Enhancing Traceability and Circularity in the Textile Sector: Leveraging Digital Product Passports (DPP) for Sustainable Innovation
摘要
The Digital Product Passport (DPP) represents a strategic opportunity to store and share detailed information about a product’s lifecycle. This mandatory electronic system, scheduled for implementation by 2030, aims to provide stakeholders—including industry, businesses, authorities, and consumers—with a comprehensive view of the materials used and the environmental impact of products. The DPP is integrated into the European Union’s Green Deal legislation, under the Sustainable Textiles and Ecodesign Strategy, and is a central component of the European Commission’s Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation. In recent years, the DPP has become a tool to enhance product traceability, promote circular economy practices, and support regulatory compliance. The European Commission’s Circular Economy Action Plan in 2020 emphasised the importance of adopting a full lifecycle approach, from production to disposal. As part of the Ecodesign regulation, the DPP strengthens transparency and provides crucial information to help consumers and manufacturers make more informed decisions aligned with environmental sustainability. This article applied a consumer questionnaire to assess consumption habits and awareness of the DPP in the fashion sector. The data enabled a quantitative analysis of consumer perceptions regarding product traceability, sustainability, and transparency in the textile value chain. By analysing participant responses, the research identified consumer trends, familiarity with the DPP, and key factors influencing sustainable textile purchases. These insights are essential for understanding the impact of DPP implementation on consumer behaviour and developing strategies to promote more sustainable practices in the fashion industry.