Deliverable 7.4: Spanish, Slovenian and Italian Pilot Cluster Workshops Testing Results

1 WP 7 Pilot Use Case Planning, Implementation and Results Tasks 7.2, 7.3 & 7.4 Deployment and Testing Plan Delivery and Management Deliverable 7.4 Spanish, Slovenian and Italian Pilot Cluster Workshops Testing Results Ref. Ares(2025)3447473 - 29/04/2025 2 DISCLAIMER The opinion stated in this report reflects the opinion of the authors and not the opinion of the European Commission. All intellectual property rights are owned by CircThread consortium members and are protected by the applicable laws. Reproduction is not authorised without prior written agreement. The commercial use of any information contained in this document may require a license from the owner of that information. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement Nº 958448. 3 Project Data Project Acronym CircThread Project Title Building the Digital Thread for Circular Economy Product, Resource & Service Management Grant Agreement number 958448 Call identifier H2020-LCCI-2020-EASME-twostage Topic identifier CE-SC5-31-2020 Develop, implement, and assess a circular economy-oriented product information management system for complex products from cradle to cradle Funding Scheme IA - Innovation action Project duration 48 months (From 1 June 2021) Coordinator FUNDACION CARTIF Website https://www.CircThread.com Deliverable Document Sheet Deliverable No. 7.4 Deliverable title Spanish, Slovenian, and Italian Pilot Cluster Workshops Testing Results Description Linked to T7.2, T7.3 and T7.4. Provides the Spanish, Slovenian and Italian Pilot Cluster Workshops Testing Results for the CircThread projects including as outcomes: a detailed description of the testing results at the level of individual services linked to CircThread, and the overall CircThread platform split between the three pilots in Spain, Slovenia and Italy, based on workshops containing qualitative feedbacks from pilot users with improvement recommendations. WP No. 7 Related task T7.2 - Pilot (Cluster 1 - Spain) Testing Implementation T7.3 - Pilot (Cluster 1 - Slovenia) Testing Implementation T7.4 - Pilot (Cluster 1 - Italy) Testing Implementation Lead Beneficiary 1 - CAR Author(s) CAR Contributor(s) CEG, ONYX, MONC, DOM, COME, REY, MASS, OCU, SIM, GOR, SUR, SKY, ZEOS, BSH, ERION, AE, EKOD, ECOW, SUPSI, SIST. Type Report Dissemination L. Public Language English – GB Due Date 28/02/2025 Submission Date 29/04/2025 4 Version Action Owner Contributors Date V.0 ToC CAR Fernando Burgoa (CAR) 31/01/2025 V1 Integration of the Slovenian pilot results SIM Elisa Ionascu, Diana Antonescu, Vlad Cojocariu (SIM), Anja Popovic (GOR), Nastja Tukayev (SUR) Bojan Kotnik (SkyLabs) Damir Huremovic (ZEOS) 24/02/2025 V2 Integration of the Italian pilot results ERION Andrea Centurioni (ERION), Francesca Fattori (ERION), Sara Strippoli, Stefano Casiraghi, Luisa Crisigiovanni (AE), Cristina Batzella (BSH) 03/03/2025 V3 Integration of the Spanish pilot results CAR Greta Minelgaite (REY) Ainhoa Urkitza (CEG), Mikel Argoitia (DOM), Gorka Erlaiz (SARE) Araceli Sánchez, María Jiménez (ONY), Amaya Apesteguía, Javier Pablo García, Susana Fernández (OCU), Deborah Leone (SUPSI), Pedro Vieira, Inês Caetano (SIST) 24/03/2025 V4 Writing of use case 1 & Writing of conclusions and next steps ECOW, EKOD Rembrandt Koppelaar (ECOW), Yigit Yayalar (EKOD) 21/04/2025 V5 Final version for submission CAR Fernando Burgoa, Cristina Parrado (CAR) 28/04/2025 5 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This deliverable presents the results of the final step of the piloting activities in CircThread. Building upon the previous activities reported in Deliverables D7.1 to D7.3, provides a detailed overview of the testing outcomes, challenges, and lessons learnt from full deployment activities in the three pilots from M40 to M46. The pilots were designed to validate the circular digital thread concept in a relevant environment. Activities were structured around the seven project use cases. In Use Case 1, all three pilot proved the use of Digital Product Passports (DPPs) for the different products under study, tagged with QR codes to support product traceability and access to life cycle information. Use Case 2 was piloted in the Spanish pilot, where data management for the Bill of Materials and Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA) was tested. Use Case 3 demonstrated spare parts recovery in in the Slovenian and Spanish pilots. In Use Case 4, end-of-use decision-making was tested through real and simulated interventions across all pilots. The Italian pilot processed consumer-returned dishwashers, the Slovenian pilot also addressed legacy appliances, and the Spanish pilot conducted full recyclability studies on boilers, batteries, and solar glass. Use Case 5 was validated in the Spanish pilots through repair simulations on boilers, registering the events in the DPP. Use Case 6 tested CRM and hazardous substances evaluation methods in all pilots, including component mapping and classification. Finally, Use Case 7 focused on consumers and was tested in Italy and Spain, with more than 50 consumers interacting with the DPP and providing feedback on usability and relevance of the available information. In addition to this, the integration of services within the CircThread platform was evaluated in the three pilots through different layers of testing, such as identity management, API integration, and user interface linkages. The pilots confirmed the potential of aligning different services and data flows around a central platform, while also highlighting areas that would need further development, in particular to overcome aspects such us interoperability, consumer engagement, and awareness raising. Therefore, there is a strong need to develop further circular economy use case driven IT standards, such that extended product information management platforms for the wider product life cycle can be operated using the same IT landscape and related data orchestration landscape. 6 Table of Contents Executive Summary ............................................................................................................ 5 1 Introduction ................................................................................................................ 13 2 Overview of progress and RESULTS M30 – M40 .............................................. 13 3 Summary of pilot developments ............................................................................ 15 3.1 UC1 - Product tracking and tracing ......................................................................... 15 3.1.1 Italian pilot .............................................................................................................. 15 3.1.2 Slovenian pilot ....................................................................................................... 16 3.1.3 Spanish pilot ........................................................................................................... 22 3.2 UC2 - Manufacturing information collection ........................................................ 26 3.2.1 Spanish pilot ........................................................................................................... 26 3.3 UC3 - Spare parts recovery ....................................................................................... 41 3.3.1 Slovenian pilot ....................................................................................................... 41 3.3.2 Spanish pilot ........................................................................................................... 48 3.4 UC4 - End-of-use decisions ...................................................................................... 52 3.4.1 Italian pilot .............................................................................................................. 52 3.4.2 Slovenian pilot ....................................................................................................... 56 3.4.3 Spanish pilot ........................................................................................................... 62 3.5 UC5 - Lifetime extension ........................................................................................... 65 3.5.1 Spanish pilot ........................................................................................................... 65 3.6 UC6 - CRM and chemicals evaluation..................................................................... 67 3.6.1 Italian pilot .............................................................................................................. 67 3.6.2 Slovenian pilot ....................................................................................................... 68 3.6.3 Spanish pilot ........................................................................................................... 72 3.7 UC7 - Consumer decisions ........................................................................................ 73 3.7.1 Italian pilot .............................................................................................................. 73 3.7.2 Spanish pilot ........................................................................................................... 79 3.8 Final reflections: barriers, challenges and enablers .............................................. 90 3.8.1 Italian Pilot .............................................................................................................. 90 3.8.2 Slovenian pilot ....................................................................................................... 91 3.8.3 Spanish pilot ........................................................................................................... 91 4 Integrated testing and validation ........................................................................... 93 4.1 Product identity integration ...................................................................................... 93 7 4.2 Backend integration for data orchestration ........................................................... 95 4.3 End user UI linked integration .................................................................................. 97 5 Conclusions and Lessons Learnt ............................................................................ 99 ANNEX I – Additional information for the Spanish pilot’s consumer tests ....... 100 Annex II – Summary of the latest software developments (S8 and S9) ............. 116 8 List of Tables Table 1. Summary of completed pilot activities (M30 – M40) ...................................................................... 14 Table 2. Overview of the parameters that can be customized within the scenario template for each phase and component ............................................................................................................................................ 32 Table 3. Overview of the 10 dishwashers collected for the pilot. ................................................................. 53 Table 4. Assessment of the status of the collected dishwashers. .................................................................. 54 Table 5. Assessment of intercepted dishwashers. ............................................................................................ 56 Table 6. Recyclability potential estimations for ONYX photovoltaic panel, CEGASA Li-ion battery and DOMUSA boiler. ...................................................................................................................................................... 64 Table 7. Average material composition of the collected dishwashers. ......................................................... 67 Table 8. Inventory of assessed plastic parts. ..................................................................................................... 71 Table 9. Spanish sociodemographic distribution used as a reference. ......................................................... 80 Table 10. Sociodemographic distribution of the consumer sample. ............................................................. 80 9 List of Figures Figure 1. Dishwasher models tagging with a QR-code for tracking and tracing simulations in the Italian pilot. ........................................................................................................................................................................... 15 Figure 2. Dataspace installation in Slovenian pilot machine .......................................................................... 17 Figure 3. Model WNA84A PS22/43141 ........................................................................................................... 17 Figure 4. Model WNA84AWIFI ............................................................................................................................ 17 Figure 5. Model WNEI74BS PS22/23140......................................................................................................... 17 Figure 6. Model WPNA84APWIFI PS22/54141 .............................................................................................. 17 Figure 7. Model WNEI94AS PS22/26140 ......................................................................................................... 18 Figure 8. Model WNPI72B PS22/13120 ........................................................................................................... 18 Figure 9. Model WNS84ATWIFI PS22/44145 ................................................................................................. 18 Figure 10. Model database in TRAC ID .............................................................................................................. 18 Figure 11. Product information ............................................................................................................................ 19 Figure 12. QR codes linked to item level DPPs ................................................................................................. 20 Figure 13. Item level Digital Product Passport .................................................................................................. 20 Figure 14. Product Life Cycle Scenario ............................................................................................................... 21 Figure 15. Product life cycle status ..................................................................................................................... 22 Figure 16. Data resource creation. ...................................................................................................................... 23 Figure 17. Contract and policy set-up. ............................................................................................................... 24 Figure 18. Artifact creation and file upload. ...................................................................................................... 