What is the digital product passport?

Explore the digital solution that provides consumers with product life cycle information.

The Digital Product Passport (DPP) in fashion

The Green Deal has brought significant changes in the fashion industry, introducing – for example – the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), as part of the Sustainable Product Initiative, which aims to foster environmentally sustainable and circular products.

The ESPR for Textiles will allow for the setting of a wide range of eco-design requirements, such as:

Product durability, reusability, upgradability, and reparability
Minimizing substances that hinder circularity
Improving energy and resource efficiency
Increasing recycled content
Encouraging remanufacturing and recycling
Reducing carbon and environmental footprints
Information requirements, including the implementation of the Digital Product Passport (DPP)

What is the digital product passport?

The Digital Product Passport (DPP) is a digital record that compiles and displays detailed information about a product throughout its entire life cycle, it covers everything from raw material sourcing to the full production process, and enables stakeholders, including consumers, to better understand the materials used and their environmental impact.

What’s in the Digital Product Passport (DPP)?

The Digital Product Passport (DPP) will contain key product details, including a unique product identifier, compliance documentation, and information on substances of concern. Additionally, it will provide user manuals, safety instructions, and disposal guidelines.

Key information on the Digital Product Passport (DPP)?

Nr. 1

General Product Information

Identification code, product weight, manufacturing location, and more.

Nr. 2

Material Origins

The source of materials used in production, including their carbon footprint.

Nr. 3

Production Process

Manufacturer details, production methods, relevant certifications, and sustainability practices.

Nr. 4

Logistics & Transportation

Shipping methods used, transportation emissions, and the environmental footprint of logistics.

Nr. 5

Maintenance & Repairs

Guidelines for repair, care instructions, product warranties, and user manuals.

Nr. 6

End-of-Life Management

Disassembly instructions, recycling guidelines, and end-of-life options.

What will be the requirements of the Digital Product Passport (DPP)?

Nr. 1

The DPP must be linked through a data carrier to a unique product identifier

Nr. 2

The data carrier must be physically present on the product, its packaging, or the accompanying documentation

Nr. 3

The data carrier and the unique product identifier must comply with the ISO/IEC 15459:2015 standard

Nr. 4

All information included in the DPP must be based on open standards, developed in an interoperable format, and must be readable, structured, and searchable

Nr. 5

The information contained in the DPP must refer to the product model, batch, or item

Why is the Digital Product Passport (DPP) so important?

The DPP serves as a bridge between increasing consumer demand for transparency and the current lack of reliable, accessible product data. This open and transparent approach aligns with sustainability goals by making detailed product information publicly available. It empowers consumers to make informed choices, encourages industry-wide collaboration, and supports the circular economy by improving data sharing standards.

Key Benefits of the Digital Product Passport (DPP):

Nr. 1

Product Authenticity & Ownership

It provides the buyer with proof of ownership and authenticity.

Nr. 2

Sustainability Commitment

The DPP offers certifications for raw materials, environmental impact data, and sustainable recycling practices.

Nr. 3

Supply Chain Improvement

Companies can take actionable steps to enhance sustainability across their entire supply chain.

Nr. 4

Consumer Engagement

By establishing a direct relationship with consumers, DPPs open up a wealth of possibilities for tailored marketing strategies and consumer feedback.

Nr. 5

Global Insights

Brands can gain valuable insights into global product and consumer interactions, enabling them to refine their sustainability practices.

What are the Goals of the Digital Product Passport (DPP)?

Nr. 1

Promote Sustainable Production Practices

By providing transparency, DPPs encourage manufacturers to adopt more sustainable practices.

Nr. 2

Extend Product Lifecycles

The DPP enables companies to create products designed for durability and reparability, while offering consumers the information needed to optimize usage and prolong the lifespan of their products.

Nr. 3

Empower Consumers

Consumers can make more sustainable, informed purchasing decisions, which drives demand for eco-friendly products.

Nr. 4

Facilitate Circular Economy Transition

DPPs help optimize material and energy efficiency, contributing to a more sustainable production and consumption model.

Nr. 5

Ensure Regulatory Compliance

The DPP helps authorities monitor compliance with evolving sustainability regulations and standards, ensuring a more accountable marketplace.

