Digital Product Passports: Complete Guide to EU Textile Compliance (ESPR 2024)

What Are Digital Product Passports?

A Digital Product Passport (DPP) is essentially a digital identity for your products. Think of it as a comprehensive, verifiable record that follows a garment throughout its entire lifecycle - from raw materials to end-of-life recycling.

Under the EU's ESPR, textile products sold in the EU will need to carry a DPP containing information about:

ESPR, textile products sold in the EU will need to carry a DPP containing information about:
• Material composition - Fiber types, percentages, and origins
• Supply chain transparency - Where and how the product was made
• Environmental impact - Carbon footprint, water usage, chemical treatments
• Durability and repair - Care instructions, repairability scores, spare parts availability
• Circularity information - Recycling instructions, material recovery potential

Why This Matters for Your Brand

If you sell textiles in the EU, this isn't optional. The regulation targets all textile products placed on the EU market, with phased implementation expected in the coming years. Non-compliance could mean:

• Products blocked from entering EU markets
• Fines and penalties from regulatory authorities
• Loss of retailer partnerships (major retailers will require DPPs)
• Competitive disadvantage as compliant brands gain market share

The Timeline (What You Need to Know)

Current Status (2024): ESPR entered into force July 18, 2024. Textiles identified as priority product category.

2026-2027: Expected publication of textile-specific Delegated Acts with DPP requirements. Exact timing depends on legislative process.

2027-2030: Phased implementation with transition periods. Full enforcement likely 2027-2028 at earliest, potentially later depending on industry readiness.

Now: The smart time to start preparing - regulations are coming, timeline is directional but not final.

How to Prepare: A Practical Roadmap

Step 1: Audit Your Supply Chain Data

Most brands discover they don't actually have the data required for DPPs. Start by mapping what you know and what you're missing:

• Material composition (fiber types and percentages) - Required
• Country of manufacture - Required
• Care instructions - Required
• Factory locations (optional but recommended)
• Certification documents (GOTS, OEKO-TEX, etc.) - if you have them
• Environmental data - not required initially, but good to start collecting

Step 2: Start Collecting Data Now

Don't wait for final regulations. Start with the essentials and build from there:

• Material declarations with exact fiber percentages (essential)
• Country of manufacture documentation (essential)
• Care and washing instructions (essential)
• Factory contact information (recommended for traceability)
• Any existing certifications in digital format (if applicable)

Step 3: Choose the Right Technology

Spreadsheets won't cut it at scale. You need a system that can:

• Store and organize product data centrally
• Generate compliant unique identifiers (UIDs, QR codes, NFC tags)
• Update information as regulations evolve
• Export data in required formats
• Integrate with your existing tools (PLM, ERP, e-commerce)

💡 Reviya Pro Tip: Look for platforms built specifically for textile DPPs - not generic product data tools. Fashion-specific solutions understand your workflow and regulatory requirements from day one.

The SME Advantage

Here's the good news: smaller brands often have an easier time implementing DPPs than large corporations. You likely:

• Work with fewer suppliers (easier to collect data)
• Have simpler product lines (less complexity)
• Can pivot faster (no legacy systems to migrate)
• Already value transparency (it's your competitive edge)

What This Means for Consumers

DPPs aren't just regulatory checkbox - they're transforming how consumers interact with fashion. A simple scan reveals a product's full story, enabling informed purchasing decisions and proper end-of-life handling. Brands that embrace this transparency early will build stronger customer relationships.

Next Steps: Get Started Today

Start small: Pick one product line and create a pilot DPP. Learn what data is hard to collect, where your gaps are, and how much effort is required. Then scale systematically.

The brands that treat DPPs as an opportunity - not a burden - will emerge as industry leaders. The technology exists. The timeline is clear. The only question is: will you lead or follow?

Ready to Prepare Your Brand for ESPR Compliance?

Reviya helps fashion brands create compliant Digital Product Passports without the complexity. Our platform handles UID generation, QR codes, and regulatory requirements - so you can focus on your products.

Join our waitlist to get early access: Get Started