VPICode

overview
Designed to solve the problem of data carriers in the new Digital Product Passport legislation, Visual Product Identifier (VPI) codes are a novel new technology that encodes a digital ID within a physical object. It is a machine readable code specifically designed for manufacture.
scope
New product innovation and emerging technologies
duration
06 months
year
2026
2020

The context

The Circular Economy Action Plan defines the Digital Product Passport as a record of materials, origin, repair, and where a product goes next.

The problem

The EU registry opens and the standard allows QR, Data Matrix, NFC and RFID. But companies are already experiencing issues with all four.

The solution

A VPI code is a machine readable code specifically designed for ease of manufacture that doesn't fade, peel off or die before the product reaches the end of its life.

The technology

Nodes on a grid encode a unique identity. Adding nodes increases capacity exponentially. When scanned, this identity pulls the associated product passport.

The story

Designed to communicate the movement of goods, data, and global networks, reflecting the interconnected systems behind every product. The symbol is intended to become synonymous with sustainability.

Total unique ID capacity

Green headphones with a VPI code printed on the ear cup.
The steel base of a marbled speaker with a VPI code etched next to the logo.
A garment care label printed with a VPI code, worn at the back of the neck.
A white and yellow trainer with a VPI code embroidered on the tongue.
A person holding a white phone with a Visual Product Identifier code on the back.
The underside of a silver laptop with a VPI code engraved beside the regulatory marks.
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