Conclusion: How the Digital Product Passport (DPP) fits into the Fashion Industry

The Digital Product Passport (DPP) represents a fundamental step towards a more sustainable and transparent fashion industry. By providing comprehensive lifecycle data, it empowers consumers, brands, and regulators to make more informed and sustainable choices. As the fashion industry embraces DPPs, it will foster a shift towards circularity, reduce environmental impact, and create new business opportunities. With the growing importance of sustainability and regulatory compliance, the DPP is not just a tool for tracking product data, it’s a catalyst for the future of fashion.

Thanks to our MTrace software, we are already providing our customers with Digital Product Passports

Our MSystem supply chain is digitally tracked and fully transparent. Thanks to our MTrace software and data devices provided to our production partners, we can monitor every stage of the manufacturing process down to the finest detail—from raw material sourcing to spinning, from winding to warping, from weaving to finishing. Additionally, we have integrated these traceability data with both internal and external quality tests. MTrace also serves as our Digital Product Passport. Through our LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) studies and EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) certifications, combined with full traceability, we can provide not only transparency but also precise environmental impact data for every production cycle—provided the fabrics are made with MWool® and ReviWool®.

5 Reasons why wool is the circular fiber par excellence

2022/09/07

Learn the 5 reasons why wool is the circular fiber par excellence and could help fashion in becoming less wasteful and more responsible

How are recycled wool colors created without dyeing?

2021/07/04

Learn more about the fascinating and sustainable way of creating recycled wool colors with no added dyes and chemicals

How is a recycled wool fabric made?

2021/07/04

Learn how recycled wool fabrics are made: a unique method to turn old garments into new luxurious materials

The Digital Product Passport (DPP) in fashion

The Green Deal has brought significant changes in the fashion industry, introducing – for example – the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), as part of the Sustainable Product Initiative, which aims to foster environmentally sustainable and circular products.

The ESPR for Textiles will allow for the setting of a wide range of eco-design requirements, such as:

Product durability, reusability, upgradability, and reparability

Minimizing substances that hinder circularity

Improving energy and resource efficiency

Increasing recycled content

Encouraging remanufacturing and recycling

Reducing carbon and environmental footprints

Information requirements, including the implementation of the Digital Product Passport (DPP)

What is the digital product passport?

What’s in the Digital Product Passport (DPP)?

The Digital Product Passport (DPP) will contain key product details, including a unique product identifier, compliance documentation, and information on substances of concern. Additionally, it will provide user manuals, safety instructions, and disposal guidelines.

Key information on the Digital Product Passport (DPP)?

Nr. 1

General Product Information

Nr. 2

Material Origins

Nr. 3

Production Process

Nr. 4

Logistics & Transportation

Nr. 5

Maintenance & Repairs

Nr. 6

End-of-Life Management

What will be the requirements of the Digital Product Passport (DPP)?

Nr. 1

The DPP must be linked through a data carrier to a unique product identifier

Nr. 2

The data carrier must be physically present on the product, its packaging, or the accompanying documentation

Nr. 3

The data carrier and the unique product identifier must comply with the ISO/IEC 15459:2015 standard

Nr. 4

All information included in the DPP must be based on open standards, developed in an interoperable format, and must be readable, structured, and searchable

Nr. 5

The information contained in the DPP must refer to the product model, batch, or item

Why is the Digital Product Passport (DPP) so important?

Key Benefits of the Digital Product Passport (DPP):

Nr. 1

Product Authenticity & Ownership

Nr. 2

Sustainability Commitment

Nr. 3

Supply Chain Improvement

Nr. 4

Consumer Engagement

Nr. 5

Global Insights

What are the Goals of the Digital Product Passport (DPP)?

Nr. 1

Promote Sustainable Production Practices

Nr. 2

Extend Product Lifecycles

Nr. 3

Empower Consumers

Nr. 4

Facilitate Circular Economy Transition

Nr. 5

Ensure Regulatory Compliance

Conclusion: How the Digital Product Passport (DPP) fits into the Fashion Industry

Thanks to our MTrace software, we are already providing our customers with Digital Product Passports

More articles from the blog

5 Reasons why wool is the circular fiber par excellence

How are recycled wool colors created without dyeing?

How is a recycled wool fabric made?

Sign up for Manteco updates