T.R.A.C.K. the Digital Product Passport edition was a success
T.R.A.C.K. the Digital Product Passport edition was a success
On May 20, 2025, over 120 pioneers, businesses, policymakers, and tech experts gathered at Ghent's iconic Wintercircus for T.R.A.C.K. The Digital Product Passport (DPP) edition. This inaugural full-day event, organized by Howest Cyber3Lab, transformed how attendees think about Digital Product Passports, moving from seeing them as regulatory compliance burdens to recognizing them as strategic business opportunities. Through inspiring keynotes, hands-on lab experiences, and deep-dive discovery sessions, participants explored real-world DPP implementations across industries from Belgian brewing to luxury luggage.

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Quick facts
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The May 20 T.R.A.C.K. event brought together 120+ attendees at Wintercircus Ghent to explore Digital Product Passport applications and strategies.
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Featured 20+ expert speakers including Thomas Ebert from the EU Commission and case studies from Samsonite, LS Bedding, and Filou & Friends.
What We Learned from a Day of DPP Innovation and Implementation
Daniël Du Seuil & Shane Deconinck – "Welcome to the Future of DPPs"

The day began with an immersive introduction that wasn't just talk – every attendee received their own D3P (Digital 3vent Passport), a blockchain-based credential that tracked their journey throughout the event. This hands-on approach immediately demonstrated how DPPs bridge the physical and digital worlds, setting the tone for a day of practical learning rather than theoretical discussion.
Ann Claes, Host & Content Director T.R.A.C.K. – "The Many Faces and Purposes of a Digital Product Passport"
"Compliance is the base layer. Build it up to strategic and economic advantage."

Ann's keynote reframed the entire DPP conversation. Rather than viewing Digital Product Passports as regulatory hurdles, she positioned them as foundations for innovation, transparency, and competitive differentiation. Her forward-looking perspective showed how DPPs will reshape products and systems across industries.
Real-World Pioneers Share Their DPP Journey

The panel featuring Ronny De Winkel, Jeroen Gillabel, Anirudh Eswaran, Katrijn Goethals, and Tassilo Pellegrini brought authentic voices from the trenches of DPP implementation. These industry leaders shared both successes and struggles, creating the authentic atmosphere one participant captured: "Being here just made me realize we're all still struggling. I'm not alone."
Thomas Ebert – "Navigating EU Regulations"

With European ESPR regulation requiring DPP compliance soon, Thomas provided authoritative insights on regulatory requirements and timelines. His presentation helped businesses understand not just what's coming, but how to prepare strategically for upcoming requirements.
Innovation in Action: The Lab Zone Experience

The DPP Lab Zone showcased diverse real-world applications:
- Crypto Kastaar by DAO Brussels merged Belgian beer heritage with blockchain sustainability
- Samsonite demonstrated their first integrated passport advancing luggage industry transparency
- Filou & Friends with Quifactum showed circular returns at scale in fashion
- LS Bedding with TripleR.io's MattressID proved how DPPs enable mattress upcycling
- VITO and Flanders Make's CADANS living lab promoted bicycle sector circularity
- Open Structures explored DPPs for circular components management
- Alertis demonstrated digital twins for personalized customer service
Expert Insights on Full Integration
The closing panel with Simon Gryspeert, Semora Mangnoesing, Bjorn Cumps, Rien van den Bosch, and Alexander Carpentier explored scaling strategies and future blockchain integration possibilities, painting a picture of DPP's transformative potential.
Specialized Learning Tracks
Four discovery sessions allowed deep-dive exploration: Pieter Den Dooven and Jasmien Wynants covered DPP fundamentals; Shane Deconinck, Wim Van Renterghem, and Marijke Brants explored technical implementation; Veerle Spaepen and Hanne Vanmarsenille examined consumer engagement strategies; while Maarten Tak and Jonathan Maes focused on circular economy applications.
Additional information can be found on the website: https://alwaysontrack.be

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Key Takeaways
1. From Burden to Opportunity Smart companies are transforming DPP compliance requirements into competitive advantages, using transparency and traceability as differentiators rather than just regulatory checkboxes.
2. Cross-Industry Innovation DPPs aren't sector-specific, successful implementations span from traditional brewing to high-tech manufacturing, proving their universal applicability for product transparency.
3. Partnership-Driven Success The most innovative DPP applications emerge from collaborations between established companies and tech innovators, combining industry expertise with cutting-edge technology.
4. Community Over Competition T.R.A.C.K. created a supportive ecosystem where even competitors shared learnings, recognizing that DPP success requires collective advancement rather than isolated development.
Contributors
Authors
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Shane Deconinck, Web3 Lead
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Scott Vermast, DeFi & Web3 Researcher
Want to know more about our team?
Visit the team page
Last updated on: 6/4/2025
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