MateRe - DPP

Description

"MateRe-DPP" is a product developed in response to the Digital Product Passport (DPP), as part of the EU's Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation. This regulation is a focal point in the ongoing discussions about eco-design rules for sustainable products in the EU.

The hallmark of "MateRe-DPP" is its approach that goes beyond mere compliance with regulations. Conceptualized to build a sustainable relationship with consumers, it functions as a sales-enhancing promotional tool designed to highlight the appeal of products. Additionally, it facilitates the circular economy through post-purchase support including maintenance, reuse, repair, and recycling.

Story

I once heard a representative from a major Japanese manufacturer express frustration, saying, "Sustainable products don't sell." Indeed, in Japan, there seems to be less consumer interest in sustainable products compared to the EU. This lack of market demand makes it challenging for companies to continue producing sustainable products, posing a significant problem for those of us aiming to achieve resource circulation.
To address this issue, we have re-designed the Digital Product Passport (DPP), often discussed in the context of regulatory compliance, into a tool that also adds value to sales promotion and after-service. We developed a product named "MateRe-DPP."
It can incorporate information via various mediums such as QR codes, barcodes, and RFID, but the most effective method is embedding NFC into products, integrating the product with information.
Before purchase, customers can simply hold their smartphone close to compare the Carbon Footprint (CFP) with other products, or access persuasive information highlighting the product's appeal. After purchase, it offers various functions to avoid disposal, such as checking maintenance methods, contacting repair services, and requesting recycling collection. Moreover, its integration with the product means it cannot be lost and is easily accessible.

Link

• https://digglue.com/dpp/

Images

Judge’s Comments

Aining Ouyang

REnato lab Chief Operations Officer

DPP Forerunner Prize

This is a project that combines experimental and systematic potential. When it comes to "circularity," most people overlook that "waste" is just the result, and the "cause" is the "disconnection in the relationship between people and objects." This project leverages technology to rekindle friendly relationships between 'the majority of people' and 'a vast number of objects,' and it also showcases a new concept that is currently underway in the global direction of DPP.

Sachiko Hirosue

Osaka Namari-Suzu Seirensho Co., Ltd. President and CEO

We care when we See Award

Giving agency to the consumer to make choices beyond material desire, to affect cultural values, can affect the business models of the manufacturers to choose values in addition to profit. However, this is still a very underdeveloped part of the circular economy.

Early models to affect cultural change by directly addressing consumers, has commonality with the HIV/AIDS charity concerts. In this model, there was consumption of culture (initiated by artists) to send out the message to change culture (discrimination against the infected). When it comes to material things, the plastic shopping bag, polluting and harming life on land and sea, is another highly visible consumer awareness to cultural change movement. But is the alternative solution, replacement by every other organization giving out cotton shopping bags, a true solution? Is another form of consumption appeasing our guilt of consuming plastic bags? Who is looking at the entire life cycle when the cycle involves so many players? This project has the potential to address this - by making every step traceable.

Being seen is one of the best ways to involve diverse partners to come up with creative solutions, and ultimately changing social behaviours. The choice of the NFC tag brings the consumer closer to the product life cycle in an inexpensive way. Given, one has a smart phone, why not just a QR code? That Digglue has already made such a passport for EU and other projects is exciting.

CrQlr Awards entry No.80, which is submitted by the same group, digglue, completes the cycle. Why not take the consumer part and bring it full circle by connecting the waste to recycling, certifying the materials to be chosen by the manufacturer?