The economics of fashion resale is set to be reshaped by upcoming EU regulation, with a potential doubling of lifetime product value, and up to 65% of the gains delivered to consumers, research from Bain & Company and eBay, reveals today. The findings point to a transformative opportunity for brands to redefine the value chain around transparency, trust, and circularity – far beyond the immediate goal of regulatory compliance.
As Digital Product Passports (DPPs) become mandatory for textiles from 2026 under the EU’s Ecodesign Regulation, today’s report shows these are not just a regulatory tool but a commercial opportunity. For example, a fashion item sold for £500 today could generate an additional £500 in resale and services when supported by a DPP, by improving trust, traceability and ease of resale. While resale platforms, brands and verification services benefit too, consumers gain the most.
Many brands – around 90% of those surveyed by Bain – currently view DPPs primarily as a regulatory burden. But today’s research encourages companies to reframe DPPs as a strategic investment capable of generating ongoing revenue, driving sustainability, and strengthening consumer relationships.
DPPs are standardized digital records, accessible via QR codes, NFC, blockchain or similar technologies, and contain detailed information about a product’s materials, components, origin, environmental footprint, and lifecycle. Designed to support sustainability, circular economy initiatives, and greater transparency, DPPs enable consumers, businesses, and regulators to trace and assess products throughout their lifecycle.
Regulation meets opportunity
Under the EU’s forthcoming Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation
(ESPR), nearly every physical product sold in the EU will require a DPP by 2030 – yet 90% of brands still see this as a compliance burden, rather than a growth lever.
The Bain and eBay report urges brands to shift perspective, urging that, rather than being ‘red tape’, DPPs should be regarded as revenue tools. DPPs will unlock lifetime value beyond the original point of sale, support circularity, and open direct channels to secondhand markets, the report finds.
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From transaction to lifecycle
The digital records within DPPs store verified product information on materials, origin, care instructions, ownership history, and environmental impact. These records enable brands to:
- Launch resale, trade-in and buyback schemes with confidence
- Offer tailored warranties, repairs and aftercare
- Track usage and extend product lifespans
- Report on ESG goals with greater transparency
Consumers drive the change
The Bain/eBay report highlights that consumers will capture most of the DPP-driven value. By removing friction – no more lost receipts or clunky listings – DPPs will enable one-click resale and boost confidence. As second-hand markets expand, DPPs can act as a flywheel for growth – deepening trust, expanding participation, and making circular shopping second nature.
A call to move now
With the 2026 deadline for ESPR nearing, the message from the report is clear: act early. The brands investing in DPP infrastructure today – engaging consumers and testing resale models – will be tomorrow’s leaders in sustainable, data-driven fashion. Those that wait risk falling behind as the resale economy scales.
