Customizable Digital Product Passport (DPP) Platform for Circular Construction

AI Quick Summary

Customizable Digital Product Passport (DPP) Platform for Circular ConstructionPepadocs, developed by NexSwiss Sàrl, is a modular Digital Product Passport (DPP) platform that enables transparent and standardized tracking of construction products throughout their lifecycle. Our current project focuses on adapting the platform for the reuse sector, building on our existing mockup application developed within the RUSS-GS1 collaboration, managed by öbu, as well as our already successful DPP solution in the rail industry. In partnership with Re-Win (implementation), öbu (ecosystem), and GS1 Switzerland (research and standards), we aim to create an industry-ready tool that empowers stakeholders to register, track, and reuse construction elements (e.g., windows, kitchens, steel beams). This will unlock circular potential at scale and support a more sustainable built environment. Project DescriptionPepadocs, a product by NexSwiss Sàrl, is a modular, interoperable Digital Product Passport (DPP) platform designed to accelerate the transition toward a digitally enabled circular construction industry. The platform empowers manufacturers, suppliers, and reuse networks to create, manage, and share structured product data for both new and reused construction materials, aligned with EU ESPR regulatory developments and beyond.Our DPP platform supports digital integration across the full construction lifecycle — i.e. disassembly, storage, refurbishing, re-procurement, installation and maintenance — addressing sector needs such as traceability, compliance, ESG reporting, building passport and circular design. It is fully customizable to include data layers like material composition, carbon footprint, technical specifications, certifications, and maintenance documentation. Pepadocs is also built on recognized data standards such as GS1 EPCIS, integrates with ERP systems, and includes efficient mobile apps for iOS and Android to ensure high-quality data creation and accessibility.Pepadocs is already in operational use in the rail industry, where over 3,000 DPPs have been produced for welded train tracks. The system has been successfully integrated with GS1 communication protocols such as EPCIS, demonstrating its maturity, scalability, and regulatory readiness.The current project focuses on adapting Pepadocs for the reuse sector, beginning with a practical use case centered on reclaimed construction windows. In partnership with Re-Win (implementation partner), the platform will be deployed on-site to document, register, and track reused materials — supporting end-to-end circular logistics. Re-Win will apply the Pepadocs system across the entire reuse journey, from data capture during disassembly to the eventual reinstallation of the windows. This operational insight ensures that the DPP structure, developed by NexSwiss in collaboration with GS1 Switzerland, is not only technically robust but also fully aligned with the realities of reuse workflows.This development builds on a functional mockup previously created for öbu (ecosystem partner), with the goal of transforming it into a reliable, field-ready solution that can scale across other reuse applications in the construction industry.During this process, we will also explore alignment with DIN SPEC 91484:2023-09, which provides a procedure to document building materials for reuse before demolition or renovation. Integrating insights from this standard will support the development of a structured, scalable data model that strengthens pre-demolition auditing and reuse planning.In addition, GS1 Switzerland will act as the research and standardization partner, contributing their expertise through exploratory research on data structures, interoperability, and traceability systems for circular construction. Their involvement will help us define how digital product passport solutions can align with emerging industry needs and international standards, particularly in the context of reused materials. As a globally recognized organization for product identification and data sharing frameworks, GS1 brings valuable insight into the evolving requirements of digital circular ecosystems.This unique partnership — combining technological development (NexSwiss), field implementation (Re-Win), ecosystem facilitation (öbu), and applied research & standardization (GS1 Switzerland) — creates the ideal environment to co-develop a practical, scalable DPP solution for the reuse economy and advances digital process innovation in the building sector.By enabling transparent, structured, and interoperable documentation of reused components, Pepadocs will facilitate trust, compliance, and innovation in circular construction — reducing waste, lowering embodied carbon, and unlocking new value chains for reused materials.1. What challenge in the circular building and construction industry does your idea address? (max. 50 words)There is no efficient scalable infrastructure to digitally track reused construction materials with trustworthy, structured data. This limits circular adoption and causes friction in reuse workflows, reducing traceability, compliance, and stakeholder