3-CO Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Research Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. Concise Consumer Communication through Robust Labels for Biobased Systems Project Number: 101086086 Call identifier: HORIZON-CL6-2022-GOVERNANCE-01 Start date of project: : 1.2.2023 | End Date: 31.1.2026 Duration: 36 months D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions Deliverable reference number Work package number D2.4 WP2 Due date of deliverable Actual submission date 30/11/2024 29/11/2024 Authors Name Organisation Email Armand Carreras ENIDE [email protected] Ignacio Lopez ENIDE [email protected] Loha Hashimy ENIDE [email protected] David Quesada ENIDE [email protected] Type Dissemination Level R Document report PU Public, fully open, e.g. web DEM Demonstrator, pilot, prototype SEN Sensitive, limited under the conditions of the Grant Agreement DEC Websites, patent fillings, videos, etc. CI Classified, information as referred to in Commission Decision 1001/844/EC Other Ref. Ares(2024)8534917 - 29/11/2024 Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 2/112 Lead beneficiary ENIDE Solutions SL Contributing beneficiaries All partners 3CO_standard: The sole responsibility for the content of this publication lies with the authors. It does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the project consortium or European Commission. Both are not responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein.. Internal reviewer(s) Name Organization Email Martin Junginger UU h.m.jun[email protected] Holger Gerdes Ecologic [email protected] Change log Date Issue/Version Reason for change 03/07/2024 0.1 Deliverable structure 15/11/2024 0.2 Sent for internal review 26/11/2024 0.3 Brought requested changes 29/11/2024 0.4 Sent for submission Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 3/112 Report Document History Version Description Date 1.0 First draft Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions D2.4 Action Title Concise Consumer Communication through Robust Labels for Bio-based Systems Action Acronym 3CO Action Number 101058578 Deliverable Identifier D2.4 Deliverable Title Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions Document Status First Draft Version 1.0 Authors Armand Carreras, Ignacio Lopez, Loha Hashimy, David Quesada Lead Beneficiary ENIDE Solutions SL Deliverable Type Document, Report Dissemination Level Public Format Word, .doc Due Month 22 Date 29-11-2024 DOI Keywords Requirements, Technical Architecture, mockups, app solution Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 4/112 Table of Contents 1 Introduction 10 1.1 Objectives of 3-CO 10 1.2 Overview of WP2 Tasks and their relationship with T2.4 10 1.3 Scope of the report 11 2 Methodology 12 3 Examining existing digital solutions 14 4 Interview with digital solution providers 18 5 Insights from surveys and focus groups performed in T2.3 21 5.1 PERSONA for Mock-up of a digital solution 22 6 Mock-up development 24 6.1 Evaluation of the mock-ups 26 7 Requirements definition 28 8 Graphic design strategy and main design concepts 30 8.1 App graphic design 30 8.2 User interface aspects and decisions 37 9 Architecture, technical design and implementation 38 9.1 General architecture picture and main technical design concepts 38 10 User interface 41 10.1 Frameworks, baseline software, etc 41 10.2 Features description from technical point of view 41 10.3 Components and interactions 41 11 Cloud/Backend 43 Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 5/112 11.1 Frameworks, baseline software, etc 43 11.2 Features description from technical point of view 43 11.3 AI model 44 11.4 Architecture, Components and interactions 45 11.5 Interface with UI 45 11.6 Deployment aspects 46 12 Data description and workflows 47 12.1 Data sets 47 12.2 Information flows 47 13 Conclusion 49 Annex 1: Existing digital solutions 50 Think Dirty 50 EWG Healthy Living 57 Buycott 61 Giki 65 Skin Deep 67 Yuka 73 INCI Beauty 77 Greenity – Bio INCI Cosmetici 94 Annex 2: App Mock-Ups 100 Annex 3: Designed badges 108 Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 6/112 List of figures Figure 1 Screenshot of the first mock-up solution at Howspace ............................................................................ 24 Figure 2 Screenshot of the second mock-up solution at Howspace...................................................................... 25 Figure 3 Screenshot of the third mock-up solution at Howspace .......................................................................... 26 Figure 4 - App Start Screen ..................................................................................................................................................... 30 Figure 5 - Login (Left) | Register (Right) ............................................................................................................................. 31 Figure 6 - Password Recovery (Left) | Change Password (Right) ............................................................................. 31 Figure 7 – Design 2 - Main page (Left) | Explore Labels (Right) ............................................................................... 32 Figure 8 – Design 2 - Filters (Left) | Label Info (Right) .................................................................................................. 33 Figure 9 - Design 2 - Scan Feature in action .................................................................................................................... 33 Figure 10 – Design 2 - Products page (Left) | Product Info (Right) ......................................................................... 34 Figure 11 – Design 2 - Nearby locations (Left) | Nearby product locations (Right) ......................................... 34 Figure 12 – Design 2 - Shop info and products (Left) | Add new product (Right) ............................................ 35 Figure 13 – Design 2 - Learn Page ....................................................................................................................................... 36 Figure 14 – General architecture ........................................................................................................................................... 38 Figure 15 AWS infrastructure architecture ........................................................................................................................ 40 Figure 16 - Main page (Left) | Explore Section (Right) ............................................................................................... 100 Figure 17 - Filter (Left) | Label Info (Right) ...................................................................................................................... 101 Figure 18 - Scanning (Left) | Labels detected (Right) ................................................................................................. 101 Figure 19 - Engage Section (Left) | Product view (Right) .......................................................................................... 102 Figure 20 - Nearby locations for a specific product.................................................................................................... 102 Figure 21 – Shop overview (Left) | Add Product (Right) ............................................................................................ 103 Figure 22 - Design 3 - Main page (Left) | Labels (Right) ........................................................................................... 104 Figure 23 - Design 3 - Filters (Left) | Labels Info (Right) ............................................................................................ 105 Figure 24 - Design 3 - Shop products (Left) | Product Description (Right) ....................................................... 105 Figure 25 - Design 3 - Shop Description with vouchers............................................................................................ 106 Figure 26: Important format templates ............................................................................................................................ 111 List of tables Table 1: 3-CO bio-based product value chains ............................................................................................................... 10 Table 2 list of existing digital solutions for each product category selected in 3-CO .................................... 14 Table 3 Types of digital solutions considered for interview ...................................................................................... 18 Table 4: 3CO App requirement list ................................................................................................................................ 