At Direct Corporate Clothing we have always pushed the boundaries in technical workwear and PPE. As a business at the forefront of innovation, we recognise the profound impact that emerging legislation and technological advancements will have on our industry. One such initiative, poised to revolutionise the lifecycle of clothing, is the upcoming Digital Product Passport (DPP).
We wholeheartedly welcome the Digital Product Passport initiative. It is a vital step towards dismantling the linear model of ‘take, make, dispose’ in our industry.
What is the DPP?
The Digital Product Passport is not merely a new label; it’s a comprehensive digital record that will accompany every textile product placed on the European market.
Imagine a QR code or similar data carrier on each garment, which, when scanned, will provide a wealth of information about its journey – from the origin of its raw materials, through manufacturing processes, to its environmental impact, and even instructions for its care, repair, and eventual recycling.
This initiative stems from the European Union’s Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), a cornerstone of the EU’s Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles. While specific requirements for textiles are still being finalised, the DPP is expected to become mandatory for all textile products sold in the EU by 2027.
Why has this ambitious scheme been initiated?
The global textile industry faces significant environmental challenges.
With millions of tonnes of textiles discarded annually, often ending up in landfill or incinerated, there’s an urgent need for greater accountability and more sustainable practices. The DPP aims to address this by fostering enhanced transparency and traceability across the entire supply chain.
By making detailed information about a product’s composition, manufacturing, and end-of-life options readily available, it empowers consumers, businesses and authorities to make more informed and responsible choices. It’s a proactive step towards a truly circular economy, encouraging eco-design, product longevity and efficient resource management.
What does it mean for workwear?
The implications of the Digital Product Passport are particularly significant for workwear and PPE. In our view the impact will be overwhelmingly positive.
Workwear, by its very nature, demands durability, functionality and adherence to stringent safety standards. The DPP will complement these existing requirements by adding a layer of transparency that has previously been challenging to achieve on such a broad scale. It’ll help weed out some of the rogue operators who don’t follow these standards as strictly as we do.
Firstly, it will drive unprecedented supply chain transparency. We will be able to provide our clients with a granular understanding of every component and process involved in their workwear – from the ethical sourcing of fibres to the energy used in manufacturing. This level of detail will be invaluable for businesses striving to meet their own sustainability targets and demonstrate corporate social responsibility.
Secondly, the DPP will significantly help responsible disposal and circularity. One of the major challenges in workwear is its end-of-life management. Traditionally, a huge proportion of used workwear and PPE has gone to landfill.
By providing clear information on material composition and recycling pathways, the DPP will enable more efficient sorting and processing for reuse, repair, and recycling.
Our view
The benefits DPPs will bring align perfectly with our commitment to reducing waste and promoting a more circular approach to textiles. As Gini Sohal, our co-founder and Chief Operating Officer states:
By increasing transparency and supporting the responsible disposal of clothing, the DPP empowers all stakeholders to contribute to a truly circular economy.”
Furthermore, the DPP will foster innovation in product design and material science. Armed with more comprehensive data, manufacturers will be better equipped to design workwear with circularity in mind from the outset – prioritising durable, recyclable, and sustainably sourced materials. This will lead to workwear that not only performs exceptionally but also minimises its environmental footprint throughout its entire lifecycle.
