Are DPPs the future for the Australian fashion industry?

Globally the fashion industry is on the verge of a major shift, with Digital Product Passports (DPPs) front and centre. If your business designs, manufactures or exports apparel, or if you’re part of the broader fashion supply chain, now is the time to understand the truth about what's coming in the very near future. 

What is a Digital Product Passport? 

A DPP is like digital identification' for every product. Accessed via a QR Code, it provides transparent and verifiable details relating to: 

1. Materials and fibre origins 
2. Manufacturing and supply chain partners 
3. Environmental footprint (carbon, water, energy) 
4. Care, repair, reuse and recycling pathways 
5. Proof of compliance with regulations

EU Mandate 2027

The European Union (EU) has legislated that DPPs will be mandatory for textiles from 2027 onwards, under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation. This means, if your products are sold in Europe, even via wholesalers or online, you’ll be expected to provide a DPP. 

The Weakest Link

Being DPP-ready ensures you don’t become the weak link in the chain. Global supply chains are already interconnected. Most Australian brands source fabrics, trims and finished garments internationally. Even if you don’t export to Europe directly, you may be asked for data by your upstream or downstream partners.

1. Export and Market Access
   For brands exporting to Europe, or with ambitions to, compliance will be mandatory. Without the ability to provide a DPP, your products could face restricted market entry. Early preparation safeguards your access and credibility. 
2. Data-Driven Advantage
   Building the capability to capture and share product-level data isn’t just about compliance. It enables operational efficiencies, more accurate reporting (e.g., carbon footprint, ESG claims) and stronger consumer engagement. 
3. Consumer Expectations
   Surveys show growing consumer demand for transparency including where garments are made, by whom and with what impact. DPPs give you a structured, credible way to meet those expectations and differentiate your brand. 
4. Shaping the Future
   Australian voices are still underrepresented in global DPP discussions. Engaging now means your industry can help shape practical pilots and solutions that reflect local requirements.

Take Action Now

Register to attend the GS1 Australia webinar, held in conjunction with The Growth Activists

11 September 2025 | 3.00pm – 4:30pm (AEST) 

Go 'Behind the Seams' with fashion industry experts to unravel Digital Product Passports for Australia, what's real and what's not. At the same time, discover the opportunities that Next Gen QR Codes can bring for your brand.

Guest speakers

• Ainsley Simpson, CEO, Seamless 
• Jeanet van der Stoel, Textile Lead, GS1 Netherlands
• Neha Nagpal, Sustainability Manager, APG & Co 
• Rosanna Iacono, The Growth Activists 

Register Now