trust.2. What is your vision for solving this challenge, and why is your approach innovative? Who will benefit from a solution to this problem? (max. 200 words)We envision a system where every construction product — including reused elements — carries a Digital Product Passport that enables full lifecycle traceability, reuse, and compliance. The innovation consists in the transfer of a well established technology built on global data standards (GS1 EPCIS), to the reuse economy. The platform allows actors to register and manage product data such as material composition, certifications, CO₂ impact, and maintenance records. With QR-code access and mobile tools, we simplify reuse workflows while building trust in reused materials.By focusing on interoperability, API-readiness, and integration with existing ERP systems, our solution supports seamless digital integration across construction phases. The first application will focus on reclaimed windows, in collaboration with Re-Win. Beneficiaries include reuse platforms, architects, builders, suppliers, and ESG stakeholders, all of whom gain from traceable, structured information that unlocks value in circular construction. They will be reached thanks to the well established öbu-Network.3. How could your idea positively impact the planet, people, or economy in the future? (max. 100 words)By enabling transparent reuse workflows, Pepadocs reduces demand for virgin materials, lowering embodied carbon and construction waste. This contributes to climate goals and promotes local circular economies. It also builds public and industry trust in reused products, making circular procurement easier and more scalable — with positive effects on costs, emissions, and job creation in refurbishment and logistics.4. What assumptions or ideas do you want to test? What do you plan to work on during the booster program, and what is your goal to deliver at the end? (max. 200 words)We want to test the assumption that reuse adoption increases when digital documentation is clear, accessible, and aligned with industry standards. We also want to validate whether structured product passports can streamline reuse workflows and enhance decision-making for stakeholders.During the booster, we’ll:Collaborate with Re-Win and Nomol to pilot DPPs for reused windows and kitchens, based on their mapped needs from disassembly to reinstallation, ensuring the platform fits real reuse supply chainsRefine data structures and workflows based on real reuse scenariosValidate integration with ERP/BIM systems and GS1 protocolsCollect user feedback from field operators and circular economy stakeholdersDeliver a working DPP platform tailored for Re-Win, with real-world data. Our goal is to present a validated, scalable solution ready for early adoption by material reuse networks and construction partners.öbu will keep the Re-Use community in Switzerland informed about the goals and the progresses of the booster and will search for companies interested in an early adoption of the technology5. Has your idea been tested before? If yes, what were the results, and what remains to be tested? (max. 100 words)Yes — Pepadocs has been tested in the rail industry, where it has generated over 3,000 DPPs for welded track components. The system is integrated with GS1 EPCIS protocols and used daily for compliance documentation. What remains is adapting the platform for reuse scenarios, including non-linear workflows, pre-used material conditions, and trust-building through transparency. We’ve built a mockup with öbu (see video) and now aim to deliver a robust, field-ready reuse version.6. Who is in your team, and what expertise or roles do they bring? (max. 150 words)NexSwiss Sàrl (Pepadocs) leads the project with expertise in digital platforms, standards implementation, and lifecycle documentation.Re-Win, a non-profit reuse logistics expert, is the implementation partner applying Pepadocs in the field to track reused windows. They will contribute hands-on requirements based on their operations, ensuring the DPP design supports each key step in the reuse journey — from onsite data capture to reintegration into building projects.Öbu, the Swiss network for sustainable business, supports ecosystem engagement, dissemination, and knowledge transfer.GS1 Switzerland, the national body for product identification standards, acts as research and standardization partner, exploring data models and traceability frameworks for reuse.Together, the team covers tech, logistics, research, and systems change, ensuring a realistic and impactful project.7. How do you plan to secure the 10% third-party funding required? (max. 100 words)We plan to secure third-party funding through an implementation partner that could be identified within the large öbu-network. Discussions with potential partners are ongoing. We expect to confirm the required 2,000 CHF funding shortly after project selection.Innovation DimensionsProcess Innovation: Enabling traceability and reuse workflows across construction phases.Digital Integration: API-ready, ERP-integrated, and white-label capable.Competence Building: Through Öbu and Re-Win, we promote skill-building around DPP usage in design, construction, and deconstruction.

