Pimberly to Advance Digital Product Passport Compliance

Pimberly collaborated with The University of Manchester and the University of Essex to create robust functionality that ensures compliance with the European Union’s digital product passport (DPP) regulations, set to take effect in 2026.

"At Pimberly, we are fully dedicated to delivering innovations that align with our customers' evolving needs—whether they are retailers, distributors, or manufacturers. Our partnership with The University of underscores our commitment to providing solutions that not only address regulatory compliance but also support businesses in enhancing sustainability and transparency efforts. This collaboration with academia marks a turning point in e-commerce and strengthens our confidence in building a more sustainable digital commerce landscape," says Martin Balaam, CEO of Pimberly.

“With the EU’s digital product passport regulations for clothing and textiles fast approaching, it’s crucial that retailers act now. As experts in sustainability, digital innovation in fashion, and textiles design and engineering, we are excited to work with Pimberly, an innovative Manchester-based company, and create a solution. Together, we will develop a process that supports Pimberly's business strategy but also helps retailers meet these new regulations and empowers them to showcase the environmental and ethical impact of their products, driving real change in consumer behaviour and the industry as a whole,” adds Dr. Rosy Boardman, Reader in Fashion Business at The University of Manchester.

Key takeaways:

·       By incorporating DPP functionality directly into its PIM and DAM platform, Pimberly seeks to simplify this process for companies, providing a comprehensive solution for managing intricate data requirements while adhering to regulations.

·        The University of Manchester partnership leverages Manchester’s research in digital data management and sustainability frameworks to develop advanced tools that align with the digital product passport program. Their focus includes ensuring compliance with legislative mandates, pragmatic measurement of ESG compliance, and working with consumer focus groups to establish best practices for visual representation of ESG performance or products.

• The University of Essex collaboration, initially part-funded by an Innovate UK Accelerated Knowledge Transfer grant, leverages Essex’s academic research on digital data management and sustainability frameworks to create robust tools that align with the digital product passport initiative. They will be specifically focusing on the requirements for ensuring compliance with legislation, practical methodologies for collecting data from supply chains, research on existing brands/retailers’ readiness for the 2026 deadlines, as well as the channels for advertising and branding the new DPP service.

·        These partnerships provide simplified compliance, increased transparency and an expanded commitment to sustainability.