Background: The textile industry is a major contributor to environmental degradation, leading the EU to introduce regulatory measures such as ESPR and the introduction of the DPP. While existing research has primarily focused on clothing, this study addresses a critical gap by exploring how home textile companies are preparing for DPP implementation.

Purpose: This study intends to examine how home textile companies navigate the transition towards sustainability and circularity in their upstream supply chain, particularly concerning compliance with the DPP, as a part of the European Union’s ESPR regulation. Future requirements and the potential challenges related to the adoption are investigated to provide insights into DPP’s processes of data collection, sharing, verification, and additional factors.

Methodology: This research applies a qualitative and explorative approach. The constructed conceptual framework has been developed based on the literature review. Additionally, this research adopts a mixed theoretical approach that integrates deductive and inductive reasoning. Data sources contain both primary and secondary data. The primary data was collected from semi-structured interviews. Secondary data is used to enhance the richness of the findings.

Findings: The findings indicate that home textile companies demonstrate a willingness to deepen their understanding and exhibit intention to align their operations with the upcoming regulatory requirements. However, the research also reveals certain significant challenges that may hinder effective implementation. These include difficulties in accessing supplier data, uncertainties regarding technological solutions and interoperability, resource availability, and concerns about the lack of finalized regulatory guidelines. Addressing these challenges will be essential to ensuring that the DPP can be integrated in a way that is both effective and scalable across the home textile industry.

Contribution: Given the limited research on home textiles, especially in the context of DPP regulatory compliance, this study contributes by examining the implications and challenges that home textile companies encounter in implementing the DPP. As one of a few studies to specifically address the preparedness and implementation efforts within the home textile sector, it offers valuable insights into the industry's current state of preparedness. The research further provides a foundation for future research and enriches the emerging discourse on DPP compliance.