Overcoming information asymmetry in the plastics value chain with digital product passports: how decentralised identifiers and verifiable credentials can enable a circular economy for plastics

Abstract

This paper analyses the potential of digital information technology to enable the reliable provision of product information along the plastics supply chain. The authors investigate the possible contribution of a product passport equipped with decentralised identifiers and verifiable credentials to overcome information deficits and information asymmetry in the circular plastics economy. Through this, high-quality plastics recycling could be enabled on a larger scale than currently possible.