What's in the data protocol?
Created through an industry-wide collaboration, the protocol outlines how to collect and structure product-level data for upcoming European legislations. It serves as a tangible blueprint for how the DPP could take shape - designed to be updated once the official Delegated Acts for textiles are released, expected by 2027.
Overview of the Digital Product Passport in Textile
Digital Product Passports (DPPs) are expected to become mandatory for textile products sold in the EU starting in 2029. This protocol aligns with that vision - outlining what data might be needed, how it should be shared, and by whom.
Developed under the EU Green Deal and Circular Economy Action Plan, it gives companies a head start, so they don’t fall behind once it’s time to comply. With long production lead times in textiles, waiting for the Delegated Acts is not a viable strategy - brands need to prepare now to understand what these new ways of working demand.
Data Protocol Prerequisites
The protocol defines prerequisites based on the likely regulatory scope: what data needs to be collected, what actors in the value chain are responsible, and how access to that data should be tiered across stakeholders - consumers, recyclers, brands, and competent authorities.
The Complete Data Protocol
The protocol includes 126 data points across 9 attribute categories, determined by a multi-stakeholder working group consisting of global brands, textile sorters, GS1, and national standardization body SIS. Each attribute includes a definition, real-world examples, and alignment with industry terminology.
The first version was published in September 2023. The current version, updated in April 2024, reflects two years of pilot learning. The future update process, to align with the forthcoming DA is simple - but the real challenge for brands is starting the data collection journey early to avoid future bottlenecks.