Six months into 2025, the sun is out, and so is a growing list of regulations, acronyms and new ways of working. In this article, we’re sharing some of the insights we’ve gathered through our ESG consulting, what we’re seeing across the industry, and how teams are starting to turn uncertainty into structure. Think of it as a summer check-in: light, practical, and packed with real examples from the field.
There’s a lot going on in the EU right now, and let’s be honest, it’s not always easy to keep up. Things are changing fast, and the details aren’t always clear. That’s exactly why we’re here. Our goal is to help guide you through the uncertainty and make the path forward a little easier to navigate.
Right now, the Digital Product Passport is on everyone’s mind. While we still don’t have the full picture of what it will include, we’re starting to see things take shape. If you’re curious, you can find a quick breakdown in our article about the ESPR working plan. But the DPP and ESPR aren’t the only changes coming. There’s a lot more on the horizon, and it’s pushing the industry to take a closer look at how things are done today. Because before you can adapt, you first need to understand where you stand.
Let’s start with a quick note: we’re not an ESG service. But through the work we do and the conversations we have with brands, we’ve seen how ESG practices can’t just be treated as a separate task. It’s not something that lives in one department or gets added to a to-do list. It touches everything.
Whether you’re working in design, production, sourcing or even sales, ESG is becoming part of the everyday. And that means it’s more important than ever to know what’s happening, not just outside your company, but across your internal teams too. Because real change only happens when everyone is on the same page.
Since we’re involved at the very start of the product journey, where all the data begins, we see just how valuable it is to make ESG part of the conversation early on. It helps set the direction, and it helps teams get more out of the tools they already use.
Over the first half of 2025, we’ve had the chance to work closely with many of our customers on integrating sustainability practices and data collection into their daily work. And while every brand is different, we’ve seen a few shared patterns, especially when it comes to making space for new ways of working.
At first, it can feel like just another thing to add to the list. More data to collect, more steps to follow. But that’s where we come in, not just to help implement, but to zoom out and give a bit of perspective. Together with the teams we work with, we look at how the value chain is set up today, and where the new requirements might actually open up opportunities rather than create extra work.
One thing we’ve seen again and again is that this process creates a chance to revisit how things are done internally. It often leads to streamlining, clarifying roles, and spotting where ESG data naturally fits into the workflow. When everyone understands the “why” behind it, it becomes easier to see where the data belongs and who should handle what, without adding stress or slowing things down. And that’s when things start to click.
As we mentioned at the beginning of this article, it’s not always easy to know exactly what to do when the details around future regulations are still shifting. Things change, scopes get adjusted, and not everything is set in stone just yet. But one thing is certain: more data will be needed, no matter what version of the legislation we end up with. And that means change is coming.
What we’ve seen through our ESG consulting is that every brand we’ve worked with, no matter their size or setup, has found places in their value chain where things could be adjusted or improved. And that’s actually a good thing. Because when you start exploring what needs to change, you also get the chance to spot what’s already working, and what might be creating unnecessary friction.
It’s also made it easier for teams to figure out where new practices fit naturally, and where they don’t. After all, no one wants to spend hours collecting data on samples that never make it to production. By taking a step back and reviewing how things are set up now, many of the brands we’ve worked with have ended up strengthening and streamlining their internal processes. Not just for ESG, but for the way they work overall. If you’re ready to explore your own setup, check out our ESG consulting services.
Every month, we host a webinar, often in collaboration with our IT solution partners and leading industry brands. The topics vary, but one thing remains the same: we aim to make the fashion industry’s challenges more manageable and share our take on practical, hands-on solutions.
Check out this month’s webinar by clicking the button below.