Materials with a digital product passport

coilDNA material coding technology is well-established at AMAG. Selected customers have been receiving coded aluminium sheets for around two years. The data attributed to these products enables the lead customer to trace aluminium sheets - and the products made from them - seamlessly through the production process. By implementing this innovation, AMAG has once again set a pioneering standard, always thinking one step ahead.

As a pilot partner for development of coding and data standards for the EU Digital Product Passport (EU DPP), AMAG and coilDNA have an important role to play in product tracking and thereby also contribute to implementation of the EU European Green Deal and the related Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). The Digital Product Passport gives companies and consumers the opportunity to obtain information about how a product was manufactured and whether its materials are recyclable before deciding whether to buy it.

How does coilDNA contribute?

coilDNA technology makes an important contribution to sustainable development, in keeping with its vision:

The resulting features and unique characteristics of coilDNA include a patented coding and tracking technology for continuously produced materials, such as metal coils, and the components made from them throughout the entire product life cycle. The innovative cloud services developed by coilDNA make it possible to manage product-specific data and facilitate efficient communication between partners throughout the value chain regarding materials and production parameters.This is also related to creation of an Internet of Materials (IOM), a concept similar to the Internet of Things (IOT). coilDNA technology is unique because it is based on the natural principles of human DNA coding. The code is also characterized by its partition invariance: components that visibly carry the coilDNA will still be identifiable, regardless of how the starting material is cut or formed. By contrast, barcodes and QR codes fail when cut or damaged. Other key characteristics of coilDNA codes, which are composed of alphanumerical characters, include their easy readability (for humans) and the fact they can be printed by standard printers at high production speeds. coilDNA technology also presents significant advantages for material users, namely the ability to identify and seamlessly track materials and their characteristics at any time, throughout the entire production chain.This also improves the efficiency of quality management, making it easier to satisfy documentation requirements and avoid mix-ups. The information on material properties (mechanical values and measurements, surface finish and age) attributed to the product in the coilDNA code are invaluable to efforts in optimizing production processes, material use and inventories.In addition, coilDNA supports compliance with industry standards on material tracking (e.g. in the aviation, automotive and medical technology industries) and helps to meet transparency requirements. Satisfied customers value the ability to resolve queries quickly and efficiently with the help of coilDNA. Finally, the use of coilDNA significantly reduces the risk of product counterfeiting and can therefore make a meaningful contribution to meeting forthcoming statutory requirements in relation to the EU Digital Product Passport (an element of the Ecodesign for Sustainable Product Regulation).