Digital Product Passport(s) for Circular Denim

Within NewTexEco, we are launching a new research project applying scalable digital product passports (DPPs) to the circular denim industry.

DPPs provide insight into the origin, composition, processing and circular value of clothing. In collaboration with companies and knowledge institutions, we are exploring how this technology can be practically deployed within the denim supply chain, in line with upcoming European legislation such as the ESPR (mandatory for textiles from 2027).

A DPP for denim contains data on material use, production, recovery and recycling, thus supporting more sustainable choices for consumers, companies and policymakers. The project focuses on a workable, scalable standard in line with ESPR, CSRD and ESRS*.
Instead of developing new tools, we are building on existing technologies such as blockchain, LCAs and traceability standards. The pilot with MUD Jeans is at the core: a digital passport solution that tracks the full life cycle of denim: from production to reuse.

The project contributes to:
– preparation for European regulations;
– reducing the administrative burden for SMEs;
– increased transparency and cooperation in circular chains.

The project is one of seven initiatives honoured within the DPP scheme of Regieorgaan SIA and Topsector ICT. It also includes the NewTexEco project Molecular Digital Physical Product Passport. These projects make an important contribution to the circular transition, said Frits Grotenhuis (Top Sector ICT).

“We ensure that knowledge exchange takes place not only within, but also between projects,”

– Regieorgaan SIA.

NewTexEco
Digital Product Passport(s) for Circular Denim is part of the broad NewTexEco community, in which ArtEZ University of the Arts, Hogeschool van Amsterdam, Saxion and more than 30 partners work together to transition to a circular textile chain, with design as the driving force.

Research project by: Saxion, lectorate Sustainable & Functional Textiles
Project Manager: Troy Nachtigall
Partner(s): Saxion, Hogeschool van Amsterdam (HvA), MUD Jeans, tex.tracer, Tejidos Royo, bAwear, Denim Deal, MODINT, GS1 NL, EuFSI
Funding: Regieorgaan SIA and the Top Sector ICT
Started in: October 2025
Completed in: September 2027
Publinova: DPP4CD: Digital Product Passport(s) for Circular Denim: From…

* What do we mean by ESPR, CSRD and ESRS?
ESPR – Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation
A new European regulation to make products more sustainable. For textiles, this means that from 2027, garments must meet requirements around reusability, recyclability and information provision, such as through a digital product passport (DPP).
CSRD – Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive
European directive requiring companies to report on their impact on people and the environment. Think of CO₂ emissions, working conditions and raw material use. This ensures more transparency and makes sustainability more measurable.
ESRS – European Sustainability Reporting Standards
The standards that belong to the CSRD. They determine how companies should report on sustainability, for example what data they should collect and how they should publish it.