New global standard for sustainable clothing.

The fashion industry has long been criticized as the world’s second largest polluting sector. But in 2026, a huge transparency and accountability has been ensured in this industry through the ‘Digital Fashion Passport’ (DPA).

Starting in 2026, the European Union and the United States will require all garments to have a digital QR code or NFC chip. Through this passport, consumers can know at a glance where their clothing comes from and what its environmental impact is.

Through this digital passport, it is possible to get information about the entire life cycle of a garment. Details like the cotton farm, water usage during dyeing, workers’ wages, and garment recycling methods are important.

In 2026, conscious consumers are now checking the ‘carbon score’ of garments, not just the brand name. As a result, fashion houses are now shifting away from ‘fast fashion’ and focusing on ‘slow fashion’ and sustainable materials.

This trend has brought about a major change in the fashion economy. Brands that are more transparent are seeing their share prices skyrocket in the market. On the other hand, companies that are hiding information are facing heavy fines.

With the use of blockchain technology, this information cannot be forged, which has increased customer confidence manifold. In 2026, many apps have been developed that scan garment QR codes to provide their ‘ecological grade’.

The most interesting thing is that this passport has boosted the ‘resale’ or resale market of clothes. People are now comfortable buying secondhand clothes because they can easily check the quality by looking at the garment’s label. This is helping to create a ‘circular fashion economy’.

This 2026 trend proves that when information is at people’s fingertips, they learn to make responsible decisions. Fashion is no longer just about style: it is now a conscious commitment to protecting the environment.