Digital Product Passports Trace Aluminium to Bauxite: IRBC Renewable Energy Project with Siemens Gamesa, TKF & Minespider

The Netherlands, 12 October 2026 - The IRBC Agreement for the Renewable Energy Sector has completed a collaborative project exploring how transparency and traceability can be strengthened in the raw material supply chains that support the renewable energy transition. The initiative brought together industry participants Siemens Gamesa and TKF, Digital Product Passport technology provider Minespider, and project partner Responsible Trade.

The project mapped selected upstream aluminium and bauxite supply chains and tested the use of secure Digital Product Passports (DPPs) to structure and present traceability and sustainability information across multiple supplier tiers. The work generated practical insights into the progress that can be achieved through determined collaboration, as well as the challenges involved in obtaining and validating information further upstream.

The project was conducted within the framework of the International Responsible Business Conduct (IRBC) Agreement for the Renewable Energy Sector, which aims to improve human rights and environmental conditions across global renewable energy supply chains. The completed work provides practical lessons that can inform future industry initiatives focused on responsible sourcing, supplier engagement and supply-chain transparency.

This project examined two pilot supply chains connected to the renewable energy sector. Siemens Gamesa, a global wind energy company, participated in exploring greater visibility into the materials used in wind energy systems. TKF, a leading Dutch cable manufacturer supplying offshore wind farms and other energy infrastructure projects, contributed its perspective on responsible sourcing and upstream supply-chain transparency.

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Supply Chain Mapping: Extending visibility deep into the aluminium value chain

The mapping followed a cascading, risk-based approach, beginning with participating companies and progressing upstream through successive supplier tiers. Engagement and research were prioritised according to the relevance of each supplier pathway, the information available and the potential to extend visibility towards key stages of the aluminium value chain.

The project examined two aluminium-containing supply chains linked to renewable energy components. Across the two pilots, four active Tier-1 supplier pathways were established and ten Tier-2 actors were identified across Europe, Asia and the Asia-Pacific region. The two pilots generated different but complementary insights. The Siemens Gamesa pilot explored engagement across several supplier pathways and provided useful experience in coordinating information requests among multiple actors. The TKF pilot provided further preliminary upstream visibility through a largely vertically integrated supply structure, with information extending towards wire rod, primary aluminium, alumina and bauxite operations. Together, the pilots illustrated how different supply-chain structures can influence the depth and pace of mapping.

John Hutchinson and Christin Weinhold, Sustainability Specialists at Siemens Gamesa, stated: “Our collaboration with Minespider and Responsible Trade has been marked by openness, trust, and professionalism, as well as a shared commitment to exploring the opportunities and challenges of upstream supply chain transparency and traceability. Thanks to the dedicated engagement of our suppliers, the pilot delivered valuable insights into our supply chain and strengthened our supplier relationships.”

Anneleen Veldhuizen, CSR Manager, and Deniz Dincer, Sustainability Specialist at TKF, shared: "Mapping our aluminum supply chains has delivered valuable ESG insights across all tiers, enhancing our due diligence. The knowledge gained enables us to continue working closely with our value chain partners to mitigate potential risks."

Digital Product Passports Reach Upstream to Bauxite

The pilot tested how Digital Product Passports could be used to structure and connect supply-chain and ESG information, which was collected as part of the mapping activities, across different stages of the aluminium value chain. The DPP examples demonstrated how information relating to bauxite, alumina, primary aluminium, wire rod and renewable energy components could be digitally represented and selectively shared through different access levels addressing commercial sensitivity concerns.

The assessment indicated that DPP and blockchain technologies can support structured information management, data integrity, version control and controlled disclosure. Their contribution is strongest when they complement supplier engagement, evidence review and appropriate validation processes.

Artificial intelligence (AI) was also explored as a supporting research tool and a way to structure available data faster in a DPP format. It showed potential to assist with reviewing publicly available information, comparing sources and identifying information gaps. Yet human review remains important, particularly where source quality varies or the information is commercially sensitive.

"Tracing a supply chain several tiers upstream, all the way to bauxite, means working with companies that have every reason to protect their commercial relationships," said Pavlina Spasovska, Head of Project Management at Minespider. "Digital Product Passports let us structure the traceability and sustainability data and share it selectively, so each party can control what it discloses and visibility can still extend upstream. That balance between openness and confidentiality is what these supply chains have needed."

The project showed that supply-chain structure shapes how quickly and how deeply mapping can progress: vertically integrated structures offer a more direct route upstream, while chains of several independent actors need more time for engagement, confidentiality arrangements and evidence review. It also pointed to the conditions that carry traceability work further; sustained sponsorship, supplier introductions and escalation support from downstream buyers; early alignment on confidentiality and data governance; focused information requests; and mapping that develops progressively in line with the evidence available. 

Designed as a learning-focused initiative rather than an audit or verification exercise, the project delivered practical experience and tested approaches that can inform future efforts toward greater transparency and responsible sourcing across renewable energy supply chains.

More About the Partners

IRBC Agreement for the Renewable Energy Sector 

The IRBC Agreement for the Renewable Energy Sector joins together solar and wind energy companies, industry associations, trade unions, NGOs, knowledge institutions and the Dutch government. Together parties work to promote international responsible business conduct in the renewable energy sector. This is done by jointly identifying, addressing, mitigating and remedying adverse human rights, environmental and biodiversity impacts in wind and solar value chains, for example through collective projects. 

Siemens Energy

Siemens Energy is one of the world’s leading energy technology companies. Through its portfolio of technologies and services for power generation, transmission, and renewable energy systems, including its wind power business Siemens Gamesa, the company plays a key role in supporting the global transition to sustainable energy.

TKF

TKF (Twentsche Kabelfabriek) develops and produces innovative cable solutions for energy, telecom, and industrial markets. TKF is a key supplier to offshore wind and renewable energy infrastructure, helping enable the reliable transmission of electricity generated by renewable sources.

Minespider

Minespider develops Digital Product Passport technology designed to enable traceability, sustainability reporting, and secure data sharing across complex global supply chains. The platform helps companies structure and communicate supply chain information in preparation for evolving transparency and regulatory expectations.

Responsible Trade 

Responsible Trade LLC is a consultancy specializing in responsible sourcing, supply chain due diligence, and sustainability strategy. The firm works with global companies, industry initiatives, and multistakeholder platforms to improve supply chain transparency and implement practical responsible sourcing frameworks. Through advisory services, supplier engagement, and upstream supply chain mapping, Responsible Trade helps organizations strengthen governance, manage risk, and advance responsible business practices across complex global value chains.

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