24 Figure 19. Artifact URL used to download the disassembly manual. ........................................................... 25 Figure 20. Timeline of SISTRADE BOM Manager Service ............................................................................... 26 Figure 21. Example retrieved from the template – Step 0 ............................................................................. 30 Figure 22. Example retrieved from the template – Step 1 ............................................................................. 31 Figure 23. Example retrieved from the template – Step 2 ............................................................................. 31 Figure 24. Customization of the BIPV panel manufacturing phase .............................................................. 34 Figure 25. LCA results – Chart visualization ..................................................................................................... 34 Figure 26. LCA results – Table visualization ...................................................................................................... 35 Figure 27. LCA results – BoM visualization – Example showcasing the "Climate Change" impact category and the contribution of "Solar Cells + Ribbon" manufacturing to this category........................ 35 Figure 28. BoM-based contribution tree for Manufacturing phase and Climate change indicator ....... 36 Figure 29. S-LCA results – Chart visualization .................................................................................................. 37 Figure 30. S-LCA results – Table visualization .................................................................................................. 37 Figure 31. SLCA results – BOM visualization – Example showcasing the "Safety measures" impact category and the contribution of "Solar Cells + Ribbon" manufacturing to this category........................ 38 16 • Cases where consumers are involved to provide for events and information where the main barrier is motivation for consumers, in a real life setting without motivation provided by a consumer organisation to its members. To overcome this there needs to be a clear benefit and incentive to interact with the IT system based on Digital Product Passports, such as benefits towards logging issue to obtain recommendations for repair. • Cases where there is no current logging of events and the system is not designed for it, such as when collecting products, at collection points or reverse logistics distribution hubs as an intermediary stage before sending the products to recycling. These cases are the hardest to solve, as they require a rethink of the way these systems operate and significant benefits are necessary to enable scanning of individual items or batches of items, such that operators would be willing to invest and provide for at least a cost neutral management of the required operational changes. 3.1.2 Slovenian pilot As part of the UC1 validation activities within the Slovenian Pilot, the development and deployment of Service S8 (Legacy Product Data Identification) and Service S9 (Damaged Product Circularity Assessment) by Simavi (SIM) were central actions. These services were integrated into UC1 to support product and model registration, Digital Product Passport (DPP) generation, and product data enhancement for circularity. During the pilot phase, SIM worked closely with Slovenian partners—including EKOD, Gorenje (GOR), ZEOS, Surovina (SUR), and SkyLabs (SKY)—to implement and validate the functionalities of these services. The main focus was ensuring that data collected from legacy and damaged appliances could be efficiently stored, processed, and accessed within the CircThread ecosystem. For Service S8, SIM provided a structured data input process for legacy appliances, allowing users to progressively build up product details, component compositions, and hazardous material information. This data was linked with the Digital Product Passport (DPP) for enhanced traceability. For Service S9, SIM supported the assessment of damaged appliances, enabling datadriven recommendations for reuse, repair, or recycling. The service was tested to evaluate its ability to provide automated recommendations based on predefined parameters. During the pilot phase, SIM worked with the INESCTEC team to integrate into the pilot the Dataspace application from task T5.3 (Digital thread connectors and secure data exchange). The INESCTEC team provided the necessary documentation and guidance for the installation and configuration processes. After several discussions about specific configurations for Dataspace installation into the pilot server machine, the SIMAVI team managed to configure and install it. 17 Figure 2. Dataspace installation in Slovenian pilot machine The following activities involved the integration of the required APIs requests for data exchange for Slovenian partners. SIM implemented the necessary functionalities for documents and contracts exchange in service S9 and the pilot general dashboard. Using these functionalities, the end-users can easily upload, download, and visualize their documents. The UC1 testing phase included iterative feedback loops, where pilot partners actively tested service functionalities, provided insights, and suggested optimizations to enhance user experience and efficiency. After acquiring the space in Polzela (Slovenia), the pilot partners initiated the setup of the testing environment, ensuring that all necessary equipment and resources were in place for validating the services. GOR began the activity of collecting appliances from the market. Eight collected appliances used in the project are part of the PS22 generation. Due to various reasons, they have been withdrawn from the market and now serve as display models within the scope of demonstration activities. The different models are presented below (Figures 3 – 9) Figure 3. Model WNA84A PS22/43141 Figure 4. Model WNA84AWIFI Figure 5. Model WNEI74BS PS22/23140 Figure 6. Model WPNA84APWIFI PS22/54141 18 Figure 7. Model WNEI94AS PS22/26140 Figure 8. Model WNPI72B PS22/13120 Figure 9. Model WNS84ATWIFI PS22/44145 The data for all the models was accordingly completed in TRACID (Figure 10). Figure 10. Model database in TRAC ID Each product included the declaration of compliance, the documentation on the device's characteristics, user manuals, and recycler instructions (Figure 11). In the recycler instructions, the spare parts that the manufacturer wishes to retrieve have been flagged, as well as the components that contain hazardous substance. 19 Figure 11. Product information When the models were set up, GOR created the DPPs and tagged the appliances with a QR code, which connected each individual appliance to its digital identity. 20 Figure 12. QR codes linked to item level DPPs Figure 13. Item level Digital Product Passport 21 With the aim of establishing the complete product life cycle, Gorenje developed several possible scenarios based on the collected data, each representing different routes that the appliance may follow throughout its entire lifecycle. Figure 14 shows one of those scenarios as an example. Figure 14. Sample product life cycle scenario The initial phase of the product life cycle, covering the journey of the appliance to the service technician (Repairer), was thoroughly simulated to analyse key steps and potential challenges in the process. The remaining part of the product life cycle, including end-oflife management, was then demonstrated, with a focus on circular economy principles and the possibilities of reusing individual components. 22 Figure 15. Product life cycle status All ecosystem partners (GOR, ZEOS and SUR) were actively involved in setting up the link between stages and actors across the product life cycle (Figure 15). 3.1.3 Spanish pilot The use case in the Spanish pilot focused on the setup of life cycle traceability for the three different product groups, batteries, boilers and building integrated solar glass, covering both B2B and B2C products. The efforts for the testing of B2C products, (boilers) was carried out with consumers in dedicated workshops where they could experience in person in a site setting the use of the Digital Product Passport for scanning the QR-code, as well as through online access, so as to return feedback on the interactions with the IT system and the usefulness and requirements for managing their boiler information. The efforts for the testing of B2B products and B2C products from an economic operator perspective across the life cycle focused on the managing of the product data itself in the Digital product Passports created, linked also to the CircThread platform and how different information sets could be access. In the feedback the need for a product information landing page in the CircThread platform with the basic product information, as a specific service access point to different services was provided. 23 This solved the problem of not having a neutral party system to integrate different services, as a layer on top of the traceability system provided by Digital Product Passports. The landing page also has its own QR-code, which could be attached to the product during specific product events (for example repair or refurbishment), so as to enable access for economic operators at later stages of the product life cycle. In addition, part of the UC 1 validation actions included data-space tests designed to simulate the exchange of confidential information between two actors in the value chain in a secure, trusted way. Getting access to the data space requires prior validation by the clearing house to get access rights and credentials, so, Cartif, with the support of Ines-Tec simulated the hypothetical exchange of a disassembly manual between Domusa (data producer) and Reydesa (data consumer). The first step is to access the data-space environment with the manufacturer credentials. Once the manufacturer is logged in to the User Interface, the next step is to create the data resource, in this case the Disassembly Manual, and complete all the required information (Figure 16) Figure 16. Data resource creation. 24 This step included setting the specific contract that would govern the exchange of information, selecting the right policy based on the data producer’s requirements in terms of data security (Figure 17) Figure 17. Contract and policy set-up. For the purpose of this test, the “Provide Access” policy was selected, which allows the data consumer to access the data without restrictions. Once the data resource was ready, the next step was to attach the data artifact to this resource. This artifact contained the document and the URL that would be shared with Reydesa so that the recycler can download the disassembly manual (Figure 18). Finally, the producer checked that this information was effectively available as a data resource and in the broker. Figure 18. Artifact creation and file upload. 25 In the next step, the data consumer (Reydesa) used the link provided by Domusa as data producer, to get access to the User Interface. The Disassembly Manual was then successfully downloaded through the artifact URL (Figure 19). In this way, Reydesa is able to access confidential information provided by the manufacturer in a secure way and under the terms of the data contract to ensure the good use of information. Figure 19. Artifact URL used to download the disassembly manual. The test showed the potential of the data space as a powerful tool to enable secure exchanges of information between parties in the context of the digital thread. However, there is still work to do in the future to operationalise this exchange and improve integration and accessibility. A key learning and result therefore from the Spanish pilot system are that there may be differentiated access to different IT systems alongside the digital thread. One being the digital product passport which is more product information focused, another the CircThread Platform or a similar product information management platform for circularity, which is more services focused and is linked to the Digital Product Passport, but also other services such as in the CircThread case the product model meta-data catalogue, a Data Space, manufacturer information services, and others. 32 transparent modelling environment, allowing users to integrate various impact assessment methodologies and databases while customizing process flows and scenarios. For this study, the SOCA v3 database was selected as the modelling foundation. SOCA v3 extends Ecoinvent v3.10 by incorporating PSILCA v3.1.1, a methodology that quantifies social impacts within supply chains. Its key advantage lies in the pre-existing integration of social impact categories with Ecoinvent processes. Additionally, SOCA v3 includes cost-related fields, making it particularly well-suited for the combined LCA-LCCS-LCA approach, enabling a seamless evaluation of environmental, economic, and social dimensions in a single framework. The modelling process followed these key steps: 1. Baseline model setup: here, according to the data collection phase, the life cycle phases and the processes were defined and identified. The initial structure was built using Ecoinvent processes from SOCA v3 as a starting point, providing a standardized inventory of life cycle flows. 2. Customization with primary data or high-level customization spaces definition: default database values were progressively replaced with primary data collected through the structured data template or pre-defined parameters are created in order to make the model flexible and usable for comparison of different scenarios. 