Enabling circular transitions: Exploring the strategic role of the Digital Product Passport at Cam Cam Copenhagen
Author
Llanes Lopez, Noelia
Term
3. Term
Education
Publication year
2026
Pages
30
Abstract
This thesis examines how the Digital Product Passport (DPP) can act as a strategic lever for circular transitions in a design-led SME, using Cam Cam Copenhagen as a case. Anchored in the EU’s forthcoming Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), the DPP is treated not only as a compliance requirement but as a design- and data-driven tool to advance transparency, traceability, and life-cycle thinking in the textile sector. The study is grounded in Sustainable Design Engineering and systemic design, and draws on literature on the circular economy, product life cycles, and the Four Levels of sustainable design. Through a qualitative case study enabled by close collaboration with Cam Cam—including access to internal processes, cross-departmental perspectives, and strategic discussions—the research asks: How can the DPP catalyze circular product development and support long-term sustainability transitions? The sub-questions address (1) how to implement the DPP to ensure regulatory compliance while creating value in product development, and (2) which circular business model opportunities (e.g., take-back, repair, or service-based models) could be explored with the DPP as enabling infrastructure. The analysis investigates the DPP’s role in traceability and value creation, product–system integration for circularity, and its potential as a driver of circular transition. As this excerpt covers the set-up of the problem, theory, and approach, it does not present final empirical findings; instead, it establishes a strategic direction and assessment basis for subsequent analysis and recommendations for SMEs in the lifestyle and textile sectors.
Denne afhandling undersøger, hvordan det Digitale Produktpas (DPP) kan fungere som en strategisk løftestang for cirkulære omstillinger i en designorienteret SMV med udgangspunkt i en case hos Cam Cam Copenhagen. Med afsæt i EU’s kommende Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) behandles DPP ikke kun som et regulatorisk krav, men som et design- og dataredskab, der kan fremme transparens, sporbarhed og livscyklustænkning i tekstilbranchen. Projektet er forankret i Sustainable Design Engineering og systemisk design og trækker på litteratur om cirkulær økonomi, produktlivscyklus og de fire niveauer af bæredygtigt design. Gennem et kvalitativt casestudie baseret på tæt samarbejde med Cam Cam—herunder adgang til interne processer, tværgående perspektiver og strategiske drøftelser—søger studiet at besvare: Hvordan kan DPP være en katalysator for cirkulær produktudvikling og støtte langsigtede bæredygtige transformationer? Delspørgsmålene omhandler (1) hvordan DPP kan implementeres, så det både sikrer compliance og skaber værdi i produktudvikling, og (2) hvilke cirkulære forretningsmodeller (fx take-back, reparation eller servicebaserede koncepter) der kan udforskes med DPP som muliggørende infrastruktur. Analysen adresserer DPP’s rolle for sporbarhed og værdiskabelse, integration mellem produkt og system samt potentialet som drivkraft for cirkulær transition. Da afhandlingens første del danner ramme for problemfelt, teori og metode, præsenteres ingen endelige empiriske fund i dette uddrag; fokus er at etablere en strategisk retning og et vurderingsgrundlag for efterfølgende analyse og anbefalinger til SMV’er i livsstils- og tekstilsektoren.
[This apstract has been generated with the help of AI directly from the project full text]
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