Digital Product Passports {DPPs}

Digital Product Passports (DPPs) are unique digital records, often accessed by a QR code, that provide comprehensive information about a garment’s entire lifecycle, including raw materials, production processes, and disposal. 

DPPs were created to enable brands to improve transparency, traceability, and sustainability, while also offering consumers engaging digital experiences that support circular economic initiatives.   

Designers can work towards implementing DPPs by providing transparency in materials, including tracking fabric origins, keeping track of suppliers, certifications, and dyeing/finishing processes, as well as, using QR Codes or Near-Field Communication (NFC) Tags.  

Implementing DPPs offers significant benefits for both brands and consumers by building a bridge of consumer trust. The consumers would be able to access detailed insights into a product’s lifecycle, while also supporting informed purchasing decisions. Brands benefit from DPPs through improved regulatory compliance, alignment with sustainability initiatives, and promoting a circular economy model.  

When creating DPPs, companies should include the following: 

– Product Identification: The breakdown of a garment journey, including information on sourcing, manufacturing, dyeing, and final assembly processes.

– Material Composition & Origin: A comprehensive breakdown of all materials and components, including the origin of raw materials.

– Sustainability & Environmental Impact: Information detailing the product’s carbon footprint, material usage, and energy consumption, and water usage.

– Instructions & Lifecycle: Provides consumers with essential guidance on how to properly care for and maintain a garment, including repair and recycling potential.

– Compliance Indicators: Include specifics on compliance with regulations and any relevant certifications.

Recommended Readings:  

Digital Passports for Clothing – BSR

Digital Passports: Revolutionizing Transparency and Traceability in Luxury Goods

Recommended Video: Digital Product Passports: Sustainability