IOTA and Digimarc Transform Plastic Waste with Digital Product Passports

The IOTA Foundation, in collaboration with Digimarc, has introduced a Digital Product Passport (DPP) that tracks and traces the process of recycling plastic waste into bioplastics, the IOTA Foundation announced. The initiative aims to promote transparency and support a circular economy by carefully recording the life cycle of plastic waste.

IOTA technology promotes a circular economy

In a significant step towards improving the circular economy, the IOTA Foundation and Digimarc are using distributed ledger technology (DLT) to monitor the recycling journey of plastics. The project focuses on converting farm plastic waste into bioplastics used in consumer products, ensuring both business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) verification.

Plastic mulch films, widely used in modern agriculture for weed control and water conservation, often end up in landfills, causing environmental problems. However, recycling these plastics into biodegradable products is complex and expensive. According to the OECD, only 9% of plastic waste is recycled, while 22% is mismanaged. This highlights the need for a reliable system to track plastic waste through the recycling process.

Introducing the Digital Product Passport

The Digital Product Passport (DPP), a plastic prototype solution, provides comprehensive data on the life cycle of plastic waste, from disposal to new product. This data is recorded using the GS1 EPCIS 2.0 standard and stored on the IOTA ledger, ensuring verifiable claims about the origin of the product.

Chain of events leading to plastic DPP

The DPP solution consists of several steps, starting with the waste production stage, where plastic mulching films are used on farms to protect crops. After harvest, the used plastic is collected and the data is recorded on the IOTA ledger. The waste is then collected by an authorized waste manager and its journey to the recycling facility is tracked.

In the recycling stage, plastic waste is processed into new raw materials. These raw materials are then supplied to manufacturers to be converted into new products, such as eco-friendly packaging. Each product is assigned a unique DPP, which records the entire supply chain journey.

Ensuring trust and transparency

Throughout the process, the EBSI Trust Framework verifies the identity and relationships of all involved actors. Supply chain events are captured and recorded using the GS1 EPCIS 2.0 standard, and each product is assigned a GS1 digital link. This link, accessible via a QR code, provides transparency and allows consumers to verify the origin and sustainability of the product.

This system ensures that all parties, from waste producers to auditors, play a vital role in maintaining transparency and traceability throughout the life cycle of agricultural plastics, supporting a robust circular economy.

conclusion

Utilizing blockchain technology, IOTA and Digimarc’s DPP solution prototype for plastics ensures transparency and integrity in the life cycle of agricultural plastics. This initiative not only promotes a circular economy, but also provides valuable insights for businesses and consumers to improve sustainability and reduce environmental impact.

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