Blockchain-digital twin integration in construction material passports: preparing for digital product passport implementation

Abstract

Purpose Poor material lifecycle data management prevents construction industry circular economy transformation. Stakeholders cannot reliably verify secondary material quality despite massive embedded material stocks in existing buildings. Current material passport (MP) frameworks operate in isolation, with blockchain providing verification but lacking real-time monitoring, while digital twins offer dynamic tracking without cryptographic security. This study aims to systematically review blockchain-digital twin integration in MP research to inform digital product passport (DPP) implementation strategies in construction material lifecycle management. Design/methodology/approach This systematic literature review follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework. A bibliometric analysis was conducted on 62 publications and content analysis on 29 studies from Scopus and Web of Science. The methodology was limited by database selection and English-language publications, potentially excluding some relevant studies. Findings Integration creates synergistic effects where blockchain ensures data integrity while digital twins provide dynamic material intelligence, transforming static documentation into intelligent responsive systems. However, significant barriers exist including technical interoperability issues, data storage conflicts, performance limitations and standardization deficits. Current isolated deployments fail to address comprehensive requirements of dynamic material lifecycle management. Future research should focus on developing standardized integration frameworks, addressing real-time synchronization challenges and conducting comprehensive performance evaluations across diverse construction contexts to support DPP regulatory compliance. Originality/value The study establishes theoretical foundations for MP integration research that informs DPP deployment, demonstrating how integrated systems can serve as foundational mechanisms connecting blockchain verification capabilities with digital twin intelligence for regulatory compliance preparation.