Digital Product Passport in Fashion: What Do We Know So Far?

With its capacity to provide comprehensive product information to various stakeholders, the Digital Product Passport holds immense transformative potential for the textile and leather industry. In our webinar on March 7th, we aimed to shed light on the imminent changes set to revolutionize the fashion landscape.

Elevating the discussion were distinguished experts:

• Lauren Bartley, Chief Sustainability Officer from GANNI
• Christine Goulay, Founder of Sustainabelle Advisory Services
• Josephine Philips, Founder & CEO of SOJO

The event was moderated by Rosie Mills, responsible for international partnerships at Fairly Made®.

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What is the DPP and what to you need to know?

The Digital Product Passport (DPP) emerges as a cornerstone within the European Union's ambitious agenda for sustainability and environmental responsibility. Stemming from directives outlined in the EU Green Deal of 2019, the DPP, articulated in Article 8 of the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), stands as a beacon for ushering in a circular economy paradigm.

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The tool represents a comprehensive framework aimed at revolutionizing the fashion industry's approach to sustainability and transparency. It serves as a digital repository of vital information encompassing every stage of a product's lifecycle, from conception to disposal.

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Key Components of the DPP:

1. Supply Chain Transparency: The DPP is poised to display comprehensive information regarding manufacturers and the entire supply chain.

2. Environmental Performance: Each product undergoes assessment to gauge its ecological footprint and durability, accompanied by a scoring system to inform and empower consumers.

3. Circularity: Providing insights into a product's end-of-life journey, the DPP fosters circular practices such as recycling, repair, and reuse.

4. Compliance Documents: Including essential paperwork like certificates of origin and proof of regulatory compliance, although such data could be accessible solely to authorities.

5. General Product Information: Details like composition, percentage of recycled materials, all tied to a unique identifier. By providing consumers with access to comprehensive product information, the DPP empowers them to make informed choices aligned with their values and preferences.‍

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The next steps

As we anticipate the implementation of the DPP, slated for pivotal moments in 2024, several questions loom large:

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When will implementation occur? 2024 marks a crucial juncture, with the anticipated mid-year approval of regulations. Subsequently, a two-year phase for Delegated Acts will follow, facilitating the release of real data and credentials for the DPP.

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What additional information is needed? Clarity is sought regarding the scope and timing of the tool's implementation, whether it will be progressively rolled out akin to the AGEC law or applied universally. Furthermore, the depth and granularity of data collection requirements remain to be delineated.

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Experts' Insights

Lauren Bartley, Chief Sustainability Officer at GANNI, highlighted the brand's proactive approach towards supply chain transparency and responsibility. Through partnerships with platforms like Fairly Made®, GANNI aims to enhance traceability and educate consumers about sustainable practices.

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Christine Goulay, Founder of Sustainabelle Advisory Services, provided invaluable insights into the potential impact of the DPP on the fashion industry. Emphasizing the importance of regulation in fostering transparency and accountability, Christine discussed the challenges and opportunities for brands in complying with evolving regulations.

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Josephine Philips, Founder & CEO of SOJO, shed light on how this digital implementation facilitates circularity, particularly in extending product lifecycles through repair services. By centralizing information and incentivizing consumer engagement, it empowers brands to integrate circular practices seamlessly.

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The DPP holds immense promise as a catalyst for sustainable transformation within the fashion industry. As brands and consumers alike embrace this innovative framework, we move one step closer to a future where sustainability is not just a choice but a standard practice.

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