FIRA (Furniture Industry Research Association) is hosting a free virtual event on Tuesday 15th September 2026, 2.15pm-3pm BST, to help UK furniture businesses understand Digital Product Records (DPR) ahead of the Government's Call for Evidence deadline on 21st September.
The Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade is gathering views on DPR to inform future policy development and to understand the potential impacts for businesses, consumers and supply chains.
The consultation comes as the EU has already begun rolling out its own Digital Product Passport (DPP) requirements under the Eco-design for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), raising questions over how UK policy may develop and align.
The session, Know more about Digital Product Records (DPR), will be hosted by Chris Hayward, GM of FIRA, and moderated by journalist Matthew Valentine.
They will be joined by an industry panel that will include" FISP Steering Group chair Joanna Knight; National Bed Federation executive director, Tristine Hargreaves; and Sustainable Business Group principal and head of sustainability, Dr Dorothy Maxwell.
Webinar key topics and themes: an introduction to Digital Product Records, and what may be involved; the EU approach to Digital Product Passports, and the options open to UK Government; why UK DPR policy could redefine and streamline how product information is provided; the impact DPR could have on products of the future and on businesses; the benefits of DPR for traceability and product circularity; and why taking part in the UK Government's Call for Evidence matters.
Chris Hayward says: “Taking part in the UK Government's Call for Evidence is an opportunity for our industry to shape policy that works for it, rather than having it shaped for us. It's vital that everyone in the furniture and furnishings industry – from manufacturers to retailers – takes the time to have their say before the Government’s 21st September deadline.
"Our live virtual webinar next week will provide a chance for those with an interest in this area, or keen to know more, to build a better understanding of what Digital Product Records could mean for their business, and for the industry as a whole.”
The webinar is free to attend and open to all. Furniture manufacturers, suppliers, retailers and anyone with an interest in product traceability and sustainability regulation are encouraged to attend. Register here.
More information on the Government's Call for Evidence on Digital Product Records can be found here.
