply chain resilience—without sacrificing competitiveness or intellectual property. This project moves us from theory to practice. We're not just building a better solar panel; we're building the trustworthy data infrastructure that makes the entire circular economy possible. Circularise provides the missing link between our innovative design and the market's need for verified, actionable truth. Maria Alejandra León Project Manager - EU Research and Government Affairs Ready to build transparency and circularity into your products and supply chains? Talk to us