Digital Product Passport: What is It and What Does It Imply for Fashion?

Within a rapidly evolving framework of sustainability and circular economy initiatives, the Digital Product Passport (DPP) is a fundamental tool for which preparation is essential. The DPP aims to gather comprehensive data on a product and its supply chain, fostering transparency and information sharing throughout entire value chains.

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This initiative is a key component of the proposed Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) and aligns with the Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP). The primary objective is to introduce digital product passports in key markets starting 2025, with textiles being one of the focal industries alongside construction, industrial and electric vehicle batteries, consumer electronics, packaging, and food.

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The Digital Product Passport is set to revolutionize the way the fashion industry approaches sustainability, traceability, and consumer information. Brands that embrace these changes can not only comply with regulations but also gain a competitive advantage in a market increasingly shaped by sustainable practices. But what does this tool include and what is its potential? We explain it all below.

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What is the Digital Product Passport and What Does It Contain

The Digital Product Passport, according to the European Commission, serves as a comprehensive tool offering insights into a product's environmental sustainability. Mandated to be connected through a data carrier, It functions as a digital repository, capturing crucial information about a product's sustainability and circularity across its entire life cycle.

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Importantly, a physical QR code will likely be affixed to the product, ensuring easy access to its digital passport. This QR code should remain prominently displayed on the product, serving as a tangible link to its environmental profile. Furthermore, the DPP is designed to facilitate more effective checks to help businesses verify their adherence to legal obligations but also provide auditors with the necessary data for evaluation.

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The DPP, while its specific requirements are still in the process of being defined, is expected to include the following key information:

• User Manuals: Providing insights into product usage and repair procedures.
• Environmental Performance and Durability: Metrics to convey a product's sustainability and durability.
• Material Composition: Details on the origin, recycled content percentage, and specifics of raw materials and substances.
• Supply Chain Mapping: Comprehensive information about suppliers, manufacturers, and recyclers, contributing to a transparent and traceable product lifecycle.

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A Booster for Customer Trust

The DPP seeks to elevate transparency within the textile industry. By providing a detailed digital record of a product's environmental sustainability, the DPP empowers consumers to make well-informed decisions that align with their sustainability objectives.

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This concerted effort towards transparency not only supports individual consumers in making eco-conscious choices but also collectively contributes to the development of a more environmentally aware and sustainable marketplace for textiles. Fashion brands that incorporate sustainability guarantees backed by digital product passports can gain a competitive edge by marketing products with trustworthy and quantifiable sustainability claims.

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Preparing for the DPP: the Challenge of Traceability and Impact Measurement

Having all the information you need on the origin and impact of your products requires anticipation and attention to traceability and impact calculation. While this task can be time-consuming, seeking guidance from industry experts is crucial to master the production chain and present obtained information transparently to consumers.

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Efficient tools are also indispensable for securely centralizing data, ensuring effective supply chain data management. By investing in these preparations, textile brands can not only comply with DPP requirements but also strengthen their position as key stakeholders in sustainable and transparent production.

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Getting ready with Fairly Made®️

At Fairly Made®️, our specialists stand as an ally for brands navigating the path to compliance. Our SaaS platform offers tailored support, guiding brands through traceability and impact measurement to ensure preparedness for upcoming regulations, including the Digital Product Passport.

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With a dedicated team of experts in textiles and legislation, we remain at the forefront of legislative developments. Our platform already provides comprehensive DPP-like product sheets with traceability and environmental information, sharing with the customer essential information about the garment’s production and impact.

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As we eagerly await the publication of the delegated acts that will specify the passport content, these will serve as crucial guidelines for us to refine and adapt our current product sheet seamlessly into the definitive Digital Product Passport. This approach underscores our commitment to staying in alignment with evolving standards and providing brands with a streamlined transition into the future regulatory landscape.