28 Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 7/112 List of abbreviations Abbreviation Description API Application Programming Interface AWS Amazon Web Services BBP Bio-Based Product CAWI Computer Assisted Web Interviewing FGD Focus Group Discussions D Deliverable ECS Elastic Container Service JWB JSON Web Token RDS Relational Database Web Services HTTP HyperText Transfer Protocol UI User Interface Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 8/112 Executive Summary This report presents the culmination of efforts undertaken in Task 2.4 (within WP2) of the 3-CO project, focusing on development of a digital solution prototype that integrate sustainability information effectively using advanced technologies like AI and gamification. The solution aim to enhance user experience and motivate sustainable consumer behaviour, addressing gaps in current digital solutions. The task was geared towards creating a mobile application that empower consumers to make environmentally conscious choices by providing them with comprehensive, easy-to-access information about bio-based products. The task began a comprehensive analysis of existing digital solutions relevant to 3-CO project. we conducted extensive desktop research and engaged in interviews with solution providers to explore tools that assist consumers in making informed choices about biobased and eco-friendly products. Between April and June 2024, we interviewed several initiatives, revealing a landscape of digital solutions that originated from grassroots frustrations and minimal financial resources, highlighting the challenges of sustainability beyond initial funding. Also, online questionnaires and co-creation workshops were conducted to better understand the needs and challenges of consumers and involve them in development of potential solutions. As a result of these activities, three digital solution mock-ups were developed. Afterwards, these mock-ups underwent rigorous consumer evaluation through structured focus groups and surveys across 10 countries. The feedback received was instrumental in choosing the right mock-up for further development, with a particular focus on usability, design clarity, and the relevance of features offered. A total of 28 specific requirements were identified and assessed in terms of their importance, difficulty level, and implementation priority. This structured assessment allowed the project team to strategically focus development efforts on features that provide the most significant impact on enhancing sustainable consumer behaviour. The preferred app solution, as chosen by the majority of participants, incorporates features that support not only individual consumer needs, but also align with broader environmental goals. These include advanced functionalities like up to date sustainability assessments of Label and Certification Schemes (LCS), offline label search, a marketplace for uploading and reviewing bio-products, and knowledge sources about bioeconomy. We faced multiple challenges during the development of the application as well as training the AI algorithm. We couldn´t find a free database of ecolabels and had to build our own database to be incorporated to the app to give it offline functionality. We also needed lots of images to train the AI algorithm to identify the labels. Partners supported us in collecting images for the targeted labels and our technical team used data augmentation techniques (e.g., rotations, scaling, flipping, cropping, and changes in brightness or contrast) to optimize the performance of the algorithm despite this limitation. Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 9/112 Despite all the challenges, we were able to execute Task 2.4 successfully. The continued development and refinement of the solution, guided by consumer feedback and technological advancements, will be crucial in realizing the vision of a more informed and environmentally responsible society. Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 16/112 Greenity App Allows you to search for various cosmetics by name or by scanning the barcode. All the ingredients of which that particular product is composed will then appear, classified with a colour scale ranging from green (excellent ingredient) to red (harmful ingredient). The app's main drawback is its Italian-only language support. Despite a well-executed design and comprehensive INCI integration for cosmetic ingredient information, it lacks comprehensive product evaluations, relies on user reviews, has limited advertising, lacks information on product certification, and features a relatively small product database. Junker App Junker identifies products through barcodes or manual input. Key features include easy waste categorization based on local collection methods and identification of labels by their shape along with some quizes and guides for recycling. Junker has a good intention, but its execution falls short, appearing abandoned with non-functional features and no updates for over four months. The label database is limited, lacking many descriptions. A positive aspect is the unique manual label search based on shape, but the maps option for recycling point locations is not optimized and shows no locations. OneLabel App OneLabel provides individualised health insights, scans barcodes on food and cosmetics, and evaluates nutrition. It provides tools that enable users to make knowledgeable food decisions, such as goalsetting and community involvement. OneLabel has a 7-day free trial, but upfront payment is required, which may deter some users. The app is exclusive to iOS, and associating a bank card upfront could be a turnoff for some. Despite these drawbacks, it offers a vast product database, quick barcode scanning, and easily navigable health courses. The app's search filtering enhances manual product searches. Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 17/112 Label Bio Hero (AllThings.Bio) App Label Bio Hero, the companion app to AllThings.Bio (ATB), is a lifestyle app with a unique label scanner. Users can capture real-world labels for instant information from the app's EU biobased product database, enhancing their understanding of biobased alternatives Label Bio Hero, with positive intentions, has room for improvement. The barcode scanner occasionally faces detection issues, and the database could be more extensive. Redirecting users to download a separate app for gaming may impact the user experience. Limited search filtering and a lack of updates for four months are areas that need attention. Addressing these points strategically will enhance user satisfaction and overall app performance. In conclusion, after thorough analysis and comparison of various digital solutions aimed at assisting consumers in making informed decisions about biobased and eco-friendly products, INCI Beauty and Skin Deep have emerged as particularly noteworthy. INCI Beauty stands out for its comprehensive coverage both on its web platform and mobile application. The mobile app is especially user-friendly, offering barcode scanning capabilities and the option for offline usage through its paid annual plan— features that set it apart from its competitors. On the other hand, Skin Deep provides an exceptionally complete database on its web version, reducing the need for a mobile application. While its associated mobile app, EWG Healthy Living, is competently executed, it does lack certain functionalities like the listing of product certificates. However, Skin Deep compensates for these shortcomings with its own 'EWG VERIFIED' mark, which assures users of a product's transparency and adherence to health standards. These tools exemplify effective approaches to promoting sustainable consumer behaviors by providing detailed product insights and trustworthy certifications. Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 18/112 4 Interview with digital solution providers Five main categories of digital solutions related to label scanning and biobased label databases were identified (detailed in table 3) . In Q2 2024, a dozen or so of providers corresponding to each category were contacted and requested to participate in an interview. (Only) a handful initiatives replied positively, also after sending several reminders. Interviews were held in the months April – June 2024. The main findings are presented below. Which initiatives were interviewed? A: NABU Siegel-Check is a free app developed by Naturschutzbund Deutschland for Android users. It helps users shop ecologically by identifying environmentally friendly products through scanning product logos. The scope is limited to food products; it will not be expanded to include additional products 1 . B: The Label BioHero app is designed to help people live more sustainably. The app can scan (eco-) logos, labels and EU certification schemes and then provides information. It focuses on non-food, nonenergy bio-based products, such as packaging made from bio-based plastics and textiles made from organic cotton. C: The Junker app is a mobile app from Italy that helps citizens to recycle products in a new, quick and easy way. Scanning a product’s barcode, Junker identifies the product, breaks it down into components, and indicates how to sort them for recycling in the local area. D: The Swiss-based Labelinfo label guide informs users about the scope of various ecolabels, creating transparency for consumers and supporting them in making sustainable consumption decisions. Only labels that appear on the Swiss market are covered. Currently food products and textiles are included E: The Global Sustainable Enterprise Standard (GSES) holistically measures all facets of sustainability at the organization level and at product/process level. GSES aligns over 550 ecolabels and sustainable certificates and uses worldwide. It uses standards, auditing & certification tools and metadata to produce ratings (scores), published in the GSES database. Table 3 Types of digital solutions considered for interview # Type of DS Name of DS URL A Label scanner app NABU Siegel Check https://siegelcheck.nabu.de/ B Label scanner app Label BioHero Label BioHero C Other scanning app Junker app https://www.junkerapp.it/ 1 See also https://nabu-siegel-check.en.softonic.com/android Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 19/112 D Online database Labelinfo (CH) https://www.labelinfo.ch E Other digital solutions GSES https://gses-system.com/ How did these initiatives come about? • A: NABU Siegel-Check was once (in the 2010’s) an externally funded project. • B: The same applies for Label BioHero, which was produced in the early 2020’s within the Horizon 2020 project AllThings.BioPRO. • C: The Junker app was born from the frustration of a group of Italians that compliance with locally applicable waste regulation required a lot of time and effort. • D: Labelinfo builds on a 20+-year history of informing consumers about ecolabels. Originally information provided was rather general and static. V2.0 originates from a 2015 decision to develop a more elaborate and robust scheme and scoring system. • E: The idea for (what is now) GSES came from a single mother that wondered what food would be good for her newborn child She noted lots of greenwashing and a lack of common understanding and came up with the idea for a meta-scheme. How do the initiatives generate income – initially and currently (business model)? • A: NABU Siegel-Check does not generate external income at this time. • B: The same applies for Label BioHero. The set-up of this app, which has a limited scope in terms of label coverage, and which does not collect/store personal data, hinders the inclusion of extra functionality that could boost its uptake. • C: In the early years Junker was bootstrapped 2 . It received no public funding. Winning a prize in a Microsoft competition gave it a boost. Income comes from municipalities that pay an annual subscription fee. In turn they get various benefits: they can optimize costs of recycling while maintaining very high quality of data provided to citizens. • D: A range of Swiss organisations, ranging from government (state, regional, local), lotteries, and NGOs fund the activities of Labelinfo on a project basis. • E: In the early years GSES was bootstrapped. Some small funding and support from early clients and start-up accelerators. In 2023 external money was raised. Anno 2024 the GSES System is a comprehensive, Software-as-an-Service (“SaaS”) platform that offers various services. Companies, ranging from large to small, from Europe and some beyond, pay for the service. 2 “Bootstrapping is the process of building a business from scratch without attracting investment or with minimal external capital. It is a way to finance small businesses by purchasing and using resources at the owner's expense, without sharing equity or borrowing huge sums of money from banks.” (cite source) Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 20/112 Are the initiatives a (lasting) success, and what are unique selling points? • A: NABU Siegel-Check is being continued as long as this is technically possible without major costs. NABU does not measure the success or impact of the app. • B: The scope of Label BioHero s rather specific and limited. The developer maintains the app (without funding), e.g. to showcase it as a working reference. They also provided the 3-CO project with insights and data that the later can build on. • C: Junker choose to stay away from a model where citizens pay for an app. Citizens are very involved and pressure their municipalities to subscribe. Citizens can recommend functionalities and suggest improvements, • D: Labelinfo is still busy including further product categories in the advanced scheme. Users do not have to pay for the tool; the interviewee had no data handy on the number of users. An indirect effect (spinoff) of being published at Labelinfo is that certification scheme holders introduce stricter requirements (so that they get a better review) • E: GSES offers verified rating. They help companies prove their green claims with verified data that builds trust. Dutch Top-3 bank (ABN AMRO) as an early client. PRELIMINARY FINDIGS There are different types of digital solutions that seek to support citizens (and in some cases also professionals) making sustainable purchasing / procurement decisions. Several initiatives found their origin in frustration that transparent information was not easily available. Spotting a market opportunity, initiators started to fill this, with very little financial resources of their own. For projects that rely on project financing, sustaining -let alone expandingthe results beyond the project duration appears often a challenge. Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 21/112 5 Insights from surveys and focus groups performed in T2.3 In Task 2.3, we utilized a range of research methodologies to gather comprehensive insights on consumer behavior and preferences, which were instrumental in shaping the development of digital solutions in Task 2.4. The methodologies included Computer Assisted Web Interviews (CAWI) and focus group discussions (FGDs). The main insights from the focus groups regarding digital solutions for bio-based products (BBPs) emphasized the need for tools that enhance consumer understanding and facilitate more informed decision-making. The results also revealed a significant consensus among participants on the development of a mobile app. Most participants agreed that an app would be a highly effective tool for enhancing consumer understanding and facilitating easier access to reliable information on BBPs. Participants highlighted several key areas for improvement: Information Clarity and Education: There was a strong call for digital platforms that provide clearer and more comprehensive information about what defines a bio-based product and its environmental benefits. This includes a need for better education on the characteristics of BBPs and how they differ from non-bio-based counterparts. Label and Certification Transparency: Participants expressed concerns about the authenticity and reliability of labels and certifications. They suggested that digital solutions could play a crucial role in verifying these labels and providing transparency about certification standards to build consumer trust. Product Comparisons and Label Deciphering: There was interest in digital tools that assist consumers in comparing BBPs with conventional products and help decipher complex labels. Such tools would make it easier for consumers to understand product labels and make informed choices based on credible information. Enhanced Accessibility and Visibility: The focus group discussions also revealed that many consumers face difficulties in locating BBPs in stores. Digital solutions could include features that enhance the visibility and availability of these products, possibly through location-based services that direct consumers to nearby stores or online outlets where they can purchase BBPs. These insights from the focus groups have directly informed the development of digital mock-ups in Task 2.4, leading to the creation of digital solutions that address these specific consumer needs and concerns. Also, as a result of these activities, partners decided to target convenience seekers (segment 3) for the development of the digital solutions. This persona is detailed in the next section. Details of these studies can be found in D2.3. Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 22/112 5.1 PERSONA for Mock-up of a digital solution PERSONA’s name: Anna Age: 40 years old Gender: Female Family: Husband Thomas; daughter Olivia (11 years old) Geographical Location: EU country Occupation: Mid-level professional in sectors not directly related to environmental sustainability Education Level: Moderate to high, with a general focus rather than specialization in environmental studies Financial Situation: Perceives her financial status as average Psychographics: • Demonstrates intellectual and emotional support for sustainable development, yet there's a notable gap between this support and her actual purchasing behaviours. • Recognizes the importance of sustainability but prioritizes convenience and cost in decisionmaking. • Exhibits a generally positive attitude towards sustainability in discussions, which doesn't always translate into consistent sustainable consumer behaviour. • Aspires to make sustainable choices, provided they are convenient and integrate smoothly with her current lifestyle. Behavioural Traits: • While aware of sustainability issues, her actions do not always align with sustainable practices. • Shows interest in sustainable products but is less diligent in verifying claims or seeking certifications than more proactive advocates. • Prioritizes convenience in shopping, preferring easily accessible and straightforward solutions. Attitude Toward Bio-Based Products: • Exhibits a positive attitude towards bio-based products, although tempered by concerns over information clarity, product quality, and economic considerations. Afraid of greenwashing. • Owns bio-based items such as a wooden house and has purchased bio-based cosmetics, shampoo, and baby clothing for a friend’s child, paying attention to certificates. However, she has not considered bio-based alternatives for products like plastic toys, furniture, or mattresses. Challenges: • Awareness: Experiences confusion about the definition of bio-based products. • Knowledge: Lacks sufficient information on the benefits of bio-based products. • Recognition of Certifications: Faces challenges in recognizing certificates that confirm the biological origin of products. • Social Influence and Support: Limited influence from both close and broader community circles on purchasing and using bio-based products. Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 23/112 • Perceived Availability: Experiences difficulty locating bio-based products in stores. • Media Presence: Information about bio-based products is not as visible as necessary to be adequately informed. • Personal Benefits and Reputation: The personal benefits and reputation enhancement from using bio-based products are unclear. • Conscience and Personal Satisfaction: Lacks personal satisfaction from purchasing bio-based products, indicating a disconnect between values and purchasing behaviour. • Habit Formation: Does not feel that choosing environmentally friendly products is an automatic part of her shopping routine, suggesting a lack of habituation. • Trust in Certificates: Demonstrates low trust in certificates and is reluctant to use them during purchasing. • Use of Digital Tools for Information: Shows ambivalence towards using mobile apps or digital solutions to obtain information on bio-based products, highlighting a need for more userfriendly and engaging digital resources. • Willingness to Pay: Unwilling to pay for digital solutions that would help verify biocertificates. Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 24/112 6 Mock-up development Following the co-creation workshops held across 4 countries in T2.3 (detailed in D2.3), extensive consumer input was gathered, leading to the development of three mock-up mobile application solutions tailored to enhance the shopping experience for eco-friendly products. These mock-ups are designed to empower users with the tools they need to make informed, sustainable choices effectively. 1. First Mock-up Solution - Comprehensive User Engagement: This app is designed to provide a holistic and interactive experience. It allows users to scan product labels to receive detailed information on eco-friendly features and certifications. Additionally, users can create a profile or browse as guests, facilitating personalized experiences while maintaining privacy for those who prefer it. The app includes functionalities such as searching labels and certifications by name or filters (colour, shape, product category), browsing products added by users or stores, and reading or contributing to consumer reviews. It also suggests eco-friendly products and helps locate the nearest store where such products can be found. Gamification elements like earning badges for scanning items, which can be exchanged for rewards, encourage continued use of the app, making the process of sustainable shopping engaging and rewarding. Figure 1 Screenshot of the first mock-up solution at Howspace 1. Second Mock-up Solution - Store-Centric Features: This version of the app simplifies the ecoconscious shopping experience by focusing on product discovery and label understanding. It provides functionalities for scanning physical product labels to receive instant information, searching for products by name, and viewing the inventory of promoted eco-friendly products by the shops. To incentivize use, Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 25/112 the app offers discounts through digital coupons, enhancing the value proposition for users making eco-friendly purchases. Figure 2 Screenshot of the second mock-up solution at Howspace 2. Third Mock-up Solution - Simplified Consumer-Focused Tool: Tailored for store or shop operators, this app version focuses on promoting eco-friendly products directly from the retail point. It highlights different labels on the main page to educate consumers about various certifications ("Discover the labels"). The app facilitates the search and comparison of products by labels and certifications and allows store owners to showcase their eco-friendly inventory effectively. Users can scan labels for detailed information on product features or certifications, enhancing transparency and trust in the products offered. The app also promotes the use of digital tools for learning about bio-based products, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of sustainable goods. Each of these mock-ups addresses specific needs and preferences identified during the focus group discussions, such as the demand for clarity in product labelling, the need for easy access to product certifications, and the desire for engaging digital experiences that simplify making eco-friendly choices. By leveraging direct consumer feedback, these app solutions are crafted to not only meet the practical needs of users, but also to enhance their overall experience and satisfaction with sustainable shopping. Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 32/112 The following pictures represent the application main content and navigation workflow, explained in boxes: Figure 7 – Design 2 - Main page (Left) | Explore Labels (Right) Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 33/112 Figure 8 – Design 2 - Filters (Left) | Label Info (Right) Figure 9 - Design 2 - Scan Feature in action Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 34/112 After clicking in “Engage” section in the tab navigation the user is redirected to the following images. Figure 10 – Design 2 - Products page (Left) | Product Info (Right) Figure 11 – Design 2 - Nearby locations (Left) | Nearby product locations (Right) Products listed by categories Button to add new products for the people to review Map showing nearby shops, they can be shown or hidden by category Shop list by proximity Product visualization where users can rate the product Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 35/112 After clicking on the desired shop, the user can see all products listed for it, as in the image below. Along with the image about the shop information, we can see a simple form to post new products. Figure 12 – Design 2 - Shop info and products (Left) | Add new product (Right) Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 36/112 The user will be able to learn a variety of new things related to the eco-environment, after clicking on learn section in navigation tab. Figure 13 – Design 2 - Learn Page Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 37/112 8.2 User interface aspects and decisions During the decision-making process, Enide played a pivotal role by sharing a detailed questionnaire among project partners, which gathered essential feedback to guide the design choices for the application. The questionnaire focused on evaluating three distinct design concepts, asking partners to provide input on various key aspects such as color scheme, layout structure, filtering options, and