Nordic companies turn data into business

22 well-known Nordic fashion, furniture, and design brands have just showcased ‘Data to Business results’ at an international exhibition in Borås. New companies can now apply to participate in 2026. Competition for the spots will be fierce, as many businesses are still uncertain about how to handle the new EU requirements.

How can data become a genuine business resource? That question has been explored by 22 Nordic fashion, furniture, and design companies as part of the EU Interreg programme Data to Business. The results were recently presented at an international exhibition in Borås, where the companies showcased their first prototypes of digital product passports and shared insights on traceability, transparency, and circular business development.

From Data to Value in Practice

One of the concrete examples presented at the exhibition came from Sports Group Denmark and Trimco Group, who collaborated to test digital product passports in practice. Together, they developed a prototype demonstrating how data can be used to create traceability, transparency, and compliance across the supply chain—while also generating value for customers. For Sports Group Denmark, the project has been an important opportunity to explore how data can drive tangible business value and promote sustainability in practice.

“For us, sustainability is about turning insight into action through practical solutions and collaboration,” says Kristina Vigen, Chief Sustainability Officer at Sports Group Denmark. “This project has shown how data can support traceability and compliance while creating value for our customers. Our customers increasingly demand access to reliable product data, and pilot projects like this strengthen our competitiveness while preparing us for the upcoming ESPR requirements.”

She is joined by Heidi Svane Pedersen, Head of Digital at Lifestyle and Design Cluster and project manager for Data to Business:

“Our ambition is to strengthen the Nordic fashion, furniture, and design industries by making data a strategic resource. The case with Sports Group Denmark and Trimco Group shows how collaboration across the value chain can turn theory into practice—preparing companies for both new EU requirements and future business opportunities.”

Concrete Tools and Strong Networks

The evaluation of Data to Business speaks for itself: with an average score of 8.7 out of 10, participants recommend the programme to other companies. Key benefits highlighted include access to a Nordic network, new tools for turning data into business opportunities, and concrete ideas for innovation and development.

“We clearly see how data is shifting from being a cost to becoming a strategic resource. The 2025 participants have shown the courage to experiment and create prototypes that point directly toward the business models of the future. Now we look forward to welcoming a new group in 2026,” says Heidi Svane Pedersen.

Further Information

For more information, please contact:
Heidi Svane Pedersen, Lifestyle and Design Cluster, email Heidi@Ldcluster.com, phone: +45 2074 7683

Following the strong results, the EU Interreg programme is now opening applications for the next round, where 20+ companies will be selected through an open call. The application deadline is 2 December 2025.

Participants will receive:

• Three international workshops in Copenhagen, Oslo, and Borås

• Expert mentoring and networking with Nordic peers

• Development of a digital product passport prototype, tested in the market

• Exposure and case promotion through exhibitions and media

Facts about Data to Business

• A Nordic competence programme for companies in the fashion, furniture, interior, sports, kids, and design industries

• Focus on digital product passports (DPPs), traceability, and circular business development

• Funded by Interreg Öresund–Kattegat–Skagerrak and carried out in collaboration with Nordic clusters and universities