Aimplas develops demonstrator for plastic product digital passport

Aimplas, the Plastics Technology Centre, a Spain-based technological center that provides solutions to the plastics industry, has developed a demonstrator that simulates the digital passport for plastic products, which will be mandatory for marketing products in the European Union. Aimplas says companies should start implementing it this year to adapt to the likely enforcement of rules in 2026, although an exact date is not yet known.

Aimplas says its tool provides consumers with essential information about the traceability, materials, recycling and carbon footprint of the products they purchase. Additionally, the solution demonstrates that plastics comply with all European regulations.

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As an example of what the digital passport will entail, Aimplas says its demonstrator includes examples of supermarket ice cream packaging, reusable cosmetic packaging, a recycled plastic pencil holder and a toy house, which in addition to being made with at least 90 percent recycled plastic, aims to educate about sustainable habits and respect for nature.

Aimplas notes packaging and toys are framed within the priorities defined by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre for the Sustainable Products Ecodesign Regulation.

The demonstrator, designed as an interactive screen with code and label readers, allows users to visually and intuitively explore the information these products could present in their future digital passports. Aimplas says it integrates detailed data about the product’s life cycle, from its origin and manufacturing process to its material components and recycling options at the end of its useful life, as well as its carbon impact.

The digital product passport will offer consumers easier, more transparent and secure access to key information about the products they buy, Aimplas says, improving the shopping experience, promoting sustainability and strengthening consumer confidence in the authenticity and quality of the product.

The digital product passport will give consumers access to the complete history of a product, from its manufacture to its distribution and consumption. Through the digital product passport, Aimplas says consumers will be able to access detailed information about the product’s characteristics, such as materials used and manufacturing date, usage instructions, warranties and recycling recommendations. Aimplas says this will allow for more informed and secure purchasing decisions.

Also, Aimplas says digital product passports will facilitate tracking the environmental impact of a product throughout its life cycle, which may include its carbon footprint, resource use and recycling practices.

The products identified by the European Commission as key to being included in the Sustainable Products Ecodesign Regulation are 11 final products such as textiles and footwear, tires, bed mattresses, detergents, paints and varnishes, lubricants, cosmetics, toys, fishing gear, absorbent hygiene products, and seven intermediate products such as iron and steel, basic chemicals, nonferrous metal products other than aluminum, aluminum, plastic and polymers, pulp and paper and glass. Additionally, three horizontal requirements will be considered—durability, recyclability and recycled content.

Aimplas says development of its demonstrator has been made possible through the support of the Valencian Institute of Business Competitiveness and Innovation, with funds from the Generalitat Valenciana for the development of independent research and development activities by technology centers. It is framed within the Circular Economy line promoted by Aimplas.

Aimplas says ITC Packaging and Famosa have collaborated in the project by providing relevant information from the technical sheets for the ice cream packaging and the toy.