3. Final model integration: the updated processes were linked within OpenLCA, completing the creation of a single model, allowing for a comprehensive sustainability assessment. As cited in step 2, to enhance the model's flexibility and adaptability to modifications impacting the life cycle, alternative flows and parameters were integrated (definitions and details are accessible in D6.4). Specifically, multiple upstream transportation alternatives were added to account for different logistical scenarios and parameters related to logistic, energy or weight information are created and added to the model. The customizable parameters for each phase and component are summarized in Table 22. Table 2. Overview of the parameters that can be customized within the scenario template for each phase and component Product / Component Manufacturing Transport End of Life BIPV Panel • Energy consumption for assembly • Required assembly time • Distance travelled for delivery • Energy required for disassembly • Heat required for disassembly Front Glass • Upstream transport distance • Disposal phase activation (1 = active) Rear Glass • Upstream transport distance • Disposal phase activation (1 = active) 33 Solar Cells & Ribbon • Total weight of solar cells • Upstream transport distance for ribbon • Upstream transport distance for solar cells (air) • Upstream transport distance for solar cells (land) Encapsulant • Upstream transport distance • Disposal phase activation (1 = active) Junction Box • Upstream transport distance (air) • Upstream transport distance (land) • Disposal phase activation (1 = active) This hybrid approach, leveraging a well-established database while incorporating casespecific data, enabled the creation of a detailed and reliable model tailored to the ONYX use case. 3.2.1.6 LCSA – Impact assessment and results interpretation This chapter presents the validation of GRETA’s functionalities for LCSA, including model configuration, calculation, and result visualization. By enabling the comparison of product alternatives, GRETA supports informed decision-making throughout the product life cycle. The focus will be on its key features: • Calculation capabilities for integrated LCSA analysis; • Visualization tools for clear and intuitive sustainability impact representation; • Comparison functionalities to assess alternative scenarios and support ecodesign. The integration of GRETA in the UC2 case study provided a real-world test of its reliability and usability, offering valuable insights for further refinement and methodological validation. For a comprehensive overview of GRETA’s functionalities, refer to D6.4; this chapter specifically addresses its application and validation within UC2. The previously modelled system in OpenLCA was imported into GRETA and prepared for use: scenario templates are created and set with the related customization spaces and the definition of the calculation methodologies. Figure 24 illustrates an example of the customization related the BIPV panel manufacturing in GRETA, where Onyx (the user) can adjust the assembly's energy consumption and required time. The LCSA impact assessment and result interpretation is dived into two different steps, the Hotspot identification, enabling the identification of the product significant issues from the environmental and social perspectives, and the Scenario comparison, allowing to compare different product variants to identify the optimal product configuration from the LCA and SLCA point of view. 34 Figure 24. Customization of the BIPV panel manufacturing phase Hotspot identification Once the scenario is customized, the assessment calculation can be executed, producing LCA and S-LCA impact results presented through bar charts, tables, and a BoMdistributed view of individual indicators. These visualizations highlight the contributions of each phase, component, and process, providing a detailed breakdown of their impacts. Hereby, in order to show the GRETA service developed and how these data can be visualized, results and outputs of a “simulated scenario” are showed in Figure 25, Figure 2626 and Figure 2727. Figure 25. LCA results – Chart visualization 35 In Figure 25, for example, it is possible to notice how the manufacturing phase (green part) is relevant for the overall impact results and for all the proposed indicators. Figure 26. LCA results – Table visualization Figure 27. LCA results – BoM visualization – Example showcasing the "Climate Change" impact category and the contribution of "Solar Cells + Ribbon" manufacturing to this category. If needed, the manufacturer can focus on a specific life cycle phase by clicking on the interested one (lower side of Figure 25): GRETA provides a contribution tree capable to show how each process, belonging to the specific life cycle phase, contributes on the selected indicator (Figure 28). 36 Figure 28. BoM-based contribution tree for Manufacturing phase and Climate change indicator For instance, Figure 28 shows that the solar cells manufacturing process is the most impactful process for the selected climate change indicator. Considering the structured model and adopted framework, a S-LCA was obtained with secondary data (retrieved from database). The resulting impacts in chart, table and BoMdistributed view formats are presented in Figure 29, Figure 30 and Figure 31. 37 Figure 29. S-LCA results – Chart visualization Figure 30. S-LCA results – Table visualization 38 Figure 31. SLCA results – BOM visualization – Example showcasing the "Safety measures" impact category and the contribution of "Solar Cells + Ribbon" manufacturing to this category. The results presented in the previous figures illustrate the LCA and S-LCA impacts from the production, transportation, and end-of-life management of a single Onyx BIPV panel in a fake scenario. Even at this stage, they help decision-makers identify hotspots and key processes to target for reducing environmental or social impacts. Scenarios comparison GRETA’s comparison feature takes this further by enabling real-time assessment of design modifications. To use this function, the user first accesses GRETA’s comparison feature enhances this analysis by enabling real-time assessment of design modifications. The process begins by comparing the baseline scenario with itself, which naturally yields identical impact results. In the next step, one scenario remains unchanged while specific parameters in the other are modified. For instance, in Figure 32, this analysis illustrates an example where the energy consumption during BIPV panel assembly is adjusted. In the baseline scenario, the assembly is automated, requiring x kW of energy and n hours of labour. In the modified scenario, assembly is manual, consuming 0 kW of energy but requiring 10 hours of labour (dummy data). A radar chart visualization provides a clear benchmark between the original and modified scenarios. 39 Figure 32. LCA scenario Comparison – Radar Chart – Comparing automated (energy-intensive, 2-hour) vs. manual (zeroenergy, 10-hour) BIPV panel assembly, highlighting impact variations. Another key feature is the indicator filter. By default, there are 25 environmental and 55 social indicators. For effective decision-making, selecting only the most relevant indicators can streamline the analysis. Figure 33 illustrates the S-LCA radar chart for the previous example (automated vs. manual assembly). The left chart displays all indicators, while the right chart focuses only on those related to the workers' category. The analysis carried out on the Onyx BIPV panel allowed to test and validate both the environmental and social assessment methodologies previously developed in Task 3.2 (T3.2), and the functionalities of GRETA developed within CircThread project. Concerning the methodologies, the test allowed to verify the use of primary and secondary data concerning the environmental area, while the social part focused only on secondary data. In both cases, relevant results have been obtained, demonstrating the flexibility of the methodology in addressing different possible industrial scenarios. The use of GRETA highlighted its capability is perform both LCA and SLCA, providing significant information of the system hotspot that could support the Onyx ecodesign activities. In addition to that, the scenario comparison functionalities of GRETA can further assist Onyx decision makers in testing possible product, manufacturing and logistic variants fostering the identification of product improvement paths from the social and environmental perspectives. 40 Figure 33. SLCA scenario Comparison – Radar Chart – Comparing automated (energy-intensive, 2-hour) vs. manual (zeroenergy, 10-hour) BIPV panel assembly. All SLCA indicators displayed (top), SLCA indicators related to the workers' category displayed (bottom). 41 3.3 UC3 - Spare parts recovery 3.3.1 Slovenian pilot Two different routes (loops) of recovering spare parts can be identified. In the first loop, spare parts are extracted by the manufacturer’s official repairer and, in the second route, the disassembly and spare parts extraction is carried out by Producer Responsibility Organisation (PROs) or the recycler (see the Figure 34 below). For the CircThread scenario, the Slovenian Pilot demonstrated the second route, where spare parts extraction was carried out by Surovina. Figure 34. Product Life Cycle (TRACID) In the scope of Use Case 3 Gorenje prepared a document in which spare parts that are needed and can be potentially retrieved from collected damaged and used products are specially marked (Figure 35). In each line, each component also lists the price at which Gorenje would be willing to buy the component back. This document was uploaded in the DPPs, so the information was available among different stakeholders. 48 Figure 45. Example of extracted component It was essential that the extracted components remained in the best possible condition to ensure their continued usability. The selected components (spare parts) were packed and sent back to the manufacturer (Gorenje). 3.3.2 Spanish pilot The activities that were planned and carried out in REY/INA with the 4 different products received from ONYX, CEGASA and DOMUSA and tested inside the Spanish pilot are shown in an implementation timeline in Figure 46. Figure 46. Spanish pilot activities carried out by REYDESA/INATEC. Once the characterisation works of the 4 products were finished, REY/INA proceeded with the preparation of dedicated guides for product dismantling in REYDESA’s facilities, paying special attention to the recovery of parts with CRM content or with reuse potential. Guidelines were prepared after internal consultation with the Health and Safety department, indicating possible health hazards, safety needs and defining necessary personal protection equipment for REYDESA’S staff to be able to work with the products that were received. The instructions were also translated into local language (Spanish). 49 A new batch of products was requested from the producers and was received by REYDESA. During the last 6 months of the piloting activities (M40-M45) the focus of REY/INA was placed on product dismantling activities in the recycling plant facilities according to the prepared guides (Figure 47). solar panel, CEGASA Li-ion battery and DOMUSA biomass boiler dismantling activities in REYDESA. Time, and staff effort needed for dismantling activities was noted down and this information together with the one gathered in characterization studies was used for the product recyclability potential evaluation by REY. REY recycling facilities, with their current authorisations as well as limitations were considered for recyclability estimations, paying special attention to CRM and replacement parts recovery possibilities/potential: • Regarding ONYX photovoltaic panel, and CEGASA batteries recyclability potential evaluation, the main focus and the strength of the studies was placed on decontamination and dismantling processes, as REYDESA does not hold the required authorizations for the processing of these products. • Methods for industrial valorisation of solar panels (e.g., the recovered glass, ribbons, solar cells) need to be developed and further evaluated regarding their costs, profits and feasibility. In the case of recycling facilities such as REY, for the recyclability potential study only the removal of junction box with cables could be considered: junction box for reuse (as suggested by product manufacturers, ONYX) while cables to be recycled for Cu recovery in REY applying its usual treatment methods. • CEGASA Li-ion battery recyclability potential evaluation could be carried out considering components of the battery that could be recycled in REY (cables, battery connections (copper bridges) for Cu recovery), and the ones that were suggested as potential replacement parts after information exchanges with CEGASA (washers, battery module casing). The recovered PCBs were considered for sales to an external entity. Valorisation of sets of cells was also considered inside the recyclability potential study, but assuming treatments and their possible costs applying the knowledge that was gained and conclusions that were drawn by REY/INA participation in related battery recycling projects: o BACO (HAZITEK-2020). Project supported by the Basque Government to define a mechanical treatment of lithium-ion batteries at the end of their useful life. o SMARTLIBS (PERTE-VEC 2022). Project supported by the Ministry of Industry and Tourism to define, model and test a mechanical treatment plant for lithium-ion batteries at the end of their useful life Figure 47. ONYX solar panel, CEGASA Li-ion battery and DOMUSA biomass boiler dismantling activities in REYDESA 50 • There is not enough knowledge available on industrial end-of-life Zn-air battery treatment and valorisation processes. Additionally, only cables present in the battery could be considered for treatment in REYDESA’S facilities, and their quantity is of a minor importance (0.2%) regarding to the total module weight. As a consequence, there is not sufficient data/information for carrying out proper product recyclability estimations. There is a great need for further Zn-air battery recycling studies, especially keeping a focus on potential recovery of Mn that is listed as a CRM, as well as Zn, as its content in the battery module corresponds to almost half of the total module weight, and to about 70% of the recovered product value. • REYDESA is authorised to manage boilers at the end of their useful life, and it treats the received products that are categorized as non-hazardous, as the boiler that was received from DOMUSA. The products that are received first are decontaminated, and each of the separated parts are managed independently (PCBs, cables, engines, metal casings and the rest). REYDESA usually does not receive information on the product content or material recovery potential for recycling management. The decontamination team normally carries out decontamination first, and the production team defines the objectives, focusing on copper and aluminium content (REYDESA's main market). In this study, touchscreen controller and fan were considered for reuse, and the recovered PCBs were considered for sales to an external entity. • REYDESA does not have a quality service for potentially reusable parts due to the usual poor state of the received end-of-life products, and therefore, treatment is applied to these products that does not allow the reuse of different parts. Nevertheless, inside the framework of CIRCTHREAD project, the focus was placed on reusable parts recovery potential. REY has received suggestions from producers (ONYX, CEGASA, DOMUSA) for elements/parts of the product that could be recovered as replacement parts, although their condition for reuse has not been assessed. For the purpose of estimating the recyclability potential of the received products, in recyclability studies their value was defined based either on the content that could be valorised, the value of the reusable product parts or their dismantling effort costs. • Last but not least, it is important to keep in mind that other recycling facilities besides REYDESA may have different experience and knowledge regarding photovoltaic modules or batteries valorisation and recycling possibilities. Therefore, the results and conclusions for these products recyclability potential evaluation may differ from the ones achieved in the present study. The results of the activities in UC3 resulted in the development of disassembly manuals for all the products, to improve the effectiveness of the EoL activities and to support future design improvement actions by the manufacturers (Figure 48). This information has been considered confidential, as it includes detailed data about the product composition and design. 