Project Idea Metadata

Project Idea Name: Customizable Digital Product Passport (DPP) Platform for Circular Construction
Date: 4/3/2025 2:28:33 PM
Administrators:
- Joel Iunius

Project Idea Description

Project Description

Pepadocs, a product by NexSwiss Sàrl, is a modular, interoperable Digital Product Passport (DPP) platform designed to accelerate the transition toward a digitally enabled circular construction industry. The platform empowers manufacturers, suppliers, and reuse networks to create, manage, and share structured product data for both new and reused construction materials, aligned with EU ESPR regulatory developments and beyond.

Our DPP platform supports digital integration across the full construction lifecycle — i.e. disassembly, storage, refurbishing, re-procurement, installation and maintenance — addressing sector needs such as traceability, compliance, ESG reporting, building passport and circular design. It is fully customizable to include data layers like material composition, carbon footprint, technical specifications, certifications, and maintenance documentation. Pepadocs is also built on recognized data standards such as GS1 EPCIS, integrates with ERP systems, and includes efficient mobile apps for iOS and Android to ensure high-quality data creation and accessibility.

Pepadocs is already in operational use in the rail industry, where over 3,000 DPPs have been produced for welded train tracks. The system has been successfully integrated with GS1 communication protocols such as EPCIS, demonstrating its maturity, scalability, and regulatory readiness.

The current project focuses on adapting Pepadocs for the reuse sector, beginning with a practical use case centered on reclaimed construction windows. In partnership with Re-Win (implementation partner), the platform will be deployed on-site to document, register, and track reused materials — supporting end-to-end circular logistics. Re-Win will apply the Pepadocs system across the entire reuse journey, from data capture during disassembly to the eventual reinstallation of the windows. This operational insight ensures that the DPP structure, developed by NexSwiss in collaboration with GS1 Switzerland, is not only technically robust but also fully aligned with the realities of reuse workflows.

This development builds on a functional mockup previously created for öbu (ecosystem partner), with the goal of transforming it into a reliable, field-ready solution that can scale across other reuse applications in the construction industry.

During this process, we will also explore alignment with DIN SPEC 91484:2023-09, which provides a procedure to document building materials for reuse before demolition or renovation. Integrating insights from this standard will support the development of a structured, scalable data model that strengthens pre-demolition auditing and reuse planning.

In addition, GS1 Switzerland will act as the research and standardization partner, contributing their expertise through exploratory research on data structures, interoperability, and traceability systems for circular construction. Their involvement will help us define how digital product passport solutions can align with emerging industry needs and international standards, particularly in the context of reused materials. As a globally recognized organization for product identification and data sharing frameworks, GS1 brings valuable insight into the evolving requirements of digital circular ecosystems.

This unique partnership — combining technological development (NexSwiss), field implementation (Re-Win), ecosystem facilitation (öbu), and applied research & standardization (GS1 Switzerland) — creates the ideal environment to co-develop a practical, scalable DPP solution for the reuse economy and advances digital process innovation in the building sector.

By enabling transparent, structured, and interoperable documentation of reused components, Pepadocs will facilitate trust, compliance, and innovation in circular construction — reducing waste, lowering embodied carbon, and unlocking new value chains for reused materials.

1. What challenge in the circular building and construction industry does your idea address? (max. 50 words)

There is no efficient scalable infrastructure to digitally track reused construction materials with trustworthy, structured data. This limits circular adoption and causes friction in reuse workflows, reducing traceability, compliance, and stakeholder trust.

2. What is your vision for solving this challenge, and why is your approach innovative? Who will benefit from a solution to this problem? (max. 200 words)

We envision a system where every construction product — including reused elements — carries a Digital Product Passport that enables full lifecycle traceability, reuse, and compliance. The innovation consists in the transfer of a well established technology built on global data standards (GS1 EPCIS), to the reuse economy. The platform allows actors to register and manage product data such as material composition, certifications, CO₂ impact, and maintenance records. With QR-code access and mobile tools, we simplify reuse workflows while building trust in reused materials.

By focusing on interoperability, API-readiness, and integration with existing ERP systems, our solution supports seamless digital integration across construction phases. The first application will focus on reclaimed windows, in collaboration with Re-Win. Beneficiaries include reuse platforms, architects, builders, suppliers, and ESG stakeholders, all of whom gain from traceable, structured information that unlocks value in circular construction. They will be reached thanks to the well established öbu-Network.

