| dc.description.abstract | European regulations are pushing for the implementation of a Digital Product Passport (DPP) to enhance transparency, circularity, and sustainability in different sectors, including the textile industry. This mandated information disclosure is a response to the textile industry's complex supply chains and should help mitigate its growing negative environmental and social impact. The DPP provides comprehensive data on products’ origins, composition, and impact. This study aims to investigate how companies in the European textile sector perceive and respond to the upcoming DPP regulations characterised by regulatory uncertainty. The qualitative study of 16 semi-structured interviews with industry stakeholders revealed four different archetypes of companies, namely Enthusiastic Pioneers, Proactive Planners, Cautious Strategists, and Confident Procrastinators. Those types demonstrate different strategic responses and adoption strategies to the DPP. The findings illustrate that while some companies perceive the DPP as an opportunity to innovate and strengthen sustainability efforts, others remain hesitant, referring to challenges concerning data management and resource requirements. Some companies have started actively engaging with the DPP, either positioning themselves as pioneers in its implementation or taking precautionary steps to ensure they are fully prepared to comply with the upcoming regulations. In contrast, other companies apply a wait-and-see approach, confident in their ability to react when necessary. While the studied sample generally shows a positive and proactive attitude towards the DPP, the research indicates that many companies outside the sample investigated are rather sceptical and passive in their behaviour. Regulatory uncertainty builds a major challenge, affecting companies’ strategies and planning. Policymakers are advised to provide clear guidelines while offering supporting resources and information. Companies are encouraged to engage proactively in industry collaborations and early compliance efforts. Future research should focus on broader cross-industry comparisons and longitudinal studies to analyse the adoption process and potential shifts in the four archetypes resulting from the final regulatory enforcement. This thesis contributes to the literature on regulatory uncertainty and innovation adoption, offering recommendations for companies and policymakers to navigate the transition to the DPP effectively. | |
