Samenvatting

This research investigates how Industry 5.0 technologies, namely blockchain, the Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence (AI), can enhance transparency and accountability in ethical sourcing and labor practices within the textile and apparel industry. With the European Union preparing to introduce mandatory Digital Product Passports (DPPs) under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, fashion brands are increasingly expected to provide verifiable data on supply chain practices, material origins, and environmental impacts.
Through a comprehensive literature review and case study analysis, this study explores the current challenges in achieving full supply chain traceability, including limited visibility beyond Tier 1 suppliers, high implementation costs, low digital literacy among upstream actors, and the absence of standardized frameworks. The report further analyzes how Industry 5.0 technologies can support DPP implementation by enabling real-time data collection, immutable audit trails, and measurable sustainability reporting.
While the findings affirm the strong potential of these tools, they also reveal why adoption remains limited—due to structural, technological, and economic barriers. The research concludes that for blockchain, IoT, and AI to reach their full impact in the fashion industry, broader systemic support is required, including regulatory alignment, supplier enablement, and cross-sector collaboration. Nevertheless, as these technologies evolve and become more accessible, they hold the potential to become foundational pillars of a more ethical and transparent fashion ecosystem.