PASSAT

In February 2025, the bilateral flagship project PASSAT – Digital Product Passport Austria & Beyond – was launched for the Digital Product Passport (DPP). With 21 partners from industry, research, and networks, the project aims to develop practical solutions for the introduction of the DPP in Austria and to support companies in their transition towards circular economy and sustainable production.

The Plattform Industrie 4.0 leads the communication and dissemination activities in the project and is committed to a wide networking of relevant stakeholders.

The Digital Product Passport as the foundation for sustainable value chains

The DPP is a central element of the new Ecodesign Regulation (ESPR) and is designed to facilitate access to product-related data throughout the entire lifecycle of a product. It aims to increase transparency about materials, production processes, and recycling possibilities, supporting companies in implementing resource-efficient and circular business models. More about the DPP can be found on our overview page.

PASSAT aims to develop initial practical DPP prototypes in the reference sectors of textiles and electronics, as well as examine the transferability to the ski industry. Various aspects of sustainability and different technological solutions, such as digital product labeling and data-space approaches, will be tested.

Core activities of PASSAT

• Development of DPP pilot applications in the textile, electronics, and ski industries

• Analysis of regulatory frameworks and derivation of policy recommendations

• Development of technical concepts and processes for the implementation of the DPP

• Training and workshops to prepare companies for the new requirements

• Establishment of a stakeholder network to connect with national and international initiatives

Project partners & role of Plattform Industrie 4.0

As part of PASSAT, Plattform Industrie 4.0 leads the communication and dissemination activities. A key focus is on knowledge transfer and supporting companies in early engagement with the DPP. To this end, training materials will be developed, and the topic will be spread throughout the industry. Additionally, a stakeholder network will be established to ensure broad involvement of relevant actors. Plattform Industrie 4.0 will also contribute significantly to the development of recommendations for various stakeholders.

The project is coordinated by the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology and includes 19 Austrian partners and two partners from Germany. The collaboration of various actors from industry, research, and networks ensures a broad professional perspective and allows for a comprehensive view of DPP implementation.

• AIT Austrian Institute of Technology

• ABC Research GmbH

• Atomic Austria GmbH

• CANCOM Austria AG

• Fraunhofer Austria Research GmbH

• Grabher Group GmbH

• Fronius International GmbH

• GS1 Austria GmbH

• Joanneum Research GmbH

• Löffler GmbH

• Nexyo GmbH

• Salzburg Research Forschungsgesellschaft m.b.H.

• Secontrade GmbH

• Silana GmbH

• University of Continuing Education Krems

• Verein Industrie 4.0 Österreich – the platform for intelligent production

• V-Trion GmbH

• Wintersteiger Sports GmbH

• Onlim GmbH

• HTW Berlin (DE)

• EAW-Relaistechnik (DE)

PASSAT as a foundation for DPP implementation in Austria

“Through the establishment of a broad stakeholder network and connection to European initiatives, PASSAT will create a solid foundation for the introduction of the Digital Product Passport in Austria. This enables companies to adapt early to regulatory requirements and opens new perspectives for the sustainable transformation of the economy.”
– Roland Sommer, Managing Director of Plattform Industrie 4.0 Austria

The press release from Plattform Industrie 4.0 about the project kick-off can be found here. Follow PASSAT on LinkedIn to stay up to date on the DPP.

If you are looking for general information about the DPP, you can find a lot of information on our overview page, as well as register for the regular DPP check-ins. Here you will also find the press release for the kick-off.