51 Figure 48. Sample disassembly manual for ONYX’s solar glass. 52 3.4 UC4 - End-of-use decisions 3.4.1 Italian pilot MediaWorld, using the information provided by consumers, carried out an initial sorting of the old dishwashers it picked up from consumers' homes: 10 were sent to Rigeneration, while the others were sent to the LaboRAEE treatment plant, which manually dismantled and processed them. The 10 dishwashers selected and deemed suitable for refurbishment were sent by MediaWorld and received by Ri-generation on 23 October 2024, which started processing them on 13 December 2024. At Ri-generation, the first step was a preliminary general evaluation of the appliance: thanks to their experience, the operators of Rigeneration are able, using little information, to assess whether or not an appliance is suitable to be refurbished. Broadly speaking, the assessment is based on data such as brand, model, year of manufacture and general condition. Once an appliance had been determined to be suitable for refurbishment, a diagnosis was made to identify any defects and spare parts to be replaced (broken and/or worn); this is followed by the actual repair of the appliance, with the replacement of worn components. The next step was testing, during which the operating cycles were checked and sanitisation took place. The last step in the process was the cleaning and sanitising of the refurbished appliance. (Figure 49) Figure 49. One of the dishwashers treated by RI-generation, in the repair and sanitising stages respectively. 53 The information provided by consumers via the questionnaire administered by AltroConsumo was very useful as it enabled certain parts of the process to be sped up. For each of the 10 dishwashers, several pieces of information were collected, in addition to the brand, model and general condition, namely: failures found, repairs carried out, replaced components and sanitising cycles performed. Table 3. Overview of the 10 dishwashers collected for the pilot. Code Years in use Brand Model Overall status Failure mode Replaced components Sanitisation A04 11 Bosch SMV50E70EP Good Faulty wash pump Built-in kit, drain gasket, washing pump, drain pump, sump ring, drain hose 6 cycles A06 / Ariston ELTB6M124EU Good Faulty wash pump Motor pump, cutlery basket, drain pump, drain hose, water stop hose, central filter 6 cycles A08 9 Bosch SMV48M10EU/7 3 Good Normal wear and tear Built-in kit, drain gasket, washing pump, drain pump, sump ring, drain hose 6 cycles A13 / Ariston LTF11M121OLEU Good Heating element Heating element, motor pump, drain pump, drain hose 6 cycles A16 11 Indesit DIF14 Good - Motor pump, cutlery basket, drain pump, drain hose, central filter 6 cycles A19 22 Bosch SGV55M43EU/10 Good - A20 14 Ariston LFT2294A Good Faulty power board Cutlery basket, upper basket, lower basket, lower shovel, upper shovel, washing pump, drain hose 6 cycles A23 17 Whirpool WP78/1 Good - 54 Code Years in use Brand Model Overall status Failure mode Replaced components Sanitisation A26 13 Electrolux TT992 Good Normal wear and tear Built-in kit, foot adjustment rod, OWI sensor, oring, sump, pressure switch, exhaust pump, exhaust hose, central filter, tachometer, bottom impeller, bottom blade 6 cycles A28 18 Rex TT10E Good - Of the 10 dishwashers that came from consumers' homes, 7 were found to be suitable for refurbishment, while 3 were too outdated for refurbishment to be feasible. Table 4. Assessment of the status of the collected dishwashers. Code Regenerated Notes A04 Yes A06 Yes A08 Yes A13 Yes A16 Yes A19 No Obsolete A20 Yes A23 No Obsolete A26 Yes A28 No Obsolete Within the UC4 scope, an activity was also organised at an ecological island, in collaboration with the Azienda Milanese dei Servizi Ambientali (AMSA), the ‘Collector’ within the project. The aim of this activity was to intercept a number of dishwashers conferred by consumers and, after collecting a series of information such as the brand, model, general condition and, if possible, the age of each dishwasher, to preliminarily identify those that were likely to be suitable for refurbishment. Unfortunately, the flow of dishwashers conferred directly by consumers to the ecological island was not sufficiently large to allow this activity to be carried out in a given period of time. To overcome this obstacle, it was decided to intercept the dishwashers at the next step in the end-of-life chain, i.e. at a pre-treatment plant; in the case of this pilot, the plant identified was Stena Recycling. This plant receives several containers of dishwashers daily from the ecological islands: from these, 20 were selected and their suitability for reuse was assessed (Figure 50). 55 To do this, Ri-generation was again involved: following the instructions of the operators, brand and model were identified for each dishwasher, and photographs were taken from different angles: - Front photo with closed door. - Back photo. - Front photo with door open and baskets pulled out. - Photo of the nameplate so that the age of the dishwasher can be noted and the availability of spare parts can be checked. Figure 50. One of the dishwashers intercepted in the Stena pre-treatment plant. Of the selected dishwashers, only five would have been suitable for refurbishment; however, these unfortunately suffered such aesthetic damage in transport and discharge that their refurbishment would have been unsustainable. This is a common challenge in the reverse logistics chain, where products are managed in such a way that they are damaged as part of the process, since the system is not designed for prepare for reuse purposes. Adjusting the system would incur significantly additional cost which is currently too high to make this possible. The results provided by the pilots indicated that digital information about products would be an essential part of a more individualised approach to manage the collection and reverse logistics so as to unlock prepare for reuse efforts, which would need to be part of an overall overhaul of WEEE management approaches. 56 Table 5. Assessment of intercepted dishwashers. Code Brand Model Suitable for regeneration Regenerated Notes LAV01 Rex RS 3T No No Obsolete LAV02 indesit DIF 14B1 A Yes No LAV03 SIEMENS Yes No LAV04 BOSCH SMS2032II/01 No No Obsolete LAV05 Whirlpool ADP 7570 IX Yes No LAV06 BOSCH SSS45M48II/36 No No Obsolete LAV07 BOSCH SN66P092EU/D 5 Yes No LAV08 indesit DFG 2631M NX No No Obsolete LAV09 Whirlpool ADG 7966 M No No Obsolete LAV10 Candy CDPE 6655-01 No No Obsolete LAV11 Electrolux TT802 Yes No LAV12 Miele G 696 SCI PLUS No No Obsolete 3.4.2 Slovenian pilot One of the core actions under UC4 involved the use of Service 13, End of Use Recommendation Service. The service was developed based on advanced algorithms and a detailed analysis of responses from a survey completed by the person responsible for inspecting the discarded device. This survey is an integral part of the Digital Product Passport and can be assigned to all devices with a digital identity. Its purpose is to provide valuable information about the appliance’s past usage and condition, offering a more comprehensive insight into its history. The collected responses support the understanding of the product’s use stage, as well as any previous malfunctions, repairs, or replaced components. Combined with the data recorded in the DPP, it will enable optimal decision making about the future of the discarded device. Based on this information, it would be possible to determine whether the appliance is suitable for repair, refurbishment, recycling, or the reuse of individual components. At this point in time, however, the results of S13 testing cannot yet be reported as it is still in the validation phase. End-of-use appliances might have a Digital Product Passport (provided by manufacturer), but the fact is that most existing devices may not have a digital identity yet. If it is determined that such a device is suitable for further use, then it is needed to create a DPP for it to start tracing the new life of the product, in the case of CircThread using the service S8 (Legacy Products Data Identification service). For testing purposes, ZEOS retrieved two appliances (Figure 51 and Figure 52) from collection points. As these were older models without a Digital Product Passport (DPP), no data on their composition was available. Given that SUR was responsible for conducting the S8 testing, ZEOS transferred the appliances to their facilities. 57 Figure 51. Gorenje washing machine model W6423 Figure 52. Gorenje washing machine model WA64163 Once Surovina received the appliances, both were photographed, weighed and measured. Key data such as appliance type, model, serial number and other important information from the data label was recorded. Figure 53 shows an example of the information recorded for both appliances. Figure 53. Available information recorded for the sample washing machines. Once all relevant and available information was registered, the products were disassembled. No disassembly information was available, so the operators used existing knowledge. First, the cover was removed as well as the outer panels. All components were measured, weighed, photographed, and the data was recorded in the table. The type of material for each component was also determined. 64 Table 6. Recyclability potential estimations for ONYX photovoltaic panel, CEGASA Li-ion battery and DOMUSA boiler. 1 As described in dedicated product characterization reports 2 Estimation made based on the knowledge gathered through participation in other projects with battery treatments 3 Taking into account the decontamination and dismantling activities that were carried out in REYDESA’S facilities 4 Estimations for recycling of product components/parts that could be processed in REYDESA’S facilities; for Li-ion battery cells recycling estimations were based on knowledge gathered from participation in other related projects 5 Cu recovered from cables or cables and copper bridges (Li-ion battery), and estimations for Li, P, graphite, Cu recovery from sets of battery cells, based on the knowledge gathered through participation in other projects with battery treatments 6 Value estimated for potential replacement parts (as described in characterization and recyclability reports); in this study their value was estimated based either on the valorisable content or their dismantling effort costs, as REYDESA does not have service to define their condition for reuse or knowledge on replaceable parts market 7 Valorisation in REYDESA 8 Valorisation estimations for sets of battery cells, based on knowledge gather through participation in other projects with battery treatments 9 Additional 2.4% could be added for recovery of Al, but it is not included in the table as it is not considered a CRM 10 The remaining 76.1% correspond to the value of recovered Fe CHARACTERIZATION1 TREATMENT FOR VALORIZATION VALORISATION: recycling and reuse with a focus on CRM recovery Product Potentially valorisable content (% of total product weight) Estimated economic value (€/t of product) Valorisable content in REYDESA (% of total product weight) Reception and discharge costs (% of the total cost)2 Dismantling costs (% of the total cost)3 Recycling costs (% of the total cost)4 Quantity of recovered CRMs5 (%/t of product) Value of the recovered CRMs (% of the total recovered value) Value of the recovered reusable parts6 (% of the total recovered value) ONYX photovoltaic panel 100% 151€ 5-9% - 98% 2% 1% 91% 9% CEGASA Li-ion e-bick battery module 80% 1800-2000€ 32%7 + 42%8 5.2% 2.1% 92.7% 16% 92.1%9 5.5% DOMUSA biomass boiler 99.9% 510.1€ 96% - 26% 74% 0.6% 12.4%10 11.5% 65 3.5 UC5 - Lifetime extension 3.5.1 Spanish pilot The Spanish pilot activities in Use Case 5 came to an end with the simulation of a repair intervention on a real pilot product. Of the three products under study in the Spanish pilot, the boiler was selected as it is the only product that is at the hand of the consumer for this type of interactions. The test took place in January at Domusa’s premises in Errezil (Gipuzkoa, Spain), where Sareteknika (SARE) simulated a repair intervention on the boiler. In particular, the boiler was prepared to display a failure in the fan (Figure 66). The consumer who faced this breakdown was assumed to contact the technical support department at Sareteknika, who successfully performed the repair and maintenance activity (Figure 67). The results from the perspective of the consumer are discussed into more detail in section 3.7.2, under UC7. SARE, as part of the process, updated the product status to “Repair” using the Product Journey section of the DPP for that specific boiler (See Figure 68 and Figure 69). As a result, this information is now available for other actors in the life cycle of the boiler, who can access to the details associated to the intervention. In addition, SARE also conducted online tests to change the status of 44 boilers to Repair for validation purposes, including the information of the intervention which was recorded in each DPP and made accessible through the Product Journey. Figure 66. Sample error displayed by the pilot boiler. Figure 67. Simulation of a repair intervention by SARE and DOM 66 The process validated the approach to log the repair information in a DPP for purposes of enabling combining the data with lifespan information, to understand the extension improvements due to repair services. This is currently missing from repairers information since they do not know the point of collection when the product is no longer wanted by its owner and the status upon collection. In the future, combining repair and collection dates would be possible, so as to understand lifespan extension impacts of repair. Figure 68. Updated status of the boiler. Figure 69. Overview of the boiler’s life cycle status. 