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The impact of contributing to the circular economy

October 25, 2023

In his latest blog, inriver CEO Niels Stenfeldt highlights the benefits of prioritizing data-driven circularity for brands and manufacturers.

Over the past several weeks, I’ve shared my thoughts on the expanding role of product data governance in driving a circular economy and real-world brand examples of using product data to make sustainability-minded decisions. I cannot overstate my belief that brands that start now on developing a product data governance strategy that accounts for all upstream and downstream processes and interactions have a true competitive advantage. 

Here’s why.

Are your products ready to go circular?

Read the latest inriver ebook “The Circular Product Journey” to find out.

1. More regulation is coming 

The regulatory landscape is evolving rapidly, and supply chain transparency and traceability are becoming essential data sources for compliance with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) requirements, Digital Product Passport (DPP), Proposition 65 (Prop65) regulations, and regulatory audits. It’s crucial to accurately identify and communicate data from all supply chain participants at the desired level of detail. 

2. Your customers care 

Consumers increasingly care about the sustainability of the products they buy. Leading in sustainable business practices and making data accessible to consumers positions your brand as the preferred choice for mindful consumers. Additionally, incorporating data on consumer brand preferences based on sustainability can be a game-changer. 

woman charging electric vehicle in front of windmills

The bottom line 

These examples illustrate that brands taking proactive measures to address data governance in their supply chains and aligning their products with sustainability goals not only comply with emerging regulations but also gain a competitive edge. They are not merely selling products; they are selling a responsible and transparent approach to business. Data plays a pivotal role in showcasing and reinforcing these values as part of the transition to a circular economy.

The role of Product Information Management (PIM) 

Technology that facilitates product and operational management such as Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and Enterprise Resource Management (ERP) systems are undoubtedly pieces of the solution. However, these systems on their own are not designed to facilitate the sharing of flexible and changing data downstream to customers. It’s important to understand that the most challenging aspect of adhering to the new DPP standards or other regulations is not the final step of publishing the data to customers. Rather, the process of transforming the product data inputs from PLM and ERP systems into flexible entities that can be updated over time is where the real work takes place. Building an infrastructure that can onboard product data with the flexibility to make changes as regulations evolve is the hard part. That’s where PIM and inriver come into play.

inriver: Leading the way

Inriver understands that a PIM built on an elastic data model is the glue that translates and configures upstream data inputs into downstream outputs that reach the end consumer. That’s why the inriver PIM leads the way in powering the entire upstream-to-downstream product journey.

inriver is proud to be working alongside some of the most admired brands in the world to bring about change for future generations. In our latest ebook, The circular product journey: powering a sustainable, data-driven future with the inriver PIM, inriver’s brightest thinkers have diligently documented each stage of the product journey and how product data can be tracked and collected at each stage to drive circular decisions. Read it today and reach out to learn how inriver can help your brand meet sustainability goals and contribute to a circular, green world. 

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Powering a Sustainable Future: Notes from our CEO

inriver CEO Niels Stenfeldt explores the role technology can play in building a better future in his blog series "Powering a Sustainable Future: Notes from our CEO". He shares his thoughts on the PIM industry, its direction, the latest trends and innovations, and most importantly how brands and manufacturers can take advantage of this evolution to position themselves as market leaders.

  • Niels Stenfeldt

    Former Chief Executive Officer & Board Member

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