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Making DPP Accountability Scale Across the Value Chain
The EU’s Digital Product Passport for textiles is moving from policy discussion to operational reality. The Joint Research Centre has done the technical groundwork. The European Commission has run consultations. Stakeholders have set clear expectations: 99% system uptime, resilient infrastructure, and compliance timelines pointing to 2028-2029.
Kinset and ProKnoWara Announce Strategic Partnership to Accelerate Scalable Digital Product Passports
Dublin / Dhaka — January 28, 2026
Kinset and ProKnoWara Consulting Firm announced a strategic partnership to accelerate the implementation of Digital Product Passports (DPPs) across global consumer-goods supply chains.
The collaboration brings together Kinset’s SaaS Digital Product Passport and digital compliance platform with ProKnoWara’s deep expertise in supply-chain transformation, factory onboarding, and data readiness. Together, the two organisations will deliver an end-to-end framework that enables brands and manufacturers to capture, structure, and exchange verifiable sustainability and compliance data across all production tiers.
The partnership will support large-scale pilot programmes with EU fashion and manufacturing brands, with a focus on upstream data capture, interoperability, and practical implementation aligned with upcoming EU regulatory requirements.
“Digital Product Passports will only scale if brands can access high-quality, verifiable data from the point of production,” said Katie O’Riordan, Founder & CEO of Kinset. “This partnership brings together the digital infrastructure and the on-the-ground execution needed to make DPPs operational, credible, and future-proof.”
By combining digital infrastructure with operational execution, Kinset and ProKnoWara aim to set a new benchmark for scalable, credible, and future-proof DPP adoption across complex global value chains.
About Kinset
Kinset is a SaaS platform that helps brands and suppliers build Digital Product Passports and manage product-level compliance data across complex supply chains. The platform enables standardised data capture, interoperability between systems, and audit-ready product records that can be compiled into DPPs for regulated consumer-goods sectors. Kinset works with industry partners to make product compliance practical, verifiable, and scalable in real-world operations.
About ProKnoWara
ProKnoWara Consulting Firm is a Bangladesh-based strategic consulting and capacity-building organization supporting businesses in performance excellence, supply-chain transformation, and sustainable growth. Serving as a central hub between 100+ EU fashion brands and thousands of garment manufacturers across Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam, ProKnoWara bridges global market requirements with regional production ecosystems. By combining global best practices with strong local insight, ProKnoWara delivers practical consulting, training, and implementation support that enables organizations to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen compliance readiness, and achieve long-term competitiveness.
Sustainability Risk Is Business Risk: What Inaction Is Really Costing You
Ignoring sustainability isn’t a neutral choice. It creates exposure. In 2025, inaction doesn’t just mean missing ESG goals. It means real, measurable business risk.
This article breaks down the hidden cost of doing nothing and how Kinset helps brands move with confidence.
The Cost of Standing Still
While some businesses wait for the “right time,” regulation is moving fast, expectations are rising, and capital is shifting. Doing nothing isn’t safe, it’s expensive.
1. Compliance Penalties and Legal Risk
France’s AGEC Act already requires businesses to disclose detailed environmental information about their products, including recycled content, traceability, and end-of-life instructions. While the Act’s main focus is environmental impact, its requirements for transparency can also encourage greater social responsibility within supply chains. Germany’s Supply Chain Due Diligence Act already goes further, requiring businesses to address and disclose both environmental and social (human rights) impacts across their operations and supply chains.
The EU’s Digital Product Passport (DPP) regulation is next. These rules demand deeper, more structured data than ever before.
Non-compliance doesn’t just mean fines. It can mean blocked access to key markets, failed audits, and reputational damage that’s hard to repair.
We saw the same pattern with GDPR. Many brands underestimated the law until the fines began.
- British Airways was fined £20 million for a data breach.
- H&M paid over €35 million for improper employee data practices.
Sustainability laws are following a similar path, but the data demands are broader and more interconnected.
2. Loss of Investor Confidence
Investors no longer see sustainability as a soft metric. It is now part of how they assess risk, governance, and long-term value.
Without credible, verifiable ESG data, companies may be excluded from funding, insurance, and key partnerships.
Investors want proof, not promises. And they pay attention to how seriously a company treats regulation. Meeting environmental requirements is seen as a signal of operational maturity and long-term readiness. That builds trust and unlocks capital.
