MusicConnect

Digital product passports · Materials

Passports start with materials.

A passport is only as good as the material data behind it. For merch that means fibres, inks, trims, vinyl compounds and packaging.

What to collect

Start gathering data from suppliers now, even before rules for your product apply.

  • Fibre type and percentage (for example organic cotton, recycled polyester)
  • Country of origin for each production step
  • Dyes, inks and finishes, including any substances of concern
  • Certificates such as GOTS, OEKO-TEX or GRS where you hold them
  • Packaging materials and recycled content

Intermediate materials

The Commission's first working plan under the regulation also names intermediate materials such as iron, steel and aluminium. Rules for these affect metal pins, badges and hardware further down the line.

Make data reusable

Store material data once and link it to many products. Standards such as GS1 Digital Link let the same code serve consumers, retailers and regulators.

Read the EU DPP rules explained or go back to all passport guides.

This page is general guidance, not legal advice. Check the official EU sources for current requirements.

Frequently asked questions

What material data should merch brands collect?

Fibre type and percentage, country of origin for each step, dyes and finishes, certificates, and packaging materials.

Why start before rules apply?

Supplier data takes time to gather. Starting early avoids a rush when a product group's rules come in.

Best practice partner

Digital product passports with SmartLinks

For clothing and merch passports we recommend SmartLinks, the connected product platform behind FanConnect. SmartLinks describes its records as GS1 Digital Link and DPP-ready, works with QR, NFC and RFID, and serves consumers, retailers and regulators from one scan.