Information Barriers to Circularity for Electronic Products and the Potential of Digital Product Passports

Digitalisation is seen as an enabler of the circular economy that supports the flow of information important for the decision-making of consumers and recyclers. However, barriers prevail that hinder the effective implementation of circular economy practices. This study analyses prevailing circular economy barriers and identifies information barriers along the product life cycle for the electronics sector. The digital product passport (DPP) is used as a concept to discuss the potentials and limitations for overcoming identified information barriers. A literature analysis was performed, extracting 77 information barriers from 17 selected articles. Results reveal gaps in missing information, including material composition and dismantling instructions for recyclers, product condition for second-hand consumers, certifications and know-how for designers, and deficiencies in internal and external communication. Several barriers of a technical, economic, or social nature are found that are indirectly rooted in missing information or knowledge. As a novelty, this study provides a comprehensive overview of information barriers along the product life cycle for the circular economy, considering the scope of the DPP. Practical implications are derived for further research, e.g., to evaluate which information should or has to be included in the DPP considering the data gathering effort, environmental benefits, and corporate interests.