3. Consumer Distrust and Brand Erosion
Consumers today expect proof of sustainability, not just messaging. Gen Z and Millennial buyers are especially focused on impact and integrity.
Brands that can’t back up their claims risk being called out for greenwashing. Once that trust is lost, it’s hard to win back.
On the other hand, companies that show their work through verified data and real transparency, build loyalty and long-term value.
4. Missed Innovation and Efficiency Gains
Sustainability is about more than compliance. It is a driver of smarter, leaner, more future-proof operations.
Brands that delay action miss opportunities to uncover waste, streamline sourcing, and adopt circular models that improve margins and customer lifetime value.
Some of the most forward-thinking innovations today, from resale platforms to low-impact materials, are built on the foundation of good sustainability data. Without it, brands can’t participate.
Action That Pays Off
Kinset is designed for brands that are ready to stop guessing and start acting.
Our platform helps you:
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Stay compliant with fast-changing global rules like DPP, CSRD, and EPR
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Connect and clean your sustainability data across departments and suppliers
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Deliver real transparency with digital product passports and lifecycle data
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Automate ESG and compliance reporting to save time and reduce human error
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Get ahead of risk with proactive alerts and clear action paths
We help you move faster, smarter, and with confidence.
What Moving Forward Looks Like
Kinset clients are already turning regulation into opportunity. Whether it’s building DPP-ready product lines, reducing supply chain risk, or giving consumers verified sustainability stories, they’re proving that transparency isn’t just a requirement, but a growth strategy.
Sustainability risk is business risk. But it’s also an opening to lead, to innovate, and to build trust that lasts.
The time to act is now. If you’re ready to stop reacting and start building a smarter, more resilient business, Kinset is here to help.
Learn how Kinset can support your next step.
Kinset and World Collective Launch Groundbreaking Pilot for Real Textile Traceability
We’re proud to announce our new pilot program with World Collective, a bold step forward in making real textile traceability a reality, not just a promise.
This pilot focuses on the hardest part of supply chain transparency: the suppliers at Tiers 2 to 4. By combining Kinset’s modular traceability tools with World Collective’s supplier relationships and sourcing ecosystem, we’re helping forward-thinking partners like CABES GIE, Climatex, Mithela Group, and Usha Yarns lay the digital foundation for scalable, future-ready Digital Product Passports (DPPs).
Why it matters:
Regulators are moving fast, and brands need to be ready. But traceability can’t stop at Tier 1. Real transparency means connecting data all the way through the supply chain and this pilot does exactly that.
Together, we’re:
- Turning fragmented supplier data into usable, verifiable insights
- Supporting suppliers with dashboards for certifications and impact
- Closing the traceability gap where it’s needed most
- Building a scalable model aligned with EU DPP 2026, CSRD, and global frameworks
We believe this isn’t just a pilot, but a blueprint. A real-world test proving what’s possible when tech, transparency, and collaboration come together.
Want the full story?
Check out the full press release here!
This is just the beginning.
Stay tuned as we expand this work and continue building smarter, more transparent systems together.
Sustainability as a Growth Strategy for Fashion Brands
Sustainability has become central to how fashion brands grow their business. With rising expectations from consumers, regulators, and investors, brands that embed sustainability into their everyday operations are experiencing real business benefits, including increased customer loyalty and access to new market opportunities.
How Sustainability and Data-Driven Strategies Drive Growth
Fashion brands today operate in an environment where transparency, responsibility, and compliance are essential. Succeeding in this space means relying on reliable data and practical insights, not just good intentions.
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Collecting and connecting sustainability data from across the supply chain gives brands a clear picture of their environmental and social impact, making it easier to make informed decisions and find opportunities for efficiency and savings.
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Sharing information about materials, sourcing, and impact helps brands build trust with customers and partners, creating stronger relationships with people who value honesty and responsibility.
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Using sustainability data also allows brands to explore new business models like repair, resale, and recycling, supporting circularity and helping products stay in use for longer, which benefits both the environment and business growth.
Kinset: Supporting Fashion’s Sustainable Growth
Choosing the right technology partner is essential for fashion brands that want to make sustainability a genuine driver of growth. Kinset is built by industry experts who have worked hands-on in both fashion and technology, so we understand the real-world challenges brands face, whether that’s sourcing more responsibly, keeping up with new regulations, or building lasting trust with customers.