67 3.6 UC6 - CRM and chemicals evaluation 3.6.1 Italian pilot The remaining dishwashers from consumers' homes considered unsuitable for refurbishment were sent to the LaboRAEE treatment plant, where they were manually dismantled by the operators and the output fractions were collected separately. Table 7 shows a list of the fractions obtained from the overall processing, with average weights. Table 7. Average material composition of the collected dishwashers. Material Average weight [kg] Iron 30.87 Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) 0.28 Polypropylene (PP) 2.83 Engines 2.00 Aluminium 0.10 Cables 0.35 Circuit boards 0.10 Copper/other 0.13 Residual waste 7.70 Total 44.37 Beyond materials, the focus in the Italian pilot was on the existing chemicals information and how it could be provided in a more direct context to consumers. In the scope of UC6, BSH has provided the RoHS Declaration of Conformity valid for all 4 models of dishwashers, which have ‘SD6PW1B’ as approval type (point no. 4 of the Declaration). In addition, through the public database https://echa.europa.eu/scip-database it is possible to consult, for each product model, the list of any hazardous substances that exceed the limits. Once the model number has been entered, if the product appears in the search result, it means that there are hazardous substances in the appliance that exceed the limit value (Figure 70). According to the BSH strategy, lead can be used above the limits for some applications. An evaluation was made on how this information could be used and provided in the Digital Product Passport context for consumer access. One of the challenges found is that the information in the SCIP database is highly technical, and the context is difficult to understand for public understanding. For this reason, the information was not directly included in the DPP, and a major recommendation of the results is that there needs to be a public layer of information also in the chemicals databases, which could form a part of the future EU common chemicals database that is being envisioned under the current EU commission term to be developed by 2028-2030, to be linked to the DPP system. 68 Figure 70. Evaluation of hazardous substances for model number XMV4EVX02E. 3.6.2 Slovenian pilot Gorenje obtains information about certain properties and compositions of components from its suppliers by collecting data on compliance with regulations such as the RoHS Directive 2002/95/EC (Restriction of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment) and the REACH Regulation 1907/2006/EC (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction on Chemicals), which Gorenje declare through a statement of Compliance. Currently, there is no directive or legislation requiring suppliers to report on CRM, which is why Gorenje does not have this information. In the scope of Use Case 6 Gorenje prepared a document in which components containing hazardous substances were marked with red. This document and Statement of Compliance were uploaded in DPPs, so the information is available among different stakeholders (Figure 71) After Gorenje collected appliances at Collection Centre and equipped them with QR codes, ZEOS took over the appliances. ZEOS than entered the takeover into the DPPs and updated the location of appliances in TRACID. After reviewing all the information regarding appliances, ZEOS directed appliances to disassembly route and arranged the logistics of transporting appliances to Surovina, who was responsible for disassembling. Surovina receives the devices, equipped with a QR code. Surovina as Collection Point, scans the QR code on the device, marking it as received, and updated location in DPP to ensure the continuation of the product life cycle. 69 Figure 71. Uploaded files in DPP 70 Figure 72. Scanning process Upon receiving the appliances, Surovina logs in as the recycler. Since the devices have a valid DPP, the recycler gains access to the device's BoM, which highlights the REACH components. The DPP also includes disassembly instructions, which assist the recycler in the process. Surovina used the Bill of Material for each appliance to identify components containing REACH regulated substances. Due to their environmental and health risk, designated REACH components were carefully extracted and handled using a special process. Figure 73. Example of components containing REACH regulated substances - door lock and temperature sensor In addition, Service S7 – NIRwave, was extensively tested as part of the material identification actions within UC6. Within this task, SKY (service provider) cooperated closely with SUR (service user) in different activities: • System testing at pilot level (customer support via phone/mail or eventually onsite) • S7 integration with other CircThread services, such as S8. • Assessment of the polymer classification accuracy, by expanding the reference polymer material database with additional samples. 71 Figure 74 displays the practical usage of service S7 to classify unknown polymer parts at the recycling plant. Figure 74. SkyLabs S7 NIRwave Polymer Classification System in Use at the Surovina Pilot Plant. During the pilot testing a number of sample polymer materials have been successfully analysed with NIRwave system (Table 8). Table 8. Inventory of assessed plastic parts. Plastic part Identification by S7 NIRwave PC+FR40 (Polycarbonate blended with fire retardant FR40) PA12+GF30 (Polyamide with glass fibre reinforcement) PP (Polypropylene) PP (Polypropylene) PET+GF30 (Polyethylene with glass fibre reinforcement) 72 Plastic part Identification by S7 NIRwave PA6 (Polyamide) PP (Polypropylene) PET (Polyethylene) PP+GF30 (Polypropylene with glass fibre reinforcement) PP (Polypropylene) Furthermore, the system’s neural network engine was re-trained with additional real-life polymer samples and deployed to the pilot system running at Surovina on December 13th, 2025. 3.6.3 Spanish pilot The activities for UC6 in the Spanish pilots were already finished by M40, having focused on the identification, extraction and characterisation of the components with a high CRM content for all the pilot products. 73 3.7 UC7 - Consumer decisions 3.7.1 Italian pilot The third activity involving consumers was launched on 11 December 2024, with a completion deadline for 19 December. All 27 consumers part of the panel participated in the activity and completed the questionnaire. Figure 75. Notification sent to the sample of consumer for the third activity. This activity focused on the User Survey, whose questions have been developed collaboratively by Altroconsumo, BSH, and Erion. The survey aimed to gather consumer insights, enabling the manufacturer to collect usage statistics in order to enhance the product. It included questions on topics such as the most frequently used programs, noise levels during operation, malfunctions, and the most and least useful features. The questionnaire was incorporated into a newly created section of the DPP called Product Surveys (“Sondaggi sul prodotto” in Italian). 80 Table 9. Spanish sociodemographic distribution used as a reference. SEX Male 19,036,908 49% Female 20,179,437 51% Total 39,216,345 100% AGE Adults under 40 11,895,327 30% 40-65 years 18,537,804 47% Over 65: 8,783,214 22% Total 39,216,345 100% EDUCATIONAL LEVEL Primary 6,586,206 17% Secondary 19,868,175 51% Higher 12,761,964 33% Total 39,216,345 100% Priority was given to the 31 individuals who best matched this distribution. However, this criterion was only a guideline, as the selection depended on the availability of volunteers. As a result, there is a lower representation of individuals over 65 years old compared to the Spanish population and a higher presence of younger participants. In any case, it is important to highlight that due to the small sample size, the results cannot be considered representative of the Spanish population. Table 10. Sociodemographic distribution of the consumer sample. SEX EDUCATIONAL LEVEL Under 40 40-65 years Over 65 Male Primary 0 2 0 Female Primary 0 1 0 Male Secondary 4 3 1 Female Secondary 3 4 1 Male Higher 4 1 1 Female Higher 3 2 0 Total 14 13 3 The consumer testing stage involves evaluating the usability and user experience of the Digital Product Passport (DPP) for a boiler in five different scenarios, which have been designed based on the actions outlined in the workplan presented in Deliverable 7.2. The questionnaire contains 31 questions in total, with each scenario including specific tasks and follow-up questions: • Scenario 1: Accessing the Digital Product Passport (DPP) for the Boiler • Scenario 2: Downloading the Installation and Operating Instructions for the Boiler • Scenario 3: Boiler Satisfaction Survey • Scenario 4: Downloading the Warranty Conditions • Scenario 5: Requesting Repair from a Professional Technician 81 Each scenario guides the participant through a set of tasks related to the different DPP functions, such as searching for product information, downloading instructions or warranty conditions, completing a satisfaction survey, and tracking repair status. • Specific questions are included to assess the ability to complete the tasks. • Participants are asked to rate their satisfaction with each process, from finding specific information to completing downloads or surveys, using a 1 to 5-star scale. • Open-ended questions (questions 7, 12, 16, 21, 24) are also included in each scenario to gather detailed feedback on any issues encountered or suggestions for improvement. The final part of the questionnaire includes general consideration questions (25-29) about the overall usefulness of the tool, what additional information could be included, which changes would they suggest and whether the DPP could be beneficial for other products. Participants are also asked about potential privacy concerns related to the tool. To conclude, they provide their user number and indicate the device they used to access the platform: smartphone/computer and Android/Windows/iOs. Summary of results of the Spanish pilot In this chapter we show the main results of the in person and remote pilot with 31 users, following the same structure of the test: Scenario 1: Accessing the Digital Product Passport (DPP) for the Boiler • Accessing the DPP: Most users accessed it via the web link (74%); 26% used the QR code. No one had access issues. Figure 79. DPP landing page after scanning the QR code. 82 • Product Information: Almost all users correctly identified the 5-year warranty (96%) and the fuel type as pellets (96%). • Satisfaction with the navigation Ease: The process of finding the return option was rated average (3.78 out of 5 stars). There were some issues with visibility of the "Return to main menu" button, with 22% suggesting it should be more visible and fixed at the top of the menu. During the in-person test, all the users stated that when accessing from a phone, pressing "back" exits the platform, forcing the user to scan the QR code again, what is frustrating. • Information Organization: Users were mostly satisfied (4.26 stars), with suggestions for better typography and clearer section division to enhance usability. Usefulness: the more useful sections (very useful + quite useful), were the descriptive information (89%), Documents (82%) and name and picture of the product (78%). Not so much the Circularity and Sustainability section (60%). These results align with the consumer survey conducted in CircThread WP3.2, where we found that the most relevant sustainability information for Spanish consumers at the time of purchase is energy consumption (included here in the Documents section). In contrast, information about overall environmental impact was of secondary interest. Useful for 78% Useful for 89% 83 Useful for 60% Useful for 82% Figure 80. Screenshots of the different DPP sections tested by the consumers and perceived % of usefulness. Scenario 2: Download the Installation and Operating Instructions for the Boiler • Download Process: 74% found the download icon directly, while 26% initially clicked the document name. 93% were able to download without issues. • Satisfaction: The download process had a high satisfaction rating (4.41 stars). However, five users faced issues opening the document: 4 of them on a mobile Android device, and 1 on a Windows computer device. During the in-person test, 2 iPhone users experienced similar problems. • Improvement Suggestions: Users suggested making the download button larger and more visible, or, for better clarity, having the download start when clicking on the document name. 84 Scenario 3: Boiler Satisfaction Survey • Survey Access: 85% easily found the survey, and 85% were able to complete it. Figure 81. Consumer survey access button. • Satisfaction: Most were satisfied with the survey process (4.19 stars). • Issues: Some users had language visibility issues, with the survey only appearing when switching the language to Spanish. There were also reports of submission errors when the comment field was left blank, with suggestions to add clearer instructions. Figure 82. Screenshot of the product survey. Scenario 4: Download the Warranty Conditions • Download Success: 100% successfully downloaded the warranty conditions. • Satisfaction: The satisfaction rating was very high (4.52 stars), and most users were able to open the document without any issues (89%). Of the five users who couldn't open it in the third scenario, all of whom had Android devices, three still experienced difficulties accessing the document on their devices. 85 • Improvement Suggestions: Users suggested making the download link area larger and using more descriptive filenames to improve document identification. Scenario 5: Requesting Repair from a Professional Technician • Repair Status Tracking: 37% saw the repair status along with the repair organization’s name, while 30% also saw the specific repair details (e.g., needing a new fan). 15% did not see any of the relevant information. Some users tried to access the information through "update product journey" instead of "view product journey," suggesting that section names could be more intuitive. Figure 83. Screenshots from the “product journey” DPP feature. It would be more logical for repair information to be at the top rather than at the bottom of the screen. Many users had difficulty finding specific repair details, as they had to click on the magnifying glass to access more information, which was clear to only 30% of users. • Satisfaction with Repair Tracking: The process of finding the repair information was rated 4.04 stars. 