Digital Product Passports in Fashion: A Strategic Framework for Implementation

ABSTRACT This study investigates the role of the Digital Product Passport (DPP) in promoting transparency, traceability, and sustainability within the fashion industry. As the fashion sector faces significant environmental and social challenges, including resource depletion, pollution, and unethical labor practices, the DPP offers a potential solution by providing detailed, accessible data on products' origins, composition, and lifecycle. The research proposes a framework for implementing the DPP, addressing the barriers companies encounter due to complex supply chains, fast product cycles, and sustainability goals. A multiple case study approach is used to analyze the experiences of companies adopting DPPs, focusing on the technological and organizational challenges they encounter. This research contributes to the academic literature on digital traceability, offering insights into how DPPs can support a transition towards more sustainable and transparent fashion practices. The findings provide recommendations for managers and policymakers looking to enhance supply chain transparency and compliance with sustainability standards.