TrusTrace, Industry Partners Pilot DPP

TrusTrace, a prominent global SaaS company renowned for its cutting-edge platform dedicated to product traceability and compliance, has unveiled its participation in the groundbreaking Trace4Value initiative.

Within this collaborative effort, TrusTrace will spearhead the development of a Digital Product Passport (DPP) solution, aiming to foster sustainability through enhanced transparency.

This initiative aligns seamlessly with the European Union's Sustainable and Circular Textiles Strategy, which mandates the adoption of DPPs for textiles sold in Europe by 2030. The central objective of DPPs is to promote sustainable production practices, facilitate the transition towards a circular economy, and empower consumers to make informed, eco-conscious choices.

Shameek Ghosh, Co-Founder and CEO of TrusTrace, said, "Our mission is to rigorously evaluate the practical implementation of a DPP and prepare for its widespread adoption. TrusTrace possesses unparalleled expertise in assisting brands in mapping and tracing their supply chains, making us uniquely positioned to lead this charge. By collaborating with numerous industry leaders within the Trace4Value project, we aim to explore the opportunities and challenges associated with DPPs for textile and fashion companies, ultimately ensuring full compliance with the new directive before the 2030 deadline."

The Trace4Value project, partially funded by Vinnova and coordinated by Sweden's RISE Research Institute, boasts a formidable consortium of partners, including TrusTrace, Marimekko, Kappahl, Elis, SIS Swedish Institute for Standards, GS1 Sweden, TEXroad Foundation, Circularista, 2bPolicy, Trimco Group, Rudholm and Haak, and Aalto University. This broader initiative encompasses over 65 partners and focuses on traceability and data-sharing across diverse industries.

To test the Trace4Value DPP, select Kappahl and Marimekko pilot products will be tagged during production with an ID carrier containing essential supply chain and transparency data. Subsequently, consumers can access product information instantly via a QR code on their mobile devices. The DPP will adhere to global standards to ensure seamless information exchange and interoperability among all stakeholders in the value chain.

In addition to developing a consumer-friendly interface for accessing product data, TrusTrace, in collaboration with its partners, has formulated a data protocol that prioritises information for the DPP based on supply chain data and legislative requirements. This data will encompass a Global Trade Identification Number, relevant commodity codes, compliance documents, substances of concern, manufacturer information, and more.

Shameek Ghosh emphasised the significance of this data protocol, noting, "Given the absence of standardised data protocols for this regulation, we have crafted a flexible protocol available for download on the TrusTrace and Trace4Value websites. Our approach is adaptive, ensuring compatibility with evolving EU regulations."

Staffan Olsson, Head of Public Affairs at GS1 Sweden, emphasised the necessity of standards for developing a product passport, stating, "The upcoming legislation mandates standardised information exchange using a global language of business. GS1, a leader in global standards for identifying, capturing, and sharing information, can play a pivotal role in enabling brands to uniquely identify and share information in a DPP."

Laura Linnala, Project Manager for Circular Economy at The Swedish Institute of Standards, added, "A variety of standards are currently applicable for implementing a DPP, and new standards will emerge as the EU regulation takes effect in Europe."

This pilot project serves as a foundational step toward standardisation and provides companies with valuable insights into the implications of the DPP.

Sandra Roos, Vice President Sustainability at Kappahl, shared her perspective, stating, "The Trace4Value project has illuminated the concept of a digital product passport for us at Kappahl. It represents an effective way for our organisation to prepare for impending legislation by actively participating in this pilot."

The DPP requirements are being crafted by the European Commission as part of its overarching strategy to foster sustainability and circularity within the European economy. These requirements fall under the Eco-design for Sustainable Product Regulation (ESPR), which, in turn, is integral to the European Green Deal and the Sustainable Textile Strategy.

Marjut Lovio, Sustainability Manager at Marimekko, highlighted the objectives of Digital Product Passports, asserting, "DPPs aim to enhance product transparency and traceability, enabling improved communication with consumers. This pilot programme will aid the industry in readying itself for forthcoming regulations, bringing us closer to realising a circular economy."

The DPP concept closely aligns with the Circular Economy Action Plan, designed to promote a circular economy in Europe by reducing waste and encouraging the reuse and recycling of products and materials.

The DPP provides vital information on a product's environmental impact and traceability, while the Ecodesign Regulation establishes minimum environmental requirements for products. Together, they encourage manufacturers to design products that are more sustainable and resource-efficient, ultimately reducing the environmental footprint across product lifecycles.

Shameek Ghosh summed up the project's mission, saying, "Our objective is to enhance traceability and circularity within value chains. By establishing a global identification system for products and components, we can link them to a wealth of data sources, enabling accessible product traceability for consumers, brands, and regulatory authorities."

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Source: TrusTrace