The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has taken a significant step towards modernising the country’s garment industry by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with two technology firms to implement a blockchain-enabled Digital Product Passport (DPP) system. This initiative, announced at the BGMEA complex in Uttara, involves collaboration with DigiProd Pass Ltd. and Digital Architect, focusing on enhancing transparency and sustainability in compliance with international regulations.
In a context where nearly 60% of Bangladesh’s garment exports are directed towards the European market, adherence to evolving EU standards is becoming increasingly pivotal. The DPP system represents a commitment not just to modernisation but also to an urgent need for alignment with the European Union’s Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). This legislation, which aims to mandate that products entering the EU carry comprehensive data on their lifecycle and sustainability, will officially begin implementation in 2026. The DPP will be essential for compliance, as it requires detailed information encompassing a product’s origin, materials, environmental impact, and disposal recommendations.
The importance of the DPP system is magnified by its role in the broader framework of the EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan. As outlined by industry experts, this initiative notably enhances traceability by providing vital information regarding a product’s entire lifecycle—a factor critical in fostering consumer trust and fulfilling market demands for sustainability. The Council of the European Union is pushing for these frameworks to ensure that products not only meet consumer expectations but also adhere to sustainability goals.
BGMEA’s pilot project, which will unfold over two years, aims to introduce the DPP to selected garment manufacturers, enabling them to integrate and utilise this innovative technology effectively. DigiProd Pass Ltd. will steer the technical development of the DPP, while Digital Architect will facilitate local implementation through services such as Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and data integration. This collaborative effort underscores a strategic approach to evolving industry practices and broadening compliance capabilities.
Critically, as Bangladesh moves towards adopting the DPP, addressing potential data protection concerns is paramount. With the DPP requiring comprehensive data collection—including possibly sensitive information—assuring user privacy and regulatory compliance will be essential. Failure to safeguard data could jeopardise the credibility of the entire initiative and hinder the effectiveness of the DPP in fostering sustainable practices.
Ultimately, the pilot project by BGMEA not only seeks to determine the operational feasibility of the DPP system but also aims to establish a framework supporting the broader adoption of sustainability standards across the industry. As the second largest garment exporter worldwide, Bangladesh’s proactive embrace of the DPP can potentially enhance its competitive positioning in the global apparel market, preparing the industry for the imminent changes in regulatory requirements and consumer expectations.
Through this initiative, the BGMEA is reinforcing its commitment to driving the Bangladeshi garment sector towards a more sustainable and transparent future, showcasing its readiness to meet the challenges of an evolving global market.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
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