Everything you need to know about the Digital product passport for textiles

In this article, we’re diving into the world of textiles—specifically T-shirts—and exploring how GS1 standards can power Digital Product Passports (DPPs) to ensure authenticity, traceability, and sustainability in fashion. The best part? If you're already using GS1, you're ahead of the game. Let’s break it down!

What is GS1?

GS1 is a global organization that develops standards for business communication, including barcodes and RFID. These standards are essential for improving supply chain efficiency and traceability, creating a universal language for identifying, capturing, and sharing product information. Here’s why it matters:

• Our technology is registered at GS1 and using these standards to enhance product identification and traceability in the textile industry.

• More than 2 million companies worldwide rely on GS1 standards, with support from member organizations in over 115 countries.

What Makes a Strong Digital Product Passport (DPP) for Textiles?

For the textile industry, an effective DPP should include:

• Unique Identifier: A QR code, NFC tag, or similar technology for easy access.

• Data Carrier: A product label or tag containing essential information.

• Secure Database: A tamper-proof system, ideally using blockchain for data integrity.

• Resolver System: A tool that deciphers the identifier to deliver relevant information.

Key Consumer-Accessible Data:

• Product Origin: Details on where and how the T-shirt was made.

• Fabric Composition: Information about the materials used, like organic cotton or recycled fibers.

• Care Instructions: Guidelines to help consumers maintain their T-shirt.

• Sustainability Information: Insights on environmental impact, recycling options, and ethical production.

• Compliance Details: Confirmation that the product meets industry and regulatory standards.

How We’re Bringing Digital Product Passports to Life

We’ve developed a cutting-edge solution that integrates various platforms and applications to create a fully functional DPP for T-shirts:

• ConnectedFuture.io Platform: Supports unique identifiers (GS1 Digital Links) and integrates with the Smart Tagging GS1 resolver. It also leverages blockchain to ensure compliance, secure data storage, and maintain data integrity.

• Smart Tagging DPP App: Designed for consumers, regulators, and other stakeholders to scan and access detailed product information.

• Demo T-Shirt: A real-world example of how the system works—from production to consumer verification.

How We Create a GS1 Digital Link for T-Shirts

For our demonstration, we generate a GS1 Digital Link by combining the Smart Tagging GS1 company prefix with a GTIN-13 and a unique serial number for each T-shirt. This ensures every T-shirt is uniquely identifiable and traceable throughout the supply chain.

Example GS1 Digital Link Structure:

• Company Prefix

• GTIN-13

• Serial Number

• Batch Number

• Manufacturing Date

Our GS1 Resolver then deciphers this link, delivering Digital Product Passport data in a standardized format such as JSON.

Boosting Transparency and Consumer Trust

When a consumer scans a T-shirt’s label using our DPP App, they instantly gain access to a wealth of product details, including:

• Product Origin: Where and how the T-shirt was made.

• Fabric Composition: A deep dive into material quality and sustainability.

• Care Instructions: Tips to extend the garment’s lifespan.

• Sustainability Practices: Insights into ethical production, environmental impact, and recycling.

• Compliance Information: Assurance that the product meets industry regulations.

This digital-first approach doesn’t just verify authenticity—it fosters consumer trust by turning product data into an interactive, transparent experience.

Final Thoughts

By utilizing GS1 standards into our smart tags and platform, we’re making Digital Product Passports a reality. Not only do they meet regulatory requirements, but they also address growing consumer demands for authenticity and sustainability in textiles.

This innovation fights counterfeit products and empowers consumers with transparent, detailed product information at their fingertips.