86 General Considerations Do users think a tool like this Digital Product Passport could be useful for them in the future? The open-ended responses to question 25, "Do you think a tool like this could be useful for you in the future?" have been grouped by topic, and we also show the percentage of responses related to each topic. • Highly useful in the future (60%) - Many users believe that a tool like this would be very useful, especially if it provides real-time information and is well-detailed. They highlight its ease of use, the ability to access product lifecycle information, and the convenience of having a digital record, similar to an electronic ID or a digital health card. The sustainability aspect of reducing paper use is also appreciated. Some users see its usefulness mainly for electrical and electronic products. • Interesting and convenient (25%) - Users find value in having complete access to product information, especially for those who tend to lose manuals or instructions. The ability to track repairs and warranties is also appreciated, giving consumers more peace of mind and control over their devices. However, some mention that the design feels too plain and should be improved to ensure longterm engagement. • Uncertainty and need for improvements (10%) - A small percentage of users are unsure about the tool's usefulness. Some believe it is more suited for installers or technicians, while others suggest that it needs clearer explanations and improvements in repair tracking. • Usefulness for second-hand products (5%) - Some users highlight that this tool would be helpful when buying second-hand products, as it would provide clear information about the product’s condition and any changes made to it. What kind of information or content would they like to find in a tool like this? The open-ended responses to question 26, " What kind of information or content would they like to find in a tool like this?" have been grouped by topic, and we also show the percentage of responses related to each topic. • Contact information for repairers and installers (30%) - Users want easy access to contact details (especially phone numbers) of repairers, manufacturers, and authorized service providers in their area. They are also looking for estimated average repair costs, personalized repair quotes, repair time estimates, and options to schedule appointments. • Spare parts and maintenance (25%) - There is a strong interest in links to spare parts stores, options to buy replacement parts (batteries, filters, etc.), tutorial videos on installation and maintenance, and a guide for small home repairs. • Warranty, inspections, and servicing (20%) - Users value information on warranties, mandatory inspections, maintenance history, and error alerts with possible solutions. They also mention reminders for inspections and preventive maintenance options. Additionally, they suggest including a section indicating whether maintenance services are contracted or not. 87 • Product details (15%) - Users want detailed product information, such as manufacturing date, serial number, energy efficiency label, and product durability. • Offers and other services (10%) - Some users find it useful to see discounts or promotions on spare parts and repair services. However, others prefer not to receive offers from manufacturers through this tool. The possibility of a virtual assistant is also mentioned. These findings are in line with the results of the consumer survey conducted in CircThread WP3.2, where we found that the information consumers would like to access on such a platform includes: usage and maintenance tips, repair cost estimates, installation guides, warranty details, and other legal and durability information. Across all European respondents, there was also a strong interest in having access to support services for guidance on how to handle breakdowns, as well as services that offer home collection for repairs or recycling. Which changes would they suggest to improve the usability of the TRACID tool? The open-ended responses to question 27, " Which changes would you suggest to improve the usability of the TRACID tool?" have been grouped by topic, and we also show the percentage of responses related to each topic. • Make the interface more visual and modern (22%) - Users suggest adding more graphics and icons to make navigation easier without relying too much on text. A more modern and visually appealing design is also mentioned as a way to improve the overall experience. • More intuitive menus and content reorganization (18%) - Users recommend making the menu more visual, with clearer options and better color usage. Key elements, such as the "return to menu" button, should also be placed at the top for easier access. Some suggest improving language selection by replacing the three-line menu icon with a more intuitive flag icon. Additionally, renaming certain sections could make navigation clearer, such as changing "Product journey" to "Product status." • Accessibility and simplicity for all users (18%) - There is a strong need to make the tool easier to use, especially for people less familiar with technology. Suggested improvements include making document downloads more intuitive (by clicking the file name instead of a small arrow) and simplifying access to key sections. General navigation should also be streamlined. • Quick access to key information (12%) - Some users request direct access to essential details, such as customer support, product status, or warranty information. Adding a search bar is also suggested to help users find information more quickly. • Technical optimization (12%) - Users highlight the need to improve PDF downloads to prevent errors. Additionally, integrating the tool into a mobile app is suggested for better accessibility. • Other (18%): Various comments include suggestions such as improving the visibility of instructions, optimizing the interface for mobile devices, and reorganizing some sections to make them easier to find. 88 For what kind of products would a DPP be more useful? The open-ended responses to question 28, " For what kind of products would a DPP be more useful?" have been grouped by topic, and we also show the percentage of responses related to each topic. • Useful for all products (31%) – One third of users think a well-implemented Product Passport would be useful for any product, as it makes accessing relevant information easier. • Especially useful for technology and appliances (26%) – A quarter of users mention that large and small appliances, electronic devices, and cars would benefit the most, as a QR code would provide access to all manuals, warranties, and technical services in one place, instead of having to register each product on the manufacturer’s website. • Not necessary for clothing and personal products (19%) – Most people see more value in appliances, cars, and food than in clothing, though 30% of those who mentioned textiles believe it could be useful for accessing extra information like care instructions, components, origin, quality, or carbon footprint. • Interesting for food products (14%) – Some users think it would be useful for food products to know about origin, ingredients, or chemical treatments, while others consider the information already available on packaging sufficient. • Useful for furniture and other durable goods (7%) – In this case, users find it helpful for finding information on materials, assembly, or spare parts. • Would not use it or are indifferent (3%) – A small percentage says they would not use it, with several mentioning it might not be suitable for older people, as they may not be comfortable with technology. Concerns about personal data privacy The open-ended responses to question 29, " Does the Digital Product Passport raise any concerns about personal data privacy?” have been grouped by topic, and we also show the percentage of responses related to each topic. • No concerns (60%) - Most users do not see privacy issues, emphasizing that they trust the secure environment and that the information is about the product, not them. Some also mention that providing that current laws are followed, there is no concern. • Concern about personal data collection (15%) - Some users are uncomfortable with the idea of providing personal information like address, phone number, or ID number. However, most have no issues with basic information like name and email. During the in-person pilot, some users expressed concerns about the privacy of their data, questioning who will have access to their personal information. They noted that it is possible to trace the product owner through invoices, the use of smart appliances, or if the consumer logs in with their email or personal data. This raises concerns about how their information will be handled and protected. • Data security and protection (15%) - A few users expect that proper data protection measures will be in place, and they trust the system will comply with the current data protection laws in Europe. 89 • Concern about data transparency (10%) - Some users want to know who is providing the data and how it will be used, ensuring that sensitive personal data like previous owners' names are not shared. These results are consistent with the consumer survey conducted in CircThread WP3.2, were we found that over 85% of European respondents were willing to register their purchased products on a platform, as long as their personal data was not included. Privacy is a major concern. According to that survey, the type of information consumers are most willing to share, it mainly includes reporting issues, describing breakdowns and malfunctions, notifying when an appliance has reached the end of its life and is ready for recycling, and providing details about repairs and replaced parts. On the other hand, the least shared data would be usage information or photos of their products. 96 An example shown in Figure 87 below is from the GRETA circular sustainability advisory services, which includes 4 POST end points and 1 GET end point. The POST end points allow for posting projects and scenarios (to create the same project & scenario references for the calculation), and POST end point for providing for a simplified or complete bill of materials as a scenario from an IT system, such as directly from an ERP or through a simplified component-materials table in the Digital product Passport. The GET endpoint allows for retrieving for the calculated mid-points and end-points in the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) solution. The approach was tested in the pilots for two different services, the legacy products identification service from SIMAVI and the GRETA service from SUPSI. The approach shows that the data can be made to flow, but that the alignment of data streams can require more significant investment in terms of transforming receiving data to be usable both in terms of the data format as well as conversions necessary, to create for a tailored data flow. Specific alignment efforts investments are necessary beyond CircThread to further advance the integration effort at a data orchestration effort to truly integrate specific services to provide for a universal utilisation for a wide range of product models, scenarios and use cases. Figure 87. Example of a standardised set of endpoints for the Circular Sustainability Advisory Service GRETA to orchestrate data using POST and GET operations. 97 4.3 End user UI linked integration The integration of services is also based on having UI linked entry points to access and initiate services, for operating them in a flexible manner. Instead of a sequence based scenario with guidance, this is based on a flexible interface infrastructure through the product model landing page in the CircThread Platform (see Figure 88 below). The user interface allows for starting a service that can be operated via their own UI through an external link, or through an iframe within the CircThread Platform. Part of the flexibility is to allow different economic operators depending on their role to have access to a service or restrict its access. Therefore, the ecosystem can be setup such that repairers have only access to repairer services, whilst manufacturers would also have access to for example life cycle assessment services for their products. As an example of a complicated flow a manufacturer could: • Through the UI setup first setup their product identity • Allow a 3rd party, such as a PRO, to access a legacy product data service that is managing retrieval of product data at end of use for products no longer produced. • The PRO can then through the user interface setup the product model in a DPP service to create a legacy product DPP with available product-componentmaterial data, such as acquired as per the example in use case 3 (see section 3.4.2). • The manufacturer can link the DPP to the product identity based on the DPP system integration • The manufacturer can run an LCA service and retrieve from the DPP the component-material data accessed through the UI landing page, where the service can retrieve the component-materials data once the backend is setup, to then link it through a Digital Product Passport service and configure the products component-material information, • The resulting LCA service can push the results to the Digital Product Passport which can then add the respective environmental data in its service, through the CircThread Platform. • The manufacturer can access the DPP through the UI to cross-check that the data was properly introduced and setup. The flexibility of the UI allows for introducing a wide range of different UI driven orchestrations of data management, once the backend integrations have been setup properly within the CircThread Platform. 98 Figure 88. Link through from the CircThread Platform product page to the available services using the UI accessible via a button interface (blue buttons on the bottom). 99 5 CONCLUSIONS AND LESSONS LEARNT The piloting activities showcased both significant results in implementing the CircThread use cases, and also significant barriers in enabling ecosystem level data orchestration. First, individual services were pilotable once developed and tested for their utility and value added, with recommendations also provided in the chapter to 4. At this level the key general lessons learnt can be found at the level of how to assess product information management services to enhance their viability: • Evaluate the extent to which the services provide for fully new ways of managing product information across the life cycle, such as during collection and reverse logistics, and therefore to succeed will also require new operational and governance procedures for generating and managing data, such as on collection sites or during transport of products. • Assess the data availability within existing product information management systems for specific services, especially ERP and PLM systems that manage manufacturing and product sales data. This is critical for provisioning of baseline data necessary for a wide range of services, including Digital Product Passports, as well as services such as Critical Raw Materials data and using services. • Evaluate the benefits of the developed services in relation to the additional cost to filling in data gaps, and/or to adjust operational and governance procedures. If the responsible economic operator (e.g. manufacturer) and associated economic operators (e.g. retailers, repairers, PROs, collectors) cannot be provided with significant benefits the cost of investing in filling in data gaps or adjusting procedures and processes will not be made. The further level of orchestration across services was setup and the main lessons learnt is the need for investing significantly in managing data orchestration and approaching this from a standard driven approach. Here there is a need for different circular economy use cases (for example, exchanging repair data) to be based on similar repair information data structures in associated data formats. Therefore, there is a strong need to develop further circular economy use case driven IT standards, such that extended product information management platforms for the wider product life cycle can be operated using the same IT landscape and related data orchestration landscape. 