From theory to practice: Sports Group Denmark and Trimco Group collaborate on Digital Product Passport implementation

Herning (DK) | Sports Group Denmark and Trimco Group have partnered to explore the practical application of Digital Product Passports (DPP), a key component of the European Union’s upcoming sustainability regulations. The collaboration focuses on improving supply chain traceability, transparency, and compliance while addressing the requirements of the EU’s Eco Design for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR).

The collaboration builds on shared insights from the Data til Business, an EU-financed Interreg project with five Nordic partners, Lifestyle & Design Cluster being the lead partner.

Camilla Mjelde, Sustainability and Compliance Director at Trimco Group, emphasizes the importance of data in enabling brands to meet these challenges: "Integrating digital data with physical products is becoming a critical step for brands to navigate regulatory requirements and build trust with their customers. At Trimco Group, we’re committed to providing tools that enable brands to harness existing data and processes to achieve meaningful returns on their digital investments. This collaboration with Sports Group Denmark demonstrates how supply chain partnerships can address the data challenges posed by ESPR and DPP requirements."

Key Insights from the Process

Over the course of the project, Sports Group Denmark has identified three main takeaways: ‍

/ Data in the Supply Chain: Improved ability to locate, connect, and verify data across multiple production tiers.

/ System Integration: Enhanced connectivity between existing platforms to create a more transparent and usable flow of information.

/ Strategic Use of DPPs: Understanding how DPPs can provide value in a market increasingly focused on sustainability and ethical practices.

“For Sports Group Denmark, sustainability is about turning insight into action through practical solutions and collaboration,” says Kristina Vigen, Chief Sustainability Officer at Sports Group Denmark. “This project has shown how data can support traceability and compliance while also creating value for our customers. Our customers increasingly demand access to reliable product data, and pilot projects like this strengthen our competitiveness while preparing us for future ESPR requirements.”

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Pilot Phase and Initial Findings

The first phase of the project involved creating a DPP trial label for three product styles. This involved manually extracting data from multiple sources and comparing user interfaces between Trimco Group’s platform and the existing system used by the brand. The trial highlighted where data resides, how it can be captured, and what steps are needed to streamline the process.

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Next Steps: Scaling and Systematizing

The second phase focuses on scaling the initiative using Trimco Group’s ProductDNA® platform, including its Certificate Manager and basic Product and Digital Manager tools. This phase aims to meet ESPR requirements while preparing for broader implementation. Cross-functional collaboration within Sports Group Denmark is a key element, ensuring alignment across teams.

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Transparency and Customer Engagement

A survey conducted during the project revealed that end-users prioritize information about working conditions at production facilities when accessing a product passport. This finding underscores the importance of transparency not only for compliance but also for building trust with customers.

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Collaboration for Practical Solutions

Heidi Svane Pedersen, Head of Digital at the Danish Lifestyle & Design Cluster, notes: “With Data til Business, our ambition is to strengthen the Nordic fashion, furniture and design industries by building concrete competences in brands to use data as a strategic driver. Data is not just about compliance – it is about enabling companies to future-proof their business models, create value in the green transition, and position the Nordics as frontrunners in transparency and innovation."

As the project progresses, Sports Group Denmark and Trimco Group will continue to refine their approach and share their findings, contributing to the broader adoption of digital product passports in the industry. The pilot was presented at the final event of the Data til Business project, held at the Textile Museum in Borås, Sweden. Alongside Sports Group Denmark, 21 other brands from various sectors of the textile industry showcased their examples of Digital Product Passport initiatives.

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