Chapter 4 — full chapter

4.3 Product Information, Claims and Traceability

Circular systems depend on information that remains connected to the correct product. A product that cannot be reliably identified is harder to care for, repair, authenticate, resell, sort or recycle. Product data should therefore be treated as part of the product architecture rather than as marketing content added at launch.

A Digital Product Passport is not simply a QR code or a brand webpage. Under the ESPR architecture, it combines a persistent product identifier, a data carrier, structured information, defined access rights and registration in the EU Registry where required by the applicable legislation. Detailed data can remain decentralised under the responsibility of the economic operator. The exact textile data set and compliance timetable will be established through future product-specific rules.

SMEs do not need to wait for the final delegated act to improve readiness. A useful minimum product record can already connect the product identifier and version to the bill of materials, supplier and facility information, fibre composition, certificates and transaction documents, chemical or test evidence, care and repair guidance, recycled-content calculations, claims approval and intended recovery route. The record should distinguish verified facts from estimates and be updated when the specification changes.

Figure X. Product data journey. Supplier evidence becomes more valuable when it is structured in a product record and remains accessible for use, repair, resale, sorting, and recovery.

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