100 ANNEX I – ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR THE SPANISH PILOT’S CONSUMER TESTS User’s responses to the in-person pilot test (4 users) On January 16, 2025, we conducted the first user test. Four users traveled in person to the Domusa factory in Errezil, Guipuzcoa. The test was coordinated by OCU, with representatives from Domusa, Sareteknika, and Mondragón Corporation attending. *In-person survey at Domusa facilities 16th January 2025 The users' responses were used to refine the remote user questionnaire, so they have not been considered for quantitative analysis. This is because, after the in-person test, adjustments were made to the questionnaire, modifying some questions and their wording. As a result, the data obtained in this first phase cannot be directly compared to the final study results. However, we have incorporated their comments and reflections into this document. The main insights from the users who participated in the in-person pilot are as follows: Product Information: • Confusing Navigation: The "back to main menu" option is not easily visible, and some users had difficulty finding how to return. It is suggested to place a more accessible button at the top with a "back" arrow. • Language: Product sector and category information is only available in English, which may hinder comprehension. • Mobile Usage: When accessing from a phone, pressing "back" exits the survey, forcing the user to scan the QR code again. This causes frustration and should be optimized for a better experience. 101 Document Download (Instructions and Warranty): • Download Issues: Some users did not see the download arrow or had difficulty finding it, especially on mobile devices like the iPhone 11, where the information was not downloaded correctly. • Improvement Suggestion: The download arrow is too small, and it could be more intuitive for documents to download when clicking directly on the file name box. • Positive Feedback: One user mentioned having no issues and found the manual complete. Access to Repair Status Information: • Difficulty Accessing Information: Users found it hard to find the tracking section. The navigation is unintuitive and requires going back to search for information, which causes confusion. • Unclear Terms: Some users tried to access the information through "update product journey" instead of "view product journey," suggesting that section names could be more intuitive. • Better Content Organization: It would be more logical for repair information to be at the top rather than at the bottom of the screen. • Increased Visibility of "Lifecycle History": It is suggested to highlight this section with larger and bolded text to make it easier to identify. Repair Information: • Difficulty Accessing Information: Users found it hard to find the tracking section. The navigation is unintuitive and requires going back to search for information, which causes confusion. • Unclear Terms: Some users tried to access the information through "update product journey" instead of "view product journey," suggesting that section names could be more intuitive. • Better Content Organization: It would be more logical for repair information to be at the top rather than at the bottom of the screen. • Increased Visibility of "Lifecycle History": It is suggested to highlight this section with larger and bolded text to make it easier to identify. Final Considerations: • Technological Challenges: Some users find it difficult to access the information due to their limited technological skills, but once located, they find it easy to understand. • Accessibility of Information: It is emphasized that the tools are useful, but the information must be easier to find and accessible to all users. • Nomenclature Suggestions: Some section names, such as "product journey," are confusing. It is suggested that they be clearer, such as "product phase" or "product status." • Overall Positive Evaluation: Despite the difficulties mentioned, users find the tool useful. • Privacy Concerns: Some users expressed concerns about the privacy of their data, questioning who will have access to their personal information. They noted that it is possible to trace the product owner through invoices, the use of smart appliances, or if the consumer logs in with their email or personal data. This raises concerns about how their information will be handled and protected. 102 User questionnaire Scenario 1: Access the Digital Product Passport (DPP) for the Boiler Instructions: Scan the QR code or click on the link provided to access the Digital Product Passport for the boiler. Check the menu options and the information available about the product. Then, answer the following questions: • Question 1: Were you able to access the main menu of the Digital Product Passport (DPP) for the Boiler? [Yes, I accessed it through the QR / Yes, I accessed it through the web link / No] • Question 2: Go to the "Product Information" section and find the following information: How many years of warranty does the boiler have? [1-5-10 – I don’t know] • Question 3: Now find the following information: What is the fuel used by the boiler? [gas – oil – pellets – I don’t know] • Question 4: Go back to the main page of the DPP for the Boiler and rate how easy it was to find the option to return. (From 1 star “very confusing” to 5 stars “very simple”) [1-5] • Question 5: Rate your satisfaction with the organization of the information in the Product Passport (From “1 star” if it was very confusing or disorganized to “5 stars” if it was very clear, organized, and logical). [1-5] • Question 6: Of the following sections in the "Product Information" section, rate their usefulness to you (whether you would consult them in your daily life): o "Manufacturer Name; Product Model; Brand Name; Product Image" [1-5] o "Sector; Product Category; Product Type; Brand; Model; Target Market; Warranty in Years" [1-5] o "Circularity and Sustainability" [1-5] o "Documents" [1-5] • Question 7: Please let us know if you encountered any issues during this process, if you missed anything, or if you have any suggestions for improvement. [Openended question] Scenario 2: Download the Installation and Operating Instructions for the Boiler Instructions: In the "Product Information" section, find the installation and operating instructions for the boiler and download them. Then, answer the following questions: • Question 8: Did you easily find the download icon for the installation and operating instructions? [Yes, I went directly to the download icon / At first, I tried downloading by clicking on the document name and then I saw the download icon / I couldn’t download them in any way] • Question 9: Rate your satisfaction with the process (simplicity, clarity, ease, etc.) of downloading the installation and operating instructions for the boiler. (From 1 "very dissatisfied with the process" to 5 "very satisfied with the process") [1-5] • Question 10: Was the download of the instructions completed without issues? [Yes/No] • Question 11: Were you able to open the instructions on your device? [Yes/No] • Question 12: Please let us know if you encountered any issues during this process, if you missed anything, or if you have any suggestions for improvement. [Openended question] 103 Scenario 3: Boiler Satisfaction Survey Instructions: Go to the main menu of the Digital Product Passport for the boiler, access the product survey module, and complete the manufacturer's survey about your satisfaction with the product. You can invent the answers, as the important thing is to check if the survey is easy to complete. Then, answer these questions: • Question 13: Did you easily find the survey? [Yes/No] • Question 14: Were you able to complete the survey? [Yes/Yes, completed but did not submit / No] • Question 15: Rate your satisfaction with the process (simplicity, clarity, ease, etc.) of completing the survey. (From 1 "very dissatisfied with the process" to 5 "very satisfied with the process") [1-5] • Question 16: Please let us know if you encountered any issues during this process, if you missed anything, or if you have any suggestions for improvement. [Openended question] Scenario 4: Download the Warranty Conditions Instructions: In the "Product Information" section, find the Warranty Conditions document and download it. Then, answer the following questions: • Question 17: Were you able to download the warranty conditions? [Yes/No] • Question 18: Rate your satisfaction with the process (simplicity, clarity, ease, etc.) (From 1 "very dissatisfied with the process" to 5 "very satisfied with the process") [1-5] • Question 19: Was the download of the warranty conditions completed without issues? [Yes/No] • Question 20: Were you able to open the warranty conditions on your device? [Yes/No] • Question 21: Please let us know if you encountered any issues during this process, if you missed anything, or if you have any suggestions for improvement. [Openended question] Scenario 5: Requesting Repair from a Professional Technician Instructions: Your boiler has broken down with the E39 error. A technician has inspected it, indicated that a replacement fan part is needed, and recorded the issue in the Digital Product Passport. Now, go to the main menu of your boiler’s Digital Product Passport to check the status of the repair request in the "Track Product Journey" module and then answer these questions: • Question 22: What information did you find about the status of your boiler? (We want to know what you discovered without reading the available options first). [I saw it was in the repair phase / I saw it was in the repair phase and the name of the repair organization / I saw it was in the repair phase, the name of the repair organization, and a note that it needs a new fan and is waiting for the part / I didn’t see any of the above] • Question 23: Rate your satisfaction with the process (simplicity, clarity, ease, etc.) of tracking the repair status of your boiler. (From 1 "very dissatisfied with the process" to 5 "very satisfied with the process") [1-5] 104 • Question 24: Please let us know if you encountered any issues during this process, if you missed anything, or if you have any suggestions for improvement. [Openended question] Final Considerations Please share your overall impression and provide as much detail as possible: • Question 25: Do you think a tool like this could be useful for you in the future? • Question 26: What kind of information or content would you like to find in a tool like this? (e.g., repairer contact information, manufacturer offers, required inspections, spare parts stores, etc.) • Question 27: What changes would you suggest to improve the tool’s usability? • Question 28: If all products had a QR code like this in the future, do you think it would be useful for some specific products? Which ones would it not be useful for? (e.g., cars, clothing, appliances, furniture, food, etc.) • Question 29: Does the Digital Product Passport raise any concerns about the privacy of your data? End of Survey Thank you for participating. To identify you correctly, please provide your user number so we can identify you and send you the gift voucher. Also, let us know which device you used to access the Digital Product Passport platform for the boiler. • Question 30: I accessed the Digital Product Passport Platform for the boiler from: [Android phone or tablet / Apple phone or mobile / Windows computer / Apple computer] • Question 31: VERY IMPORTANT: Please provide your user number so we can identify you and send you the gift voucher (you can find it in the email we sent you on January 20), or any other information that will help us identify you. 105 User responses to the remote questionnaire (27 users) Scenario 1: Access the Digital Product Passport (DPP) for the Boiler Instructions: Scan the QR code or click on the link provided to access the Digital Product Passport for the boiler. Check the menu options and the information available about the product. Then, answer the following questions: • Question 1: Were you able to access the main menu of the Digital Product Passport (DPP) for the Boiler? [Yes, I accessed it through the QR / Yes, I accessed it through the web link / No] • 🔵 Yes, I accessed it via the QR code – 7 (26%) • 🔴 Yes, I accessed it via the web link – 20 (74%) • 🟢 I was unable to access it – 0 • Question 2: Go to the "Product Information" section and find the following information: How many years of warranty does the boiler have? [1-5-10 – I don’t know] • 🔵 1 - 0 • 🔴 5 - 26 (96%) • 🟢 10 – 1(0%) • 🟣 I don’t know – 0 • Question 3: Now find the following information: What is the fuel used by the boiler? [gas – oil – pellets – I don’t know] • 🔵 Gas - 0 • 🔴 Gasoil - 0 • 🟢 Pellets – 26 (96%) • 🟣 I don’t know – 1 (4%) • Question 4: Go back to the main page of the Digital Product Passport (DPP) for the Boiler and rate how easy it was to find the option to return. (From 1 star “very confusing” to 5 stars “very simple”) [1-5] 112 Average rating: 4.04 • Level 5 – 10 • Level 4 – 11 • Level 3 – 3 • Level 2 – 3 • Level 1 – 0 • Question 24: Please let us know if you encountered any issues during this process, if you missed anything, or if you have any suggestions for improvement. [Open-ended question] • No issues (84%) - Most users did not experience difficulties, describing the process as clear, easy to use, and intuitive. • Usability and clarity improvement suggestions (10%) - The information is hard to read due to too much text and lack of visual organization. The information below the map is confusing and should be better differentiated (e.g., using colours or more visible titles). Following the process should be easier and clearer. Finding detailed information should be simpler. I recommend changing "Evento" to "Estado" and "Organización" to "Empresa" for better clarity. • Navigation and information visibility suggestions (4%) - Accessing the repair information is a bit confusing. At first, I thought I should click on "Reparación" (which is green), but then I realized I needed to go to "Historial." • Other minor suggestions (2%) - It would be helpful to include an estimated time for the repair or the arrival of parts. Event notes should be more visible, as some users didn’t notice them. Final Considerations Please share your overall impression and provide as much detail as possible: • Question 25: Do you think a tool like this could be useful for you in the future? • Highly useful in the future (60%) - Many users believe that a tool like this would be very useful, especially if it provides real-time information and is well-detailed. They highlight its ease of use, the ability to access product lifecycle information, and the convenience of having a digital record, similar to an electronic ID or a digital health card. The sustainability aspect of reducing paper use is also appreciated. Some users see its usefulness mainly for electrical and electronic products. • Interest and convenience (25%)- Users find value in having complete access to product information, especially for those who tend to lose manuals or instructions. The ability to track repairs and warranties is also appreciated, giving consumers more peace of mind and control over their devices. However, some mention that the design feels too plain and should be improved to ensure longterm engagement. 