Our platform brings all your sustainability data together, making it easier to track progress, meet compliance requirements, and communicate your impact with confidence. By simplifying reporting and providing clear, actionable insights, Kinset helps brands stay ahead of regulatory changes and focus on building stronger connections with both customers and partners. With a flexible, integrated approach, you can adapt as your business grows and as the sustainability landscape continues to evolve.
Conclusion
Sustainability is not just a responsibility for fashion brands, it is a real opportunity for growth. By taking a data-driven approach and choosing partners who understand the industry from the inside, brands can build stronger businesses and earn lasting trust. As the landscape continues to shift, those who act now will be best placed to succeed.
If you are ready to make sustainability work for your brand, Kinset is here to help you take the next step with confidence.
Enterprise Ireland’s Sustainable Enterprise Webinar on ESPR
Kinset Co-CEO Katie O’Riordan to Speak at Enterprise Ireland’s Sustainable Enterprise Webinar on ESPR
Kinset is proud to announce that Co-CEO Katie O’Riordan will be a featured speaker at Enterprise Ireland’s upcoming Sustainable Enterprise Webinar, taking place on May 7th, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. The event will focus on the EU’s latest Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) and its significant impact on businesses across Europe.
The updated ESPR Working Plan (2025–2030) represents a pivotal advancement for circularity in the European market, introducing ambitious standards for sectors including textiles, steel, aluminium, furniture, mattresses, and tyres. This session will provide actionable insights and guidance for businesses navigating these new regulatory requirements.
Katie will be joined by leading voices in sustainability and policy, including:
- Aisling McCarthy, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
- Sophie Reynolds, CIRCULÉIRE
- Catriona Power FRSA
Together, the panel will explore the core aspects of ESPR, the role of Digital Product Passports, and the practical implications for product design, supply chains, and compliance. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how to prepare for and leverage the new measures to drive sustainable transformation within their organisations.
Event Details:
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Title: Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation Webinar
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Date & Time: 7 May 2025, 1:00pm–2:00pm
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Host: Enterprise Ireland
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Registration: Register here
This webinar is essential for professionals in the targeted sectors who are seeking to stay ahead of regulatory changes, enhance sustainability practices, and unlock new opportunities in the circular economy.
For more information and to register, visit Enterprise Ireland’s event page.
About Kinset:
Kinset empowers brands to streamline compliance, optimise operations, and build trust through data-driven sustainability solutions. Our platform supports businesses in meeting evolving regulatory standards, including ESPR and Digital Product Passports, ensuring transparency and traceability across global supply chains.
Contact:
For further information, please contact info@kinset.com.
Join us as we shape the future of sustainable business in Europe.
ESPR Working Plan Explained: What Businesses Need to Know for 2025–2030
The European Commission has just updated its Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) working plan for 2025–2030. If you make, sell, or buy products in the EU, these changes will affect you. Here’s a clear, jargon-free breakdown of what’s changing, why it matters, and how Kinset can help you turn these new rules into an opportunity.
What Is the ESPR Working Plan?
The ESPR is the EU’s flagship regulation for driving product sustainability. Its updated working plan sets out which product categories will be prioritised for new requirements over the next five years, with the aim of making sustainable products the standard across Europe.
Why Was the ESPR Established?
The ESPR was created to raise the bar for environmental performance across the EU market. By focusing on smarter product design and resource use, it supports both the EU’s climate goals and the free movement of sustainable goods. The plan covers products representing over €1 trillion in annual sales, including €600 billion in energy-related goods and nearly €500 billion in new categories. These products account for a significant share of the EU’s climate and resource impacts, making the ESPR a key driver for both environmental progress and economic competitiveness.
Which Products Are in Focus?
- Textiles and apparel (primarily clothing) are the only product group included in the first wave of new ESPR requirements.
- Footwear is not included in this initial plan. Instead, it’s being treated as a separate category due to its unique materials, functionality, and supply chain. The European Commission will conduct a dedicated study on footwear’s environmental impact and the potential for future regulation, with results expected by the end of 2027.
- Furniture (including mattresses), tyres, iron and steel, and aluminium are also included in the broader scope of the plan.
- Energy-related products, such as home appliances and electronics, will see updated requirements as the ESPR replaces the previous Ecodesign Directive.
