Digital Product Passports: How Fashion Brands Can Prepare in 2026

Advice for Fashion and Textile Businesses

The EU Digital Product Passports (DPPs) are already in motion. The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) entered into force in July 2024. The textile Delegated Act is targeted for 2027. The European Commission's Joint Research Centre has now published its data specification methodology: the most authoritative source yet on exactly what your DPP will need to contain. And now, you can see what a live, consumer-facing DPP looks like in practice. 

This article sets out the four steps to DPP readiness, explains what the JRC methodology means for your data strategy, and introduces the latest version of Segura's end-to-end DPP platform - now live!

What the JRC DPP Methodology Means for Fashion Brands?

In March 2026, the European Commission's Joint Research Centre published Methodology for defining data requirements for the Digital Product Passport under the ESPR framework (JRC145830). This is the authoritative technical framework that ESPR preparatory study teams will use to define exactly which data fashion brands must include in their Digital Product Passports, distinguishing between essential, strongly recommended, and voluntary data elements. And it confirms the four categories of DPP content that may be required through the textile Delegated Act, as set out in ESPR Annex III:

1. Product and producer identification
This is the foundational layer of the DPP. It covers the three unique identifiers required under the ESPR: a Unique Product Identifier (UPI) linking the product to its digital record, a Unique Operator Identifier (UOI) identifying the responsible economic operator, and a Unique Facility Identifier (UFI) identifying the locations involved in production. It also includes descriptive information, including product name, model designation, manufacturer contact details, and facility information, that gives the identifiers human-readable context.

2. Product-specific information parameters
This category covers sustainability and circularity information specific to the product group - for textiles, this is expected to include material composition, recycled content, durability and reparability data, care and maintenance guidance, and end-of-life treatment information for recyclers and treatment facilities. 

3. Information on substances of concern
Where relevant for a product group, the DPP may be required to disclose information on substances that adversely affect human health or the environment, or that hinder reuse, refurbishment or high-quality recycling. For fashion and textiles, this is particularly relevant given the chemical use involved in dyeing, finishing and treatment processes.

4. Information required under other Union law
The ESPR allows the DPP to consolidate, where appropriate, information already required under other EU legislation, such as compliance declarations, safety instructions, or labelling requirements. This category does not create new obligations but provides a legal route to make existing disclosures accessible through a single digital record, reducing duplication for brands already reporting under multiple frameworks.

The methodology provides the framework that policymakers will use to assess which data points within each of these categories are feasible and proportionate to require, which distinguishes between essential, strongly recommended and voluntary elements.

What we recommend doing right now: run a gap analysis
The JRC methodology sets out the data your DPP is expected to contain. We would strongly recommend using this as a framework to identify which of these data points you currently collect and which are missing, before the Delegated Act lands and the clock starts.

The gap analysis should cover three questions: 

• Do you currently capture all the data categories the JRC methodology identifies as essential? 
• Where is this data stored, and how is it verified? 
• If you have not yet started mapping beyond Tier 1, what would it take to do so?  Can you validate the actors and steps at each tier?

Step 1: Map your suppliers for DPP readiness

Segura’s supply chain visibility software provides a single source of truth for supplier data, enabling real-time reporting, risk management and ESG analysis, removing the reliance on outdated spreadsheets. Segura's supply chain mapping module captures supplier data at the order level (not just as a static directory, but tracking which supplier did what for each purchase order). This order-based approach is a fundamental differentiator: it means your DPP data reflects actual production, not aspirational supplier lists.

The value of supply chain mapping to support compliance with DPPs is clear.

• CSR teams can enhance traceability and compliance, reducing risk and strengthening ESG reporting.
• E-commerce teams gain the ability to publish verified sourcing and manufacturing claims; and
• Marketing teams can leverage supply chain transparency to support storytelling and reinforce brand value.

Discover how to map your supply chain and why it matters.

Step 2: Capture Essential Product and ESG Data

With supply chain visibility in place, the next step is to collect the product information needed for the Digital Product Passport. Although the final delegated acts are still being drafted, pilot projects indicate that textile DPPs will likely require data on:

• General product identifiers and model details
• Material composition and recycled content
• Chemical use and packaging information
• Supply chain transparency across manufacturing tiers and geographies
• Care, repair and end‑of‑life guidance
• Selected environmental indicators, such as carbon footprint

 
Some social or ethical indicators (for example, labour practices) may also be included, though not yet confirmed. 