113 • Uncertainty and need for improvements (10%) - A small percentage of users are unsure about the tool's usefulness. Some believe it is more suited for installers or technicians, while others suggest that it needs clearer explanations and improvements in repair tracking. • Usefulness for second-hand products (5%) - Some users highlight that this tool would be helpful when buying second-hand products, as it would provide clear information about the product’s condition and any changes made to it. • Question 26: What kind of information or content would you like to find in a tool like this? (e.g., repairer contact information, manufacturer offers, required inspections, spare parts stores, etc.) • Contact information for repairers and installers (30%) - Users want easy access to contact details (especially phone numbers) of repairers, manufacturers, and authorized service providers in their area. They are also looking for estimated average repair costs, personalized repair quotes, repair time estimates, and options to schedule appointments. • Spare parts and maintenance (25%) - There is strong interest in links to spare parts stores, options to buy replacement parts (batteries, filters, etc.), tutorial videos on installation and maintenance, and a guide for small home repairs. • Warranty, inspections, and servicing (20%) - Users value information on warranties, mandatory inspections, maintenance history, and error alerts with possible solutions. They also mention reminders for inspections and preventive maintenance options. Additionally, they suggest including a section indicating whether maintenance services are contracted or not. • Product details (15%) - Users want detailed product information, such as manufacturing date, serial number, energy efficiency label, and product durability. • Offers and other services (10%) - Some users find it useful to see discounts or promotions on spare parts and repair services. However, others prefer not to receive offers from manufacturers through this tool. The possibility of a virtual assistant is also mentioned. • Question 27: What changes would you suggest to improve the tool’s usability? • Make the interface more visual and modern (22%) - Users suggest adding more graphics and icons to make navigation easier without relying too much on text. A more modern and visually appealing design is also mentioned as a way to improve the overall experience. • More intuitive menus and content reorganization (18%) - Users recommend making the menu more visual, with clearer options and better colour usage. Key elements, such as the "return to menu" button, should also be placed at the top for easier access. Some suggest improving language selection by replacing the three-line menu icon with a more intuitive flag icon. Additionally, renaming certain sections could make navigation clearer, such as changing "Product journey" to "Product status." • Accessibility and simplicity for all users (18%) - There is a strong need to make the tool easier to use, especially for people less familiar with technology. Suggested improvements include making document downloads more intuitive (by 114 clicking the file name instead of a small arrow) and simplifying access to key sections. General navigation should also be streamlined. • Quick access to key information (12%) - Some users request direct access to essential details, such as customer support, product status, or warranty information. Adding a search bar is also suggested to help users find information more quickly. • Technical optimization (12%) - Users highlight the need to improve PDF downloads to prevent errors. Additionally, integrating the tool into a mobile app is suggested for better accessibility. • Other (18%) - Various comments include suggestions such as improving the visibility of instructions, optimizing the interface for mobile devices, and reorganizing some sections to make them easier to find. • Question 28: If all products had a QR code like this in the future, do you think it would be useful for some specific products? Which ones would it not be useful for? (e.g., cars, clothing, appliances, furniture, food, etc.) • Useful for all products (31%) – One third of users think a well-implemented Product Passport would be useful for any product, as it makes accessing relevant information easier. • Especially useful for technology and appliances (26%) – A quarter of users mention that large and small appliances, electronic devices, and cars would benefit the most, as a QR code would provide access to all manuals, warranties, and technical services in one place, instead of having to register each product on the manufacturer’s website. • Not necessary for clothing and personal products (19%) – Most people see more value in appliances, cars, and food than in clothing, though 30% of those who mentioned textiles believe it could be useful for accessing extra information like care instructions, components, origin, quality, or carbon footprint. • Interesting for food products (14%) – Some think it would be useful for food products to know about origin, ingredients, or chemical treatments, while others consider the information already available on packaging sufficient. • Useful for furniture and other durable goods (7%) – In this case, users find it helpful for finding information on materials, assembly, or spare parts. • Wouldn't use it or are indifferent (3%) – A small percentage says they would not use it, with several mentioning it might not be suitable for older people, as they may not be comfortable with technology. • Question 29: Does the Digital Product Passport raise any concerns about the privacy of your data? • No concerns (60%) - Most users do not see privacy issues, emphasizing that they trust the secure environment and that the information is about the product, not them. Some also mention that providing that current laws are followed, there is no concern. • Concern about personal data collection (15%) - Some users are uncomfortable with the idea of providing personal information like address, phone number, or ID number. However, they have no issues with basic information like name and email. 115 • Data security and protection (15%) - A few users expect that proper data protection measures will be in place, and they trust the system will comply with the current data protection laws in Europe. • Concern about data transparency (10%) - Some users want to know who is providing the data and how it will be used, ensuring that sensitive personal data like previous owners' names are not shared. End of Survey Thank you for participating. To identify you correctly, please provide your user number so we can identify you and send you the gift voucher. Also, let us know which device you used to access the Digital Product Passport platform for the boiler. • Question 30: I accessed the Digital Product Passport Platform for the boiler from: [Android phone or tablet / Apple phone or mobile / Windows computer / Apple computer] • 🔵 Android phone or tablet - 13 (48%) • 🔴 Apple phone or mobile – 4 (15%) • 🟢 Windows computer – 9 (33%) • 🟣 Apple computer – 1 (4%) 116 ANNEX II – SUMMARY OF THE LATEST SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENTS (S8 AND S9) Legacy Products Data Identification service (S8) The Legacy Products Data Identification service is a valuable tool developed by SIMAVI within the CircThread project in the Slovenian pilot. It was designed for recyclers and collectors to facilitate the dismantling process of old products without information from the original manufacturer. It allows progressive build-up of product information, starting from basic product details and extending to components and material compositions, including essential information on hazardous substances and critical materials. The service was adapted to be used in Use Case 3: In transit and After-market spare parts, Use Case 4: Product end-of-use recommendations, and Use Case 6: Critical Raw Materials and Chemicals evaluations. SIMAVI provided a dedicated server for the preparations of the Slovenian pilot. The services (S8 Legacy Product Data Identification and S9 Damaged Circularity Assessment) were installed and published online, and credentials were provided to partners for testing purposes. Between March 2024 and February 2025, the main activities related to the Legacy Products Data Identification service were as follows: • Functionality of downloading the BOM file in a CSV format The application already provided the possibility to download the Bill of Materials in a PDF file. Downloading to a CSV file was implemented to help users use the BOM in other applications or have it locally. The Bill of Materials is a comprehensive output of the application and contains the most valuable product information in one place, reducing manual and time-consuming assessments. • Adapting the interface to different screens The Legacy Product Data Identification service is a web application, which was designed to be intuitive, easy to use, and adapted to the user's needs. To fit real-world situations, the service is flexible and can be easily used on tablets. 117 • Integration between Legacy Products Data Identification (S8) and NIRwave: Polymer Classification at the disassembly line using NIRwave technology (S7) The integration between S8 and S7 has been very useful for recyclers to automatically identify the polymer materials of washing machine spare parts. The communication with the NIRwave Polymer Classification (S7) service is stable, and users can easily obtain the polymers when operating in S8. For each washing machine spare part, users can open the polymer identification window by clicking the button in the following image. 118 After that, a dedicated window opens, and using the filters, the application sends a request to S7 which responds with the polymers identified for that criteria. 119 The data received from S7 is then saved to the database and provided in the Bill of Materials file, as shown in the following figure. These polymers are automatically included in the PDF and CSV Bill of Materials reports. Figure 89: Polymer materials on BOM file The integration with service S7 is fully described in deliverable D6.1 Legacy Products Data Identification Tool Overview and Technical Description. • Internal testing and pilot testing Between March 2024 and February 2025, the Legacy Product Data Identification service was continuously improved based on feedback received from Slovenian partners and customized to their needs. Slovenian partners performed service tests in real-world scenarios. 120 Damaged Product Circularity Assessment service (S9) The Damaged Products Circularity Assessment Service is a tool developed by SIMAVI within the Slovenian pilot, mainly dedicated to manufacturers and designed to assess the damages of products. The service replaces subjective assessments with data-driven recommendations such as repackaging, reuse, resale, repair and disassembly. It significantly reduces the time and effort required for product assessment, minimizing manual and time-consuming assessments. The service was included in Use Case 3: In transit and After-market spare parts. The main activities related to the Damaged Products Circularity Assessment Service in the last year were the following: • Adapting the interface to different screens The Damaged Products Circularity Assessment Service (S9) is a web-based, user-friendly application that can be accessed from a web browser on laptops and tablets (see figure below). • Internal testing processes and pilot testing During the T7.4 task, testing activities were carried out on the Damaged Product Circularity Assessment service. The Slovenian partners tested the application using real appliances and following the project business flows. Based on the feedback received, the S9 functionalities were improved and customized. 121 Pilot General Platform Introduction The Pilot General Platform is a web-based platform developed to help the CircThread project. It serves as a central hub for accessing various project resources and brings collaboration among project participants. The platform provides two main functionalities: portal redirection and file management with access control. Functionalities - Portal Redirection The platform acts as a central portal, providing links and redirects to various websites relevant to the CircThread project. This functionality allows access to project information, tools, applications, and other relevant materials for users. The interface of the platform enables easy navigation and use of the diverse resources available within the CircThread project ecosystem. - File Management and Access Control The Pilot General Platform also has a file management system, allowing users to upload, store, and share various types of files. This functionality makes exchanging files efficient among project partners. The platform supports a wide range of file types. For data confidentiality, the platform has access control choices. This tool allows control over file access and manipulation rights, enabling sharing to be selective among user groups involved in the CircThread project. This feature is needed for managing sensitive data. - GUI Modules The Pilot General Platform includes a GUI (Graphical User Interface) module accessible to all user. The interface was made with user-friendliness in mind, giving a clear and straight forward experience for using the functionalities. The GUI has 3 main pages: • Portal Access: A section providing links and redirects to multiple CircThread project websites. • Upload Files: A page for uploading, searching, and managing shared files.