What Will Change? Five Key Areas
- Stronger Sustainability Requirements
Products covered by the ESPR will need to meet more ambitious standards for durability, repairability, recycled content, and overall environmental impact. Many will feature a “repairability score” and provide clear information about lifespan and ease of repair or recycling, helping both businesses and consumers make more sustainable choices.
- Digital Product Passports, Standardisation, and Traceability
A major feature of the ESPR is the rollout of Digital Product Passports (DPPs) for most regulated products. Here’s how this will work in practice:
- Unique Identification:
Each product will have a unique digital identity, typically accessed via a QR code, barcode, or RFID tag on the product or packaging. This links directly to the product’s DPP. - Standardised Data and Interoperability:
The European Commission is developing clear standards for how information is stored and shared. This means all DPPs will use the same data formats and infrastructure, making it easy for different IT systems across the EU to access and exchange information. - Comprehensive Product Information:
DPPs will include details like material composition, substances of concern, repair and recycling instructions, and documentation such as warranties or certificates. This information must be structured, machine-readable, and kept up to date throughout the product’s life. - Traceability Across the Supply Chain:
With these standards in place, products can be tracked from manufacturing to end-of-life. This helps companies, authorities, and consumers trace a product’s journey, verify its authenticity, and make informed decisions about repair, reuse, or recycling. - Supporting Sustainable Trade:
By making product data accessible and reliable, DPPs encourage the adoption of traceability solutions and support sustainable trade both within and beyond the EU.
This approach not only boosts transparency and compliance but also streamlines supply chain management and helps build trust with customers and partners.
- Enhanced Labelling and Product Information
For many products, the DPP will be the primary source of sustainability information. Some products may also feature an ESPR label or other EU labels, such as those under the Textile Labelling Regulation (currently under review). These labels will provide clear, reliable information on product features like carbon footprint, water use, durability, repairability, and recyclability. A harmonised label for durability guarantees is also in development, making it easier for consumers to identify longer-lasting products.
- Customs and Market Surveillance
Customs authorities will play a central role in checking that products entering the EU comply with ESPR requirements, using data from the Digital Product Passport during import processes. In addition, the ESPR encourages closer, data-driven collaboration between customs and market surveillance authorities, particularly for online sales and high-risk supply chains. This joint approach is designed to quickly identify and block non-compliant products, ensuring a safer and more sustainable internal market for everyone. - Why This Plan Matters for the Market
The ESPR is about more than compliance, it’s about setting a new standard for sustainable products in Europe. By harmonising requirements and focusing on high-impact categories, the plan supports fair competition, reduces unnecessary costs, and advances the EU’s environmental and economic goals.
How Kinset Helps You Stay Ahead
At Kinset, we see regulatory change as an opportunity for growth. Here’s how we support your ESPR journey:
- Automated Compliance Tracking: Centralise and manage your sustainability data to monitor ESPR requirements across your portfolio.
- Seamless Digital Product Passports: Generate and maintain DPPs with ease, supporting transparency and building stakeholder trust.
- Real-Time, Streamlined Reporting: Save time and reduce risk with automated, up-to-date reporting tools.
- Future-Ready Adaptability: As ESPR evolves, Kinset evolves with you keeping your business prepared for new product categories and regulatory updates.
In Summary
The ESPR working plan for 2025–2030 is a pivotal step toward a more sustainable, circular, and competitive European market. It’s about raising standards for products and equipping businesses with the tools to lead in this new landscape.
Want to see how Kinset can help you turn compliance into a competitive edge? Contact our team today.
Watch this space for further updates and actionable guidance from Kinset as the ESPR working plan unfolds.
Circular Fashion Isn’t Just a Trend – It’s the Next Business Model
How Transparency and Traceability Are Unlocking New Revenue Opportunities
The fashion industry is at a turning point. Regulatory shifts, evolving consumer expectations, and economic pressures are pushing brands to rethink their approach towards sustainability. Circular fashion focuses on designing products with longevity, reuse, and recyclability in mind. It is no longer just an ethical choice but a core business strategy. Companies that embrace transparency and traceability are staying compliant, while also unlocking new revenue opportunities and strengthening customer loyalty.
Why Circular Fashion is More Than a Trend
For years, sustainability in fashion was seen as a marketing angle or an optional add-on rather than a business necessity, but that is changing fast. With increasing regulation like the European Union’s ESPR (Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation) and upcoming Digital Product Passports (DPPs), brands must provide clear, verifiable data on materials, sourcing, and life cycle impact.
