Technologies at the service of the EPR regulation
With the introduction of the EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) regulation, the fashion industry faces a significant challenge: ensuring traceable production and more sustainable management of textile waste. When used effectively, technology becomes a powerful ally for companies implementing EPR, offering innovative tools that can transform these regulatory obligations into opportunities for the sector. Examples include Blockchain, tags/labels applied to garments (which MONOBI has been using for many years) and the use of artificial intelligence.
In Italy, there is currently no standardized method for communicating all the garment information required by the EPR regulation. Each brand relies on different platforms based on its structural and communication needs. MONOBI made its choice a few years ago, opting to use a third-party platform (Renoon) to communicate the production chain of each garment on the e-commerce product page, from raw material to finished garment. Additionally, the platform verifies various attributes of the garment, such as sustainable packaging or a Made in Italy production chain.
Read on to find out more about the technologies used to implement the EPR regulation.
Blockchain for supply chain traceability
Blockchain technology is gaining increasing prominence. From a traceability perspective, it is highly beneficial because it allows for the recording and verification of every stage of the production chain, from raw material to finished garment. Thanks to an immutable and decentralized ledger, brands can:
- Ensure transparency about the materials used and their environmental impact.
- Provide concrete evidence of compliance with EPR standards.
- Share the complete story of each garment with consumers, enhancing trust and the perceived value of the product. On this note, every MONOBI garment has its production chain integrated into the product page on the e-commerce platform, offering tangible proof and authenticity of the steps involved in its production process.
Digital tag for you garment
Digital labels or tags represent another innovative solution that can inform users about the features of their purchased garments. These labels, integrated into the garment via QR codes or chips, can:
- Provide detailed information about the garment's production chain, accurately describing the suppliers involved.
- Include care and composition details for proper maintenance.
- Educate consumers on how to properly dispose of the product at the end of its lifecycle.
- Offer free repair programs in case of damage.
All this information is included within the MONOBI Digital Product Passport, positioning our brand a step ahead of its competitors. Each garment in MONOBI's Track Your Future collection features an electronic chip sewn into the back. When scanned using the NFC technology on your smartphone, it opens a custom landing page for each product: the Digital Product Passport (read this article to learn more). This approach not only ensures compliance with EPR regulations but also establishes a direct connection with customers, promoting more responsible consumption practices.
Artificial intelligence and data analysis
Artificial intelligence (AI) and data analysis systems can support brands in achieving EPR objectives by:
- Predicting demand to avoid overproduction and reduce waste.
- Optimizing logistics for the collection and recycling of used garments.
- Identifying alternative materials or less impactful production processes.
By leveraging these technologies, companies can improve efficiency and lower costs associated with textile waste management, turning a regulatory obligation into a competitive advantage.
The adoption of the EPR regulation marks a turning point for the fashion industry, requiring brands to take greater responsibility for the lifecycle of their products. However, technologies like blockchain, digital labels, and AI offer practical solutions to meet these obligations, while simultaneously enhancing sustainability and transparency across the supply chain.
Investing in these innovations is not just a regulatory necessity, but an opportunity to redefine the future of fashion in a more responsible and innovative way.