Segura's AI certificate management (now live) automates the collection, extraction, categorisation and validation of supplier certificates. AI-powered document recognition extracts key data points directly from uploaded certificates, cross-references them against approved supplier records and known certification bodies, and generates a confidence score. High-confidence certificates are approved automatically; lower-scoring submissions are flagged for human review. 

Find out more about what data you are likely to need to collect: Digital Product Passport data collection details in the fashion and textile sector. 

Don't forget the EU DPP Registry

The European Commission plans to operate a central registry that stores all unique DPP identifiers to enable market surveillance and customs checks.

Retailers are likely to be required to upload and maintain their DPP data in this registry, ensuring that product information remains accessible to authorities throughout the product’s lifecycle.

Segura can support retailers by providing functionality to export or upload DPP data directly into the EU registry once technical specifications are finalised. This integration will help ensure ongoing compliance, reduce manual data handling, and give brands confidence that their product data is correctly stored and maintained in line with EU requirements.

Step 3: Design Consumer-Facing DPPs

Once your product data is collected, decide how to present it to consumers. The EU DPP framework is expected to require long-term accessibility for the expected lifetime of the product, even after it's no longer on sale.

Segura offers two versatile options for making Digital Product Passports (DPPs) accessible.

• API Integration: Ideal for retailers who want to embed DPP data directly on product pages for a fully branded customer experience.
• Hosted Solution: A white-label Digital Product Passport page maintained by Segura, ideal for wholesale partners, SMEs or as a long-term archive after product discontinuation

Many retailers adopt a dual strategy: host DPPs on their own site while the product is for sale, then redirect to a hosted page to preserve long-term access.

Segura has released a significant update to its consumer-facing DPP interface. The new design  elevates the presentation of product and supply chain data - moving from a functional data display to a polished, branded consumer experience. You can see it live now: Demo 

The updated DPP interface for 'Hosted Solution' now includes:

• Product identity and highlights
• Multi-tier supply chain trace
  
• Product details panel - style code, GTIN, size, colour and season
• Wash care with environmental context
  
• Composition breakdown
• Environmental impact scoring 
• Packaging promise  
• Brand conscience statement

Step 4: Plan a Durable Data Carrier

To make Digital Product Passports easy for consumers to access, a reliable data carrier is required. The EU has not yet confirmed the mandatory technology (QR code, NFC, barcode), but QR codes are currently the most widely used and cost-effective method.

• Codes may be printed on care labels, swing tags, packaging or footwear boxes.
• Labels must remain scannable throughout the product’s expected lifespan.
• Each product line, or eventually each item, will need to map to a unique digital record.

Segura can manage links between each product and its hosted DPP data. To ensure the best experience, the QR code must be easy to scan. Beyond DPP access, QR codes can offer additional value, connecting consumers to your brand story, special offers, or loyalty programmes.

End-to-End DPP Solution for Fashion Retailers 

Segura starts at Step 1, unlike most DPP providers, who start at Step 3: interface solution only. The DPP is only as credible as the data behind it. A well-designed consumer page built on unverified supplier declarations, incomplete material data, and manually managed certificates is not a DPP - it is a marketing claim waiting to be challenged.

Segura's end-to-end approach means:

• Supply chain mapping captures the verified production journey at the order level, so every DPP reflects the actual supply chain reality.
• AI certificate management ensures the certifications underpinning your material and sustainability claims are validated, current and audit-ready.
• Compliance management tracks audit findings, corrective actions and risk flags, so the supply chain data feeding your DPP is not just structured but substantiated.
• The consumer-facing DPP publishes that verified data in a format that consumers can engage with and regulators can interrogate via API integration or hosted page, with registry integration planned.

DPP Frequently Asked Questions

Will the EU keep the 2027 deadline?

The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation is already in force, but delegated acts defining the exact textile DPP rules are still being finalised. Mid‑2027 remains the working target for the first implementation, with additional phases possible.

Are there any benefits of the DPP for fashion retailers and brands?