Consumers are also demanding more accountability. According to a 2024 PwC survey, over 80% of consumers are willing to pay more for goods that are sustainably produced or sourced, but they also want proof (PwC, 2024). Circular business models such as rental, resale, repair, and recycling provide ways to extend product life while building new revenue streams. The challenge lies in managing the data and transparency needed to make these models scalable and reliable.
The Role of Transparency and Traceability
To successfully transition to a circular model, brands need real-time insights into their products’ materials, usage, and end-of-life options. This is where traceability becomes a game-changer, helping brands optimise operations and build stronger customer trust.
How Brands Can Benefit:
- Resale & Rental Growth
Clear product histories enable authenticated resale and rental markets, increasing customer trust and retention.
- Compliance Readiness
Brands with robust traceability systems are better prepared for future regulatory requirements.
- Cost Savings & Efficiency
A structured approach to material tracking reduces waste, improves inventory management, and enhances overall supply chain efficiency.
How Kinset Helps Brands Stay Ahead
Kinset’s platform enables brands to embed traceability and transparency into their supply chains, making circularity not just feasible, but also profitable. With automated sustainability data management, brands can:
- Generate Digital Product Passports that provide verifiable lifecycle data for resale and recycling.
- Streamline compliance tracking with evolving regulations.
- Enhance consumer trust by offering real time sustainability insights.
Circular fashion isn’t just the future, it’s happening now. Brands that invest in transparency and traceability today, will be the ones leading tomorrow’s fashion industry.
Want to learn how your brand can build a scalable circular strategy?
Contact Kinset today.
Beyond Compliance: How Sustainability Data Creates Competitive Advantage
Moving Past Minimum Standards to Smarter Decision-Making
Sustainability compliance is no longer just about ticking boxes, but it’s a fundamental part of business strategy. Brands that view compliance as a baseline rather than a burden are already using sustainability data to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and build consumer trust. The question is no longer whether to comply, but how to turn compliance into a competitive edge.
The Power of Sustainability Data
Real-time sustainability data allows brands to make smarter, more strategic decisions. By integrating data across their supply chain, companies can:
- Identify cost-saving opportunities through waste reduction and resource efficiency.
- Ensure seamless compliance with evolving regulations like ESPR, EPR, and CSRD.
- Enhance brand reputation by providing verified sustainability claims that consumers can trust.
This is where Kinset comes in. Our connected platform centralises, structures, and automates sustainability data management, giving brands the clarity and control they need to turn compliance into a growth strategy. Not sure where to start? Kinset’s team can help you assess your current data readiness and build a plan for compliance and beyond.
How Sustainability Data Translates to Business Value
1. Reduce Costs and Optimise Operations
Many brands struggle with fragmented data, manual reporting, and inefficiencies that drain resources. Kinset’s platform automates compliance tracking and streamlines sustainability reporting, helping businesses cut down on administrative overheads while improving supply chain efficiency.
2. Build Transparency and Consumer Trust
Today’s consumers demand more than vague sustainability claims. They want proof. Digital Product Passports (DPPs) powered by real-time data allow brands to provide verifiable sustainability insights, strengthening customer relationships and brand credibility. Kinset makes this process simple by seamlessly integrating DPPs into product lifecycle management.
Want to see how DPPs can work for your brand? Get in touch with us today.
3. Gain a Competitive Edge in Retail and Partnerships
In a market where standing out is increasingly difficult due to fierce competition, being one of the first brands to adopt Digital Product Passports can significantly enhance your competitive advantage. Retailers and regulators are increasingly prioritising transparency. Brands that can provide comprehensive, verified sustainability data are in a stronger position for partnerships, certifications, and preferred supplier status. With Kinset, brands can stay ahead of regulatory shifts and industry expectations, without the complexity of managing compliance manually.
The Future of Sustainability: Proactive, Not Reactive
Sustainability is about more than just meeting legal requirements. It’s about building a future-ready business. Brands that invest in data-driven sustainability strategies today will be the ones leading the market tomorrow.
Kinset helps brands move beyond compliance by transforming sustainability data into actionable insights, operational efficiencies, and consumer trust.
Ready to future-proof your sustainability strategy?
Contact Kinset today to learn how we can help.