Digital Product Passport (DPP) sets new standards for sustainable clothing manufacturing: co-developed by Working Hasegawa and Chaintope
Working Hasegawa Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Fukuoka, Japan; President: Shinichi Hasegawa) has partnered with Chaintope Inc. (Headquarters: Fukuoka, Japan; CEO: Hideki Shoda) to initiate a proof-of-concept trial for introducing a Digital Product Passport (DPP) into sukui, a sustainable medical wear brand developed by Working Hasegawa. This initiative aims to address global sustainability standards by enhancing transparency and accountability across the entire product lifecycle within the supply chain, thereby establishing a new framework for sustainable operations.
1. Features of the sukui Brand
Eco-Friendly Hemp Material
sukui primarily uses sustainable industrial hemp from KINGDOM TEXTILE (SHANGHAI) LTD (hereinafter referred to as "KINGDOM") as its main material. This hemp absorbs 13.7 tons of CO2 per hectare during its growth period, effectively reducing atmospheric carbon. Additionally, hemp cultivation requires neither water resources nor pesticides, minimizing environmental impact on agricultural land. It also promotes soil health, supporting the growth of future crops. With such properties, hemp is recognized globally as a "super material" for sustainability, and by utilizing it, sukui champions environmentally friendly production.
Design Emphasizing Circular Economy
sukui products are designed to minimize resource waste and maximize longevity. In collaboration with weavearth, we have designed a manufacturing process that avoids using polyester thread, reducing reliance on petroleum-based materials. To limit material waste, the products are dyed post-sewing. Additionally, sukui has established its own system for repair and cleaning to maintain product quality over time. Used products will also be collected and transformed into compost by leveraging hemp's properties, reducing waste and supporting resource recycling to contribute to a sustainable society.
Note:weavearth https://www.instagram.com/weavearth | AKAI Co., Ltd.
2. Overview of the DPP System
Transparent Environmental Information Management
The DPP system under development leverages blockchain technology to record CO2 emissions and material traceability across the entire product lifecycle. This allows for reliable environmental data to be accessible to both consumers and business partners, supporting informed choices in sustainable products and companies. sukui’s supply chain extends beyond Japan, including collaboration with Chinese companies such as KINGDOM. Through the DPP system, the aim is to enhance transparency and traceability across the entire international supply chain.
Easy Access through QR Code
Each sukui product is equipped with a label containing a QR code, enabling easy access to its environmental traceability information via scanning. This feature provides consumers with reliable environmental data on the product's lifecycle. At the EXPO in November 2024, a demonstration will showcase this QR code functionality, allowing attendees to experience environmental data based on sample information. The pilot project is planned to continue through February 2025 to evaluate system effectiveness and prepare for commercial deployment. Upon completion, all sukui products will include QR codes.
Sample of the QR code label for sukui products. Simply scan with a smartphone to easily access environmental traceability information.
Sample screen of the DPP system displayed after scanning the QR code.
3. Challenges in the Apparel Industry and the Significance of DPP
Regulatory Compliance and Competitive Advantage
Reducing environmental impact and ensuring supply chain transparency are critical challenges in the apparel industry. The EU will begin mandating DPP in priority sectors, including textiles, starting in 2027, with plans to extend full applicability, including to SMEs, by 2030. In Japan, the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry released the "Environmental Information Disclosure Guidelines" in June 2024, encouraging transparency on greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, and other metrics in textile production. The DPP system thus plays an essential role in enhancing sustainability and strengthening corporate competitiveness by providing transparent environmental data that enables companies to comply with regulations and empowers consumers to make informed choices.
4. EXPO Exhibition Information
DPP system demonstration
A prototype of the DPP system will be showcased at the Blockchain EXPO, held from November 20 to 22, 2024, at Makuhari Messe, Chiba, Japan. This demonstration will allow visitors to scan the QR codes attached to sukui products and view environmental traceability data based on sample information, providing an opportunity to experience how sustainable supply chain management is achieved with the latest system.
5. Regional Initiatives and Collaboration
Blockchain Promotion and DPP System Development with the Support of Iizuka City and Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan
In 2021, Iizuka City in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan, declared its commitment to becoming a global leader in blockchain, promoting the creation of new industries through academia, industry, and government collaboration. Working Hasegawa and Chaintope's joint development is part of this initiative, backed by support from Iizuka City and Fukuoka Prefecture in Japan, aiming to improve transparency in sustainable supply chains. This project represents a model for promoting sustainability and revitalizing local communities from a regional level, with Iizuka and Fukuoka serving as starting points for building a sustainable future extending from Asia to the world.
Inquiries regarding sukui
Working Hasegawa Co., Ltd.
Representative: Shinichi Hasegawa, Representative Director
Head Office Address: 156-1 Seto, Keisen Town, Kaho District, Fukuoka 820-0604, Japan
URL: https://sukui-wear.jp
info@sukui-wear.jp
[Inquiries regarding the DPP system]
Chaintope Inc.
Representative: Hideki Shoda, CEO
Head Office Address: 576-14 B211, Koubukuro, Iizuka City, Fukuoka 820-0066, Japan
URL: https://www.chaintope.com
info@chaintope.com
About Working Hasegawa Co., Ltd.
Founded in 1978 in Fukuoka, Japan, Working Hasegawa Co., Ltd. has continuously supported working people through the production and sale of workwear. With the growing importance of environmental consciousness in manufacturing globally and observing the EU’s advanced initiatives, we felt a strong need to shift towards environmentally-friendly garment production in Japan. To this end, we launched our sustainable medical wear brand, sukui, promoting the development of sustainable wear based on circular economy principles. We aim to establish standards for resource circulation and low environmental impact by collaborating with like-minded companies domestically and internationally, striving to bring about positive social change for future generations.
Website: https://working-hasegawa.co.jp
About Chaintope Inc.
In a world where all information is becoming digital, Chaintope Inc. stands as a global leader in blockchain technology, addressing the question, “Can we trust this data?” To meet this challenge, we developed the blockchain “Tapyrus” and have advanced its application to society, with a mission to instill trust in a data-driven world. By enhancing transparency, we aim to create a society where everyone can safely utilize data, driving transformation in both business and social structures. As the pioneering “first penguin,” we are forging paths with a spirit of enjoyment as we tackle uncharted terrain.
Homepage: https://www.chaintope.com
About KINGDOM
KINGDOM is a global leader in the linen and hemp spinning industry, committed to sustainable production and environmental protection. With over 40 years of experience, KINGDOM continues to lead the industry through innovative technology, high-quality products, and the achievement of carbon neutrality. Producing 25,000 tons of linen yarn and 4,000 tons of hemp annually, KINGDOM collaborates with farmers both domestically and internationally to promote sustainable cultivation. The company is dedicated to fulfilling social responsibilities while enhancing transparency and trust across the global supply chain.
KINGDOM Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kingdom___official
