A New Era in Fashion Supply Chain Transparency

Introduction

When a fashion brand approaches the concepts of traceability and transparency in its supply chain, it is often driven primarily by the fear of market regulations. Companies find themselves under pressure to quickly comply with new laws, trying to avoid penalties rather than defining a functional long-term process.

This compliance becomes the main driver of the process acceleration, leading companies to collect data hastily and disorganized. The main problems start with the complexities of data acquisition, the quality verification, and scalability.

These projects usually start with mapping desired outcomes across various departments. They often require substantial architectural solutions to meet diverse needs, involving integration with multiple systems (sometimes over 20). Despite significant progress and investment, these projects frequently remain incomplete.

We need to address the emerging issues related to traceability, sustainability, and the Digital Product Passport with a different perspective, starting with a simple point: there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

So what will we do?

The Digital Product Passport Blueprint

Traditionally, fashion tech efforts have been reactive—quick fixes to immediate problems. We need to shift from tactical to strategic planning, encouraging long-term planning and implementation in digital transformations.

Together with Certilogo S.p.A., Sopra Steria and 4sustainability will crate a framework: the “Digital Product Passport Blueprint” (DPP Blueprint). An innovative tool designed to support fashion industry businesses in adopting a holistic approach to Digital Product Passports implementation.

This unique framework is intended to enable businesses to consider multiple perspectives in the DPP adoption process, moving beyond the limited and fragmented approaches that currently dominate the field.

The Digital Product Passport Blueprint aims to overcome this challenges by providing a structured method that simultaneously considers compliance, customer trust, and operational excellence, along with other critical factors such as digitalization, omnichannel, sustainability, and circularity.

Through an integrated data collection system that utilizes diverse solutions and providers, companies can not only meet current needs but also effectively anticipate and address future challenges.

The Keys Factors of the Digital Product Passport Blueprint (DPP)

1. Interoperability and Data Architecture: the primary goal of the DPP is to create an interoperable system. This system would enable various platforms to communicate effectively, thus connecting the dots in the supply chain. The Digital Product Passport Blueprint serves as a strategic framework that outlines different functionalities, promoting a holistic approach to data management and sharing.

2. Compliance. The blueprint details various functionalities that the DPP can offer, such as compliance with regulatory requirements. The current focus, is on regulatory compliance, ensuring that all economic operators adhere to European Union regulations. The unique identification of items within the supply chain is crucial for fostering circularity and sustainability at scale.

3. Consumer Trust : enhance consumer trust and combat counterfeiting. By utilizing secure digital IDs, brands can ensure the authenticity of their products, thus protecting against counterfeit goods.

4. Upstream and Downstream Traceability: The DPP 1.5 focuses on upstream traceability, collecting data from all economic operators in the supply chain, even beyond European borders. This approach is essential for operational excellence and compliance with procurement activities.

5. Future-Proofing with DPP 2.0: Looking ahead, the DPP 2.0 aims to merge upstream and downstream data into a single architecture. This unified system will support additional functionalities, including digital innovation, blockchain, NFTs, and new business models. The potential of the DPP is vast, offering numerous opportunities for brands to innovate and enhance their supply chain management.

Thanks to this framework, we have mapped over 60 tactical tasks, with many more likely to emerge. One of the most important think of the Digital Product Passport Blueprint depends not only on technological advancements, but also on the willingness of stakeholders to adopt a collaborative approach. This includes engaging suppliers directly and ensuring their participation in the traceability process

Conclusion

The Digital Product Passport Blueprint represents a transformative approach to supply chain management in the fashion industry. By leveraging advanced technologies and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, the DPP aims to enhance transparency, regulatory compliance, and sustainability. The insights and case studies presented during the webinar underscore the potential of the DPP to drive meaningful change in the industry.

As the fashion industry continues to evolve, initiatives like the DPP Blueprint will play a crucial role in shaping a more responsible and transparent future. Brands that adopt this framework will not only comply with regulations but also build stronger relationships with consumers and suppliers, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and ethical fashion ecosystem.


We invite industry professionals and stakeholders to explore the potential of the Digital Product Passport Blueprint. Join us in our journey towards a more transparent and sustainable future. To learn more about the DPP and how it can benefit your organization, schedule a demo with The ID Factory today.

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