The role and benefits of Digital Product Passport in the remanufacturing process in the era of Zero Defect Re-manufacturing

Abstract

The implementation of Digital Product Passports (DPPs) has become a game-changing strategy in the pursuit of sustainable manufacturing methods, especially in the remanufacturing industry. The goal of this research is to achieve Zero Defect Manufacturing (ZDM) in the circular economy by examining the functions and advantages of DPPs in remanufacturing processes. Through a comprehensive study, including a detailed case analysis in the automotive industry, we elucidate the significant efficiency gains and cost savings facilitated by DPPs. Our findings reveal a substantial reduction in remanufacturing time by 39.07 percent, and a corresponding decrease in costs, highlighting the DPP’s potential to enhance operational efficiency and sustainability across various sectors. Even with the potential advantages, there are still obstacles to overcome when implementing DPPs, such as the initial setup costs, the requirement for digital infrastructure, and worries about data security. But these difficulties also present chances for creativity and teamwork, highlighting how crucial it is to create standardized data procedures and security safeguards. This paper adds to the conversation on sustainable manufacturing by outlining the DPP’s critical role in advancing the circular economy, outlining potential directions for further study, and arguing in favor of the creation of international standards to encourage broad adoption.