IOTA and Digimarc Transform Plastic Waste with Digital Product Passports

IOTA Foundation, in collaboration with Digimarc, has introduced Digital Product Passports (DPPs) to track and trace the recycling of plastic waste into bioplastics, according to IOTA Foundation. This initiative aims to foster transparency and support a circular economy by meticulously documenting the lifecycle of plastic waste.

IOTA Tech Boosts Circular Economy

In a significant step towards enhancing the circular economy, IOTA Foundation and Digimarc are leveraging 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 film, widely used in modern agriculture for weed suppression and water conservation, often ends up in landfills, posing environmental challenges. Recycling these plastics into biodegradable products, however, is complex and costly. According to the OECD, only 9% of plastic waste is recycled, with 22% being mismanaged. This underscores the need for a reliable system to trace plastic waste through its recycling process.

Introducing Digital Product Passports

The Digital Product Passport (DPP) for Plastics prototype solution provides comprehensive data on the lifecycle of plastic waste, from its disposal to its transformation into new products. This data is recorded using the GS1 EPCIS 2.0 standard and stored on the IOTA ledger, ensuring verifiable claims about product provenance.

Chain of Events Leading to the DPP for Plastics

The DPP solution involves several stages, starting with the waste production stage, where farms use plastic mulching films for crop protection. After harvest, the used plastic is collected, and its data is recorded on the IOTA ledger. The waste is then picked up by an authorized waste manager, who tracks its journey to the recycling facility.

At the recycling stage, the plastic waste is processed into new raw materials. These materials are then supplied to manufacturers who transform them into new products, such as eco-friendly packaging. Each product is assigned a unique DPP, documenting the entire supply chain journey.

Ensuring Trust and Transparency

Throughout the process, the EBSI Trust Framework verifies the identities and relationships of all actors involved. Using GS1 EPCIS 2.0 standards, supply chain events are captured and recorded, with each product assigned a GS1 Digital Link. This link, accessible via a QR code, provides transparency and allows consumers to verify the product's provenance and sustainability.

This system ensures that every party, from the waste producer to the auditor, plays a crucial role in maintaining transparency and traceability in the lifecycle of agricultural plastics, supporting a robust circular economy.

Conclusion

By leveraging blockchain technology, IOTA and Digimarc's DPP solution prototype for plastics ensures transparency and integrity in the lifecycle of agricultural plastics. This initiative not only promotes a circular economy but also provides valuable insights for businesses and consumers, enhancing sustainability and reducing environmental impact.