gamification elements. This collaborative feedback process enabled the design team to make informed decisions that align with user preferences and project goals. The questionnaire explored the following UI aspects in depth: o Color Scheme: Partners were asked to rank different colour options based on their perceived impact on usability and aesthetic appeal. The chosen colour palette reflects the preferences of the majority, focusing on creating a visually appealing yet functional interface. o Layout Structure: Questions about layout assessed the ease of navigation and clarity of information display. Feedback highlighted a preference for a clean, minimalistic layout that prioritizes readability and accessibility. As a result, design adjustments were made to improve spacing, menus, and element hierarchy. o Filtering Options: Given the application’s functionality, filtering options were a significant focus. Partners evaluated two different filtering mechanisms to determine which would provide the most efficient user experience. Based on feedback, the final design includes a user-friendly, collapsible filter menu that enhances ease of access without cluttering the main interface. o Gamification Elements: Gamification was explored to increase user engagement. Partners rated various gamification features, such as progress tracking and rewards for specific actions. Based on this feedback, a limited set of badges were integrated to encourage user interaction without overwhelming the core functionality. (See the badges in Annex 3: Designed badges) The responses and preferences gathered in the questionnaire were systematically analysed to identify common themes and priorities, leading to a refined design that balances functionality with aesthetic appeal. Detailed results from the questionnaire, as well as specific partner feedback, are included in D2.3, showing the direct influence of the questionnaire findings on the final design. In summary, this participative approach ensured that the application’s UI design reflects the collective vision of the project partners and addresses the diverse needs of its intended users. The final design serves as a blend of collaborative input and best practices in UI design, aiming to create an engaging, user-friendly experience. Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 38/112 9 Architecture, technical design and implementation 9.1 General architecture picture and main technical design concepts The architecture of the app (Check Figure 14) is designed around microservices to ensure modularity, scalability, and flexibility. Here’s an overview of the architecture and its core design principles: The system is based on a microservices architecture, where each service is designed to fulfil a specific function and is maintained in a modular and independent manner. This separation allows each service to be scaled, updated, and maintained without affecting other parts of the application, thus promoting greater flexibility and efficiency Figure 14 – General architecture The main services include the API Service, which handles all external requests from the mobile client, such as user authentication, request verification, and data processing. In addition, this service interacts with an AI service for tag recognition and with a database to store user records and progress on badges or achievements. On the other hand, the AI Service is dedicated to image detection, using the YOLOv8 model for real-time tag recognition. This design allows the AI model to be updated without affecting the other components of the system. In terms of storage, a database service (PostgreSQL) hosted on AWS RDS has been implemented, which centralizes and secures user data, badge thresholds, and scan history, ensuring high availability, security, and consistency. The architecture is based on key technical concepts, such as the design of a RESTful API in the API service. This is reflected in the clear definition of endpoints that allow users to perform actions such as Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 39/112 scanning tags, tracking their badges, and querying statistics. This RESTful structure establishes a clean and predictable interface that facilitates both interaction with the mobile application and future integrations with third parties. For image recognition, the AI service benefits from the capabilities of YOLOv8, a high-performance deep learning model optimized for tag detection. The accuracy and speed of the model offer a real-time response to tag scanning, improving the user experience by allowing instant feedback. The system is structured on a microservices architecture, where each service is designed to fulfil a specific function and is maintained in a modular and independent way. This separation allows each service to be scaled, updated, and maintained without affecting other parts of the application, thus promoting greater flexibility and efficiency. The main services include the API Service, which handles all external requests from the mobile client, such as user authentication, request verification, and data processing. In addition, this service interacts with an AI service for tag recognition and with a database to store user records and progress on badges or achievements. On the other hand, the AI Service is dedicated to image detection, using the YOLOv8 model for real-time tag recognition. This design allows the AI model to be updated without affecting the rest of the system components. In terms of storage, a database service (PostgreSQL) hosted on AWS RDS has been implemented, which centralizes and secures user data, badge thresholds, and scan history, ensuring high availability, security, and consistency. The architecture is based on key technical concepts, such as the design of a RESTful API in the API service. This is reflected in the clear definition of endpoints that allow users to perform actions such as scanning tags, keeping track of their badges, and consulting statistics. This RESTful structure establishes a clean and predictable interface that facilitates both interaction with the mobile application and future integrations with third parties. For image recognition, the AI service benefits from the capabilities of YOLOv8, a high-performance deep learning model optimized for tag detection. The accuracy and speed of the model offer a real-time response to tag scanning, improving the user experience by allowing instant feedback. Finally, the progress tracking system is gamified, with a badge or achievement structure designed to encourage user participation. This reward system provides a rich user experience by incentivizing interaction through progressively unlocking levels and achievable goals. Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 40/112 Figure 15 AWS infrastructure architecture The AWS infrastructure, including ECS for container orchestration, RDS for the PostgreSQL database, and CloudWatch for monitoring. This infrastructure setup supports high availability, resilience, and scalability while reducing operational overhead. Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 41/112 10 User interface 10.1 Frameworks, baseline software, etc To maximize accessibility and broaden the app’s user base, Enide selected Ionic as the primary multiplatform development framework. Ionic, combined with Angular 18+ and Capacitor, allows for a single codebase that can be deployed seamlessly on both iOS and Android platforms. This strategy minimizes development time and ensures consistency across devices while leveraging Capacitor’s capabilities to integrate native functionality smoothly. 10.2 Features description from technical point of view o Offline Labels Database: To support offline use, Enide includes an embedded SQLite database within the app, storing label data such as images, names, descriptions, and ratings. This offline functionality ensures that users can access essential information regardless of network availability. o Labels Image Recognition: The app’s user interface enables users to take photos of product labels, which are then sent to a server for analysis. Once processed, the server returns a report containing relevant product and label details, which is displayed to the user. This image recognition feature enhances user engagement by providing real-time, accessible information about products. o Product Ecosystem: Users can interact with a comprehensive product ecosystem within the app, allowing them to add, search, review, and check various products. This feature fosters a communitycentered approach, providing users with a space to explore and share information about different products. o Learning Materials: The app also offers a curated library of educational resources, including videos, courses, and infographics. These materials, provided by the consortium, supply users with additional information on topics like sustainable consumption and eco-label standards, contributing to a richer learning experience. 