The Future of Device Lifecycle Management
Digital Product Passports, AI and Circular Supply Chains
Executive Summary
Technology products are becoming increasingly sophisticated, yet the systems used to manage their lifecycle often remain fragmented.
As circular economy principles gain momentum, organisations are under growing pressure to improve transparency, traceability and accountability across product lifecycles.
Emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Digital Product Passports and advanced lifecycle intelligence platforms have the potential to transform how products are manufactured, tracked, repaired, refurbished and recycled.
This paper examines the future of device lifecycle management and the technologies that will underpin next-generation circular supply chains.
The Current Challenge
Most organisations lack visibility beyond the initial point of sale.
As a result:
• Valuable assets are lost from the circular economy.
• Refurbishment opportunities are missed.
• Resource recovery is limited.
• Environmental reporting remains inconsistent.
• Supply chain transparency is reduced.
Digital Product Passports
Digital Product Passports (DPPs) are emerging as a key mechanism for recording and sharing information throughout a product's lifecycle.
Potential benefits include:
• Improved traceability
• Enhanced repairability
• Greater refurbishment efficiency
• Better sustainability reporting
• Increased consumer transparency
Artificial Intelligence and Lifecycle Intelligence
AI can improve decision-making across the entire lifecycle.
Applications include:
Predictive Asset Valuation
Forecasting residual values and optimal recovery pathways.
Automated Grading
Enhancing consistency and operational efficiency.
Demand Forecasting
Aligning inventory with market demand.
Reverse Logistics Optimisation
Reducing operational costs and environmental impact.
Circular Supply Chains
Future supply chains will increasingly focus on:
• Product longevity
• Repairability
• Resource efficiency
• Lifecycle transparency
• Closed-loop material recovery
Strategic Implications
Organisations that successfully implement lifecycle intelligence systems will be better positioned to:
• Improve profitability
• Reduce waste
• Meet regulatory requirements
• Strengthen ESG performance
• Increase customer trust
Recommendations
Invest in lifecycle data infrastructure.
Prepare for Digital Product Passport requirements.
Develop circular supply chain strategies.
Leverage AI for asset management and forecasting.
Build cross-sector partnerships.
Conclusion
The future of circular technology will be driven not only by product innovation but by lifecycle intelligence. Organisations that embrace transparency, traceability and digital enablement will be best positioned to thrive in an increasingly circular economy.
Engage with GICET
GICET is establishing working groups and industry forums focused on lifecycle intelligence, Digital Product Passports and the future of circular technology ecosystems. Organisations interested in contributing to future research and policy discussions are encouraged to engage with the Council.