Yes, while the Digital Product Passport for textiles is a regulatory requirement, it also brings significant commercial and strategic benefits for retailers and brands. By capturing and sharing transparent product data, brands can:

• Build consumer trust through verified sustainability and sourcing claims
• Differentiate products with credible credentials around materials, ethics, and environmental impact
• Enhance brand storytelling by making supply chains visible and values-driven
• Streamline compliance and reporting across environmental and social governance (ESG) frameworks
• Strengthen supplier relationships by creating a more collaborative and accountable ecosystem
• Support circular economy goals by providing care, repair, and recycling information that extends product life

How long will it take us to set up a Digital Product Passport software solution?

A Digital Product Passport platform, on its own, is like putting a roof in place before you’ve built the house.

Without the foundations - your supplier data, and the walls - your product data, the roof has nothing to rest on.

First, you need the solid groundwork of supplier visibility, then you need to build the product data structure. When you have both, then you can implement a DPP solution.

Here are some estimated timelines:

Can we control how our DPP data is displayed on our website?

E-Commerce teams are understandably protective of their native website. Product pages are highly optimised for sales conversion, and digital sales teams test and tweak changes regularly to help improve sales conversions.

E-commerce teams will welcome knowing that they can maintain control over brand experience. Segura can provide the necessary data for embedding content on individual product pages, allowing retailers to maintain a consistent, branded customer experience while enriching product listings with verified sustainability and supply chain information.

What if we don’t want to or don't have the resources to build our own DPP?

Alternatively, wholesaler partners that don’t require e-commerce functionality, or SME retailers who don't have the capacity to handle the technical development, can opt for Segura’s hosted DPP solution. This version is white labelled and can be customised with a client’s branding. It features a user-friendly template that includes a supply chain map, supplier tier information, and verified environmental and ethical data points.

What should we do when the item is no longer for sale?

A critical consideration when implementing a DPP strategy is its long-term accessibility. The DPP must remain available for the anticipated lifetime of a product, which is likely after a product is no longer on sale.

Therefore, a dual solution could also be employed. Retailers might initially host DPPs on their own site during a product’s retail lifespan, then transition to Segura’s hosted solution to ensure continued access. For example, once the item is removed from sale, the product page is redirected to a Product Sustainability directory with ‘end-of-life’ information.

We use a Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software. Could that be used to power a DPP solution?

A Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system is a planning tool for product design and sourcing.
It helps teams make strategic decisions on materials, composition, and environmental impacts, and is invaluable for exploring circular design, recycling, and re-use at the design stage.

A Digital Product Passport (DPP), however, must capture the actual supply chain reality: what was produced, purchased, and by which suppliers for each product line.

For a complete DPP, combine the design insights from your PLM with the verified supplier data from a supply chain traceability platform like Segura. These systems can share data seamlessly through API integration, ensuring real-time updates across all tiers of the supply chain.

On its own, a PLM cannot provide the verified data required for DPP legislative compliance.

For more, read our article: What is the difference between PLM and Supply Chain Visibility (SCV) software? 

Why Start Your DPP Project Now?

DPP is not simply a labelling update. It is a data infrastructure requirement. Mid-2027 may sound distant, but mapping suppliers, gathering multi-tier product data and integrating systems can easily take 12–24 months. Especially, the DPP is more than a compliance obligation - it can be a strategic opportunity to future-proof your brand, build consumer trust, and position your business as a sustainability leader. 

Immediate considerations for your team: 

• Do you currently capture all data requirements?
• Where is this stored, and how is it verified?
• If you’ve not already started, move to mapping your supply chain beyond tier 1, considering how you can validate the actors and steps.
• Run a proof of concept - start early!

Starting early provides significant advantages:

• Reduce the risk of non-compliance with the EU Digital Product Passport deadline
• Strengthen supplier relationships and data quality
• Prepare for future ESG reporting and circular economy requirements
• Gain marketing benefits from verified sustainability and sourcing claims

Next Steps

Segura helps fashion and textile brands map suppliers, capture ESG data, and present consumer-friendly Digital Product Passports. Read more about Segura’s Digital Product Passport here. Let us take the weight of the EU legislation and compliance, and you can gain the commercial benefits!

Contact us at info@segura.co.uk to discuss your DPP compliance strategy.