Netherlands Invests in Digital Passports to Boost Circular Economy
Amsterdam, Wednesday, 2 July 2025.
Seven innovative projects in the Netherlands receive funding to develop digital product passports, promoting circularity in sectors like textiles and electronics. This aligns with sustainability goals to reduce pollution.
Commitment to Circularity
In an effort to transition to a more sustainable economy, the Netherlands has recently approved funding for seven new projects aimed at developing Digital Product Passports (DPPs). These projects are part of a national initiative to enhance the circular economy, focusing particularly on sectors such as textiles, electronics, and construction. The projects embody the Dutch government’s strategic priority to combat pollution by stimulating circular practices that encourage recycling and material reuse [1][2].
Innovative Projects Receiving Funding
The new initiatives include the notable ‘DPP4CD: Digital Product Passport(s) for Circular Denim’, which seeks to transform pilot programs into applicable practices in the denim industry. Another project, ‘Fibre Forward’, leads by Avans University of Applied Sciences, aims to trace and promote the circular journey of fashion garments from cotton cultivation in India to end-use in the Netherlands. These projects emphasize collaborations between universities of applied sciences and industry partners [1][3].
Funding and Support Structure
SIA, in collaboration with the ICT Top Sector, has allocated €2.7 million to support these innovative DPP projects. This funding is aimed to promote not only the technical implementation but also to foster broader industry collaborations for knowledge sharing [2][3]. The involvement of educational institutions plays a critical role in ensuring research findings are effectively communicated and utilized across various industrial sectors [3].
Broader Impact on the Circular Economy
These initiatives align with broader European and global efforts to advance the circular economy. Digital Product Passports facilitate transparency and traceability across supply chains, which aligns with ongoing EU regulations focused on circularity, such as the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation. By fostering innovation in this area, the Netherlands reinforces its commitment to reducing waste and environmental impact, laying the groundwork for future advancements in sustainability [4][5].
Bronnen
- regieorgaan-sia.nl
- topsector-ict.nl
- www.openaccessgovernment.org
- www.circularise.com
- www.weforum.org