An overview of technological challenges in implementing the digital product passport in the textile and clothing industry

Abstract

The textile and clothing industry is undergoing a shift towards a circular business model, driven by new European Commission regulations, which mandates that by 2030, textile products available on the European Union (EU) market must be recyclable and sustainable. To facilitate data collection, storage, and sharing throughout the entire product lifecycle and ensure product traceability and sustainability, the use of Digital Product Passports (DPPs) will be required. This article presents an analysis of the most commonly known digital data technologies from the perspective of their use in digital garment labelling, describing their advantages and limitations. The analysis is complemented by practical insights gathered from semi-structured interviews with garment producers in the Baltic Sea region. The survey revealed that producers prioritise sustainability and are prepared to digitise product information but are awaiting EU’s clear guidance. Despite the challenges posed by DPP implementation from the global, producer, and customer perspectives, upcoming regulations are seen as providing new competitive opportunities for products and services. Both the technology analysis and the expert survey indicate that QR (quick response)-based smart tags are potentially the most straightforward solution for the initial phase of DPP implementation.