3. How could your idea positively impact the planet, people, or economy in the future? (max. 100 words)

By enabling transparent reuse workflows, Pepadocs reduces demand for virgin materials, lowering embodied carbon and construction waste. This contributes to climate goals and promotes local circular economies. It also builds public and industry trust in reused products, making circular procurement easier and more scalable — with positive effects on costs, emissions, and job creation in refurbishment and logistics.

4. What assumptions or ideas do you want to test? What do you plan to work on during the booster program, and what is your goal to deliver at the end? (max. 200 words)

We want to test the assumption that reuse adoption increases when digital documentation is clear, accessible, and aligned with industry standards. We also want to validate whether structured product passports can streamline reuse workflows and enhance decision-making for stakeholders.

During the booster, we’ll:

Collaborate with Re-Win and Nomol to pilot DPPs for reused windows and kitchens, based on their mapped needs from disassembly to reinstallation, ensuring the platform fits real reuse supply chains
Refine data structures and workflows based on real reuse scenarios
Validate integration with ERP/BIM systems and GS1 protocols
Collect user feedback from field operators and circular economy stakeholders
Deliver a working DPP platform tailored for Re-Win, with real-world data. Our goal is to present a validated, scalable solution ready for early adoption by material reuse networks and construction partners.
öbu will keep the Re-Use community in Switzerland informed about the goals and the progresses of the booster and will search for companies interested in an early adoption of the technology

5. Has your idea been tested before? If yes, what were the results, and what remains to be tested? (max. 100 words)

Yes — Pepadocs has been tested in the rail industry, where it has generated over 3,000 DPPs for welded track components. The system is integrated with GS1 EPCIS protocols and used daily for compliance documentation. What remains is adapting the platform for reuse scenarios, including non-linear workflows, pre-used material conditions, and trust-building through transparency. We’ve built a mockup with öbu (see video) and now aim to deliver a robust, field-ready reuse version.

6. Who is in your team, and what expertise or roles do they bring? (max. 150 words)

NexSwiss Sàrl (Pepadocs) leads the project with expertise in digital platforms, standards implementation, and lifecycle documentation.

Re-Win, a non-profit reuse logistics expert, is the implementation partner applying Pepadocs in the field to track reused windows. They will contribute hands-on requirements based on their operations, ensuring the DPP design supports each key step in the reuse journey — from onsite data capture to reintegration into building projects.

Öbu, the Swiss network for sustainable business, supports ecosystem engagement, dissemination, and knowledge transfer.

GS1 Switzerland, the national body for product identification standards, acts as research and standardization partner, exploring data models and traceability frameworks for reuse.

Together, the team covers tech, logistics, research, and systems change, ensuring a realistic and impactful project.

7. How do you plan to secure the 10% third-party funding required? (max. 100 words)

We plan to secure third-party funding through an implementation partner that could be identified within the large öbu-network. Discussions with potential partners are ongoing. We expect to confirm the required 2,000 CHF funding shortly after project selection.

Innovation Dimensions

Process Innovation: Enabling traceability and reuse workflows across construction phases.

Digital Integration: API-ready, ERP-integrated, and white-label capable.

Competence Building: Through Öbu and Re-Win, we promote skill-building around DPP usage in design, construction, and deconstruction.

Customizable Digital Product Passport (DPP) Platform for Circular Construction

Pepadocs, developed by NexSwiss Sàrl, is a modular Digital Product Passport (DPP) platform that enables transparent and standardized tracking of construction products throughout their lifecycle. Our current project focuses on adapting the platform for the reuse sector, building on our existing mockup application developed within the RUSS-GS1 collaboration, managed by öbu, as well as our already successful DPP solution in the rail industry. In partnership with Re-Win (implementation), öbu (ecosystem), and GS1 Switzerland (research and standards), we aim to create an industry-ready tool that empowers stakeholders to register, track, and reuse construction elements (e.g., windows, kitchens, steel beams). This will unlock circular potential at scale and support a more sustainable built environment.