10.3 Components and interactions The user interface is structured around modular components that ensure both ease of use and high engagement. Key components include: o Interactive Buttons and Navigation: These facilitate smooth transitions between screens, with intuitive controls to enhance the user experience. o Camera and Image Processing Interface: Integrated directly into the app, this component allows users to capture label images easily, automatically linking to the server’s image recognition system. Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 48/112 The user, once authenticated, sends an image for analysis at the /v2/api/detect endpoint. The API receives the image and forwards it to the 3comodel service for tag processing using the YOLOv8 model. The 3comodel service analyses the image and returns the tags found. The API saves the scan to the database and checks if the detected tags meet the thresholds for a new badge. If the scan unlocks a badge, it is saved, and the updated list of badges is returned to the user. Badge Unlocking Flow The API compares the accumulated scans with the thresholds for each badge category. If the threshold is met, a new badge is generated, and the API updates the database. A notification with the list of unlocked badges is sent to the user, consolidating their progress. Badge Recovery The user can access the list of their badges through the /v2/api/user_badges endpoint. The API queries the database to obtain and send the updated badges, including category, level, and unlock date. This information flow allows for efficient data management and a real-time response to user actions, while maintaining accuracy in image recognition and reward granting. Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 49/112 13 Conclusion The culmination of Task 2.4 within the 3-CO project has successfully delivered a state-of-the-art mobile application, seamlessly blending advanced technology with user-centric design to foster sustainable consumer behavior. This initiative started with a thorough analysis of existing digital solutions and involved extensive interactions with industry providers and consumers through surveys and workshops, setting a solid foundation for development. Technologically, the application features a scalable microservices architecture utilizing Docker and Amazon ECS, ensuring robust performance and reliability. The integration of a mobile API and an image processing service supports effective product recognition, while a PostgreSQL database securely manages user data and interactions. The implementation of a badge system, incorporating JWT for authentication, enhances user engagement by rewarding sustainable choices. The AI-driven label recognition model, particularly the YOLOv8 classifier, has shown impressive results, underscoring the project's commitment to technological excellence. This model’s success paves the way for potential future enhancements, such as incorporating active learning to further improve accuracy and integrating additional AI systems to broaden functionality. The front-end development was guided by feedback from the consortium on initial Figma mock-ups, leading to the selection and refinement of the second design using the Ionic and Angular frameworks. This approach facilitated the creation of a versatile, multi-platform application tailored to meet user needs, including the integration of a robust offline database and custom reward badges that significantly enhance the user experience. Despite several challenges, such as integrating the offline database and developing custom reward badges, the development team overcame these obstacles through meticulous planning and iterative testing. This not only ensured the stability and cohesiveness of the application but also equipped it with features that make user interactions seamless, enjoyable, and productive. In conclusion, the collaborative efforts of the development teams have yielded a digital solution that not only meets the specific needs of the consortium but also sets a new benchmark for future digital tools aimed at promoting sustainable consumption. The ongoing refinement and expansion of this application will continue to support the sustainability agenda, encouraging a broader shift toward environmentally responsible consumer practices. The methodologies and insights derived from this task provide a comprehensive framework for embedding sustainability into digital consumer platforms, heralding a new era of eco-conscious technological innovation. Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 50/112 Annex 1: Existing digital solutions Think Dirty Features Think Dirty is a mobile application that helps consumers make informed decisions about the personal care products they use. Functionalities Some of the key functionalities of Think Dirty include: • Barcode Scanning: The app's barcode scanner allows users to easily scan product barcodes to access ingredient information and ratings. • Search Functionality: Users can search for personal care products by name, brand, or category. • Ingredient Information: Think Dirty provides detailed information about each ingredient in a product, including its function, potential health concerns, and scientific studies. • Personalized Lists: Users can create lists of their favourite products, as well as products they would like to try in the future. • Clean Alternatives: The app recommends cleaner and safer alternative products based on the user's search history and product ratings. • Push Notifications: Users can receive push notifications when products on their lists are updated with new ingredient information. Revenue Model Think Dirty generates revenue through affiliate marketing partnerships with companies that sell products on the app's platform. The app receives a commission on each sale made through its platform. Testing Think Dirty's mobile application is available for download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. The app has a simple and user-friendly interface, with a barcode scanner that allows users to easily scan and find information about products. The app's product search functionality is also easy to use, allowing users to search for products by name, brand, or category. The Think Dirty® methodology is focused on helping consumers identify potential risks associated with their personal care products. Instead of using the widely used practice of “greenwashing,” which considers the environmental or social responsibility of a product’s manufacturer in its assessment, Think Dirty® solely focuses on the chemical content of the products. As an independent company, Think Dirty® is committed to assessing the possible impact of a product on an individual’s health and bases its ratings methodology on publicly available data released by non-profit and government agencies in North America. The Chemistry Team and Advisory Board at Think Dirty® evaluate the overall risk of a product based on the potential health impacts of its published ingredients. Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 51/112 For the selected clean beauty, personal care, household products, baby and maternity, feminine products, and sexual wellness products brands from around the world, the company offers a verification service in which the ingredient list of each brand is carefully reviewed in their database. After inspection, if the brand passes, it is listed with a checkmark icon to let users know that the ingredient lists have been carefully vetted by the company. Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 52/112 There is an 'Award' section listing the best products, divided by category (skin care, body, hair, etc.), voted by Think Dirty users. Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 53/112 Below is the simulation with the application (via Android device). I downloaded the app on both Android and Apple devices. On the Android device it does not work, so the simulation was conducted on Apple. The app allows you to search for a product using the barcode scanner, search by insertion, list of ingredients. I searched via barcode for three products I had on hand: a hair product, a body cream and cosmetics. The hair cream and the hair product produced no results, but I was able to enter them into their database via a form. The cosmetic produced results, but the app does not give much information, in fact it gives their score, recommendations and the link to buy it. If you want to see the list of ingredients with whether they are dangerous or not, you have to buy the premium plan (see photo of costs). Then I did a simulation with one of the companies' products of the 10 product categories selected for this research, in this case Aveda of the shampoo products. In this case there was a user evaluation, in addition to that of the app. Screenshots of the app Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 54/112 Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 55/112 Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 56/112 Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 57/112 Overall perception and additional information Think Dirty has a rating of 4.5 stars on the Apple App Store based on over 5,000 ratings, and a rating of 4.2 stars on the Google Play Store based on over 3,000 ratings. The app has received praise for its user-friendly interface and ability to provide consumers with information about the safety of the products they use. However, some critics have raised concerns about the accuracy of the app's ingredient ratings and its potential to contribute to "chemophobia" or the fear of all synthetic chemicals. In my opinion, Think Dirty is an ambitious and well-designed project, it is explained in detail how it works on the web page and the application is user-friendly. The problem arises when it cannot find all the products and once found you have to pay to get all the information. Honestly, compared to other applications in the same sector it still has something to improve, especially the transparency of the information. EWG Healthy Living Features EWG Healthy Living is a website and mobile application that provides consumers with information about the safety of personal care products, cleaning products, and food. Functionalities Some of the key functionalities of EWG Healthy Living include: • Product Database: The app's database allows users to search for personal care products, cleaning products, and foods and view their safety ratings. • Product Ratings: EWG provides ratings for each product based on the potential health risks associated with the ingredients it contains. • Ingredient Information: EWG provides detailed information about each ingredient in a product, including its function, potential health concerns, and scientific studies. • Clean Alternatives: The app recommends cleaner and safer alternative products based on the user's search history and product ratings. • Personalized Lists: Users can create lists of their favourite products, as well as products they would like to try in the future. • Blog and News Articles: EWG publishes articles and news stories related to personal care products, cleaning products, and food safety. Revenue Model EWG is a non-profit organization that operates through grants and donations. The Healthy Living app and website are provided as a public service to help consumers make informed decisions about the products they use. Instead, their revenue comes from a variety of sources, including grants and donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations. Testing Below is the simulation via application on an Apple device. The application is not downloadable in our territory, so I used a US account to do a simulation. I tried scanning the products I had but none produced any results, probably because they are not in the US, but it is possible to enter them manually. I then did a simulation with a skin care product, and the app provided a lot of information, including Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 64/112 Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 65/112 Overall perception and additional information Buycott has generally received positive reviews on both the Apple Store and Google Play Store, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars on the Apple Store and 4.3 out of 5 stars on the Google Play Store. Many users appreciate the app's ability to provide transparency about the companies behind the products they buy and support causes they care about. Some users have noted that the app can be slow to load or buggy at times, but overall the app is well-received. It is interesting that Buycott supports good causes by creating 'boycotts'. thereby bringing together a large community of people fighting against change. Giki Features Giki is a mobile app that helps users make sustainable and ethical purchasing decisions. The app provides information on the environmental and social impact of products, as well as their nutritional value. Giki aims to empower consumers to make more informed choices and encourage companies to become more sustainable and socially responsible. Functionalities • Scan barcodes to view product information and sustainability ratings • Search for products and view detailed information on their sustainability and nutritional value • Browse categories and find more sustainable and ethical options • Create and share shopping lists with friends and family • Set personal sustainability goals and track progress • Get alerts and updates on product sustainability and ethical issues Revenue Model Giki generates revenue through partnerships with companies that are committed to sustainability and social responsibility. The company also offers a paid subscription service that provides more detailed information and analysis on products. Testing Their badges draw on a number of different sources such as product information, government guidelines, and scientific research. Green for sustainability, red for health and blue for fairness. Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 66/112 Their aim is to provide easy-to-understand badges as well as transparency about how they award those badges so users can choose which badges are most relevant to them. They also look to continuously improve Impact Score® Shopping to help support their users in their quest to buy more sustainable and healthy products. They know they will never be perfect, but they hope that by constantly listening to their users and improving, they will get better and better over time. Users can review the badges below to see the rationale and methodology for how badges are awarded. Oversight of changes to their methodology, and the addition of new badges, is performed by Impact Score® Shopping’s Advisory Board. Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 67/112 Apart from the methodology used, the webpage does not provide sufficient information. Below is the simulation with their application. The Giki app allows users to scan barcodes and view sustainability ratings and information on products. I could not install the app on my Android device because it says 'This app is not available for your device because it was created for an older version of Android.' Overall perception and additional information Giki has generally received positive reviews on both the Apple Store and Google Play Store, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on the Apple Store and 4.4 out of 5 stars on the Google Play Store. Users appreciate the app's ability to provide transparency and information on the products they buy and its focus on sustainability and social responsibility. Some users have noted that the app can be slow to load or has limited product information, but overall the app is well-received. The web page, apart from giving information on the type of methodology they use (very well explained and detailed), does not give the possibility to search for products, so one has to use the application. Skin Deep Features Skin Deep is an online database and tool created by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) that provides information on the safety and potential health hazards of personal care products and cosmetics. The database provides ratings and detailed information on ingredients in products, as well as information on potential health hazards and regulatory information. Functionalities • Search for personal care products and cosmetics by name, brand, or product type • View ratings and information on the safety and potential health hazards of products • View detailed information on the ingredients in products, including potential health hazards and regulatory information • Create a personal profile to save favourite products and searches • Access articles and resources on personal care product safety and health Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 68/112 Revenue Model The Skin Deep database has been a valuable resource for consumers and advocates concerned about the safety of personal care products and cosmetics. The database is regularly updated and provides detailed information on ingredients and potential health hazards, as well as regulatory information. While there is no mobile app for Skin Deep, the database is easily accessible through the Environmental Working Group's website and has received positive reviews and recognition for its contributions to consumer health and safety. Testing The Skin Deep database is available online and can be accessed through the Environmental Working Group's website (EWG). To use the functionality of the Skin Deep database, one must use the web page, whereas if one wants to use an application, one must download and install the EWG Healthy Living application, in which one can do essentially what is shown below via the web, but with less functionality. Users can search for products, view ratings and information, and create a personal profile to save information and searches. In this case, the simulation was conducted with the brand 'RMS Beauty', from the category 'Cosmetics'. Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 69/112 Via the webpage, it is possible to search for the brand or product, providing different results. Once you have selected the desired product, you have the general evaluation given by EWG, list of ingredients with explanation, brand info and certificates. It also tells where you can buy the product. Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 70/112 Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 71/112 Understanding Skin Deep® ratings: Every product and ingredient in Skin Deep® gets a two-part score – one for hazard and one for data availability. Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 72/112 To calculate a product score, they review individual ingredient hazards and evaluate each product in relation to the rest of the products in the Skin Deep database. The safest products score well by both measures, with a low hazard rating and a fair or better data availability rating. Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 73/112 Overall perception and additional information The Skin Deep database has been a valuable resource for consumers and advocates concerned about the safety of personal care products and cosmetics. The database is regularly updated and provides detailed information on ingredients and potential health hazards, as well as regulatory information. While there is no mobile app for Skin Deep, the database is easily accessible through the Environmental Working Group's website and has received positive reviews and recognition for its contributions to consumer health and safety. Yuka Features Yuka is a mobile app that provides users with information on the nutritional value and health impact of food and personal care products. The app uses a simple color-coded system to rate products based on their healthiness, and provides users with recommendations for healthier alternatives. Functionalities Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 80/112 Below is the simulation using the application (via Android device). Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 81/112 The app allows you to change language and country of origin and there is a part where they explain how it works (also with explanatory videos on YouTube) and what their methodology is. To scan the product without the barcode, you have to be a premium customer. Here are the additional features of the premium plan, for 14.99€ per year. When scanning a product, you can also choose the 'mini product description' option. Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 82/112 Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 83/112 Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 84/112 Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 85/112 Below is the part of the simulation using the barcode scanner. I tested, first of all, 3 products, one hair product, one body cream and one cosmetic. All three were found and provided a lot of information, including: product description, their score (from 1 to 20), complete list of ingredients (with a detailed explanation of each one and subdivided by colour indicating the level of danger), alternatives to the scanned product, user comments and their ratings, the 'where to buy' with prices, certifications awarded (e.g. 'Green Dot' or 'Allergen free'), possibility of adding photos and editing the description (only with premium plan). Important point is that, in the description of the components/ingredients of the product, in addition to providing the characteristics it also provides a part where it says whether the substance is polluting or not and whether it can be harmful to the environment and other organisms. Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 86/112 Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 87/112 Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 88/112 Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 89/112 Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 96/112 By searching for a product via the text search bar, you can browse the app's predefined category divided into: face, body, hair, makeup, children, men. And then enter the specifics, i.e. whether we are looking for a cream or rather an oil. Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 97/112 It is also possible to use a search filter, as, in this simulation, we selected shampoo and can filter by solid shampoo, dry shampoo, or by skin type or by including/excluding certain ingredients in the search. Here, by searching for 'Aveda', analysing their product Dry Hair Oil, the app provides a simplified overview with only the product photo, the recommended price, the reviews given by users and their comments, and the list of ingredients divided by colour according to their level of hazard. Clicking on an ingredient describes what type it is (emulsifier in this case) and what kind of compatibility it has with the skin and the environment (in this case it says generally good). Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 98/112 Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 99/112 There, it is also possible to search according to INCI and substances. As regards searching by barcode, I was not able to do any simulations as all the products I had available were not in their database. Overall perceptions and additional information 4.5 Apple Store, 100.000+ on Google Play Store. Based on user reviews, the app seems to be easy to use and helpful in making informed choices about eco-friendly cosmetics. Some users have commented that the app can be slow to load or may not have information on all products, but overall, the reviews are positive. One of the obvious limitations is that the application is only in Italian. Outside of this, the app is designed in a simple but skilfully executed manner. Thanks to the integration of the INCI, the app is able to provide detailed information on the ingredients of cosmetics, personal beauty, etc. products. It provides fairly basic and simple information, but well-presented and with a few easy-to-understand words (especially the ingredients part). The weaknesses in my opinion are: the app does not give an overall assessment of the product and therefore there are only user ratings, there is advertising but little, it does not give any information on product certifications, little quantity of products in the database. Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 100/112 Annex 2: App Mock-Ups o Design 1: - Big and easy-to-use navigation buttons at main page. - Vertical information distribution - Filters with all information displayed - User can get badges for the label scans. - The ability to find near shops and post new products - Learn section with a flat vertical distribution Figure 16 - Main page (Left) | Explore Section (Right) Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 101/112 Figure 17 - Filter (Left) | Label Info (Right) Figure 18 - Scanning (Left) | Labels detected (Right) Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 102/112 Figure 19 - Engage Section (Left) | Product view (Right) Figure 20 - Nearby locations for a specific product Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 103/112 Figure 21 – Shop overview (Left) | Add Product (Right) Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 104/112 o Design 3: - This design is oriented to be used in-shop, that means users won’t be able to download the app on their own. - Big and easy-to-use navigation buttons at main page. - Profile and Learn sections are no longer necessary therefore discarded. - Dropdown filters. - Vertical information distribution separated in categories. - Each store can publish their offers and products. Figure 22 - Design 3 - Main page (Left) | Labels (Right) Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 105/112 Figure 23 - Design 3 - Filters (Left) | Labels Info (Right) Figure 24 - Design 3 - Shop products (Left) | Product Description (Right) Deliverable D2.4 Report on smart digital solutions to support sustainable purchasing decisions www.3CO-project.eu page 112/112