Value Assessment of Consumer Electronics with Digital Product Passports: A Case Study of Lifetime Extension Assessment of Disposed Washing Machines

The rapid increase in e-waste poses significant environmental challenges. Most disposed Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) products, including computers, mobile phones, and household appliances, are currently recycled for materials rather than reused, due to perceived low residual value. This approach conflicts with circular economy goals, which emphasize extending products’ lifetime. Many disposed EEE items are “end-of-use” rather than “end-of-life,” indicating potential for reuse after refurbishment or repair. However, effective lifetime extension is hampered by inadequate data sharing and complex data systems within the EEE sector. This research addresses the data sharing problem, which is essential for circular strategies and improving EEE lifetime extension. Digital transformation, particularly through the Digital Product Passport (DPP), can facilitate comprehensive product life cycle management, supporting sustainable practices. We propose an EEE ecosystem modelling approach to compare traditional and circular business models through e3-value models, focusing on washing machines. We investigated the applicability of DPPs to aid decision-making for lifetime extension at collection points.