Digital Product Passport: requirements and recommendations from PPE, Textile, Textile Care and Medical Devices SMEs
Conducted over the course of 2024 and published in December by Small Business Standards (SBS) in collaboration with SME Safety and Deutscher Textilreinigungs-Verband (DTV), this study explores the regulatory frameworks, requirements, and concerns surrounding this initiative, particularly from the perspective of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating specifically in the textile, textile care, personal protective equipment (PPE), and medical device sectors. Drawing from previous research, including the CIRPASS EU-funded project, and a targeted survey, this study investigates how the digital product passport could impact PPE, textile, and medical devices SMEs, and what would be their specific requirements to benefit from a potential implementation in the textile value chain.
Specifically, The European Digital Product Passport (DPP) is an initiative introduced under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), within the framework of the European Union’s strategy to foster sustainable growth and promoting a circular economy. This digital tool, that will be implemented progressively across multiple sectors, is designed to collect and provide detailed information about the lifecycle, composition, and environmental impact of various products, enabling better decision-making by businesses and consumers. By centralizing product data in a standardized and accessible digital format, the DPP seeks to enhance transparency, reduce waste, and foster responsible production and consumption across the EU.
The survey proposed within this study aimed to:
- Observe and understand the DPP mechanism in the context of the identified sectors
- Identify what information are available and useful, including the analysis of challenges and opportunities in the DPP implementation
Moreover, the study gathered valuable insights from both experts and industry representatives on several critical aspects related to the DPP. These included the identification of relevant data for SMEs, the availability of information throughout the supply chain, and considerations for the transition phase. It also addressed issues such as identification and labelling, processes for reprocessing and repair, and the costs associated with implementing the DPP. Consequently, the study offered specific recommendations for policymakers on the upcoming implementation steps of this initiative.
Overall, the integration of the DPP into the investigated sectors faces significant hurdles, including regulatory overlaps, cost implications, infrastructure deficiencies, and data gaps. These issues are particularly acute for SMEs, underlining the need for clearer guidance, accessible standards, and supportive financial measures linked to the digitalisation of processes.
SMEs active in the PPE, textile care and medical devices sectors that need to comply with their sectoral regulatory frameworks and standards stand to positively benefit from their exclusion from the mandatory requirement of providing the DPP for their products.
Discover the study in the link below.
