Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with two institutions; DigiProd Pass and Digital Architect to introduce blockchain-enabled Digital Product Passport (DPP) systems in the Bangladeshi garment industry.

This initiative marks a major step forward in the industry’s commitment to transparency, sustainability, and alignment with international regulatory standards, according to BGMEA.

The MoU was signed by Anwar Hossain, Administrator, BGMEA; Salauddin Sohag, Managing Director, DigiProd Pass and Dr Fahim Chowdhury, CEO, Digital Architect and Technovative Solutions.

The 24-month pilot project involves onboarding of selected garment manufacturers by BGMEA and coordinating data provision and integration support. The technical development and implementation of the DPP platform will be led by DigiProd Pass, while Digital Architect will serve as the local technology partner, delivering services such as Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), data collection, system deployment, training, and integration.

The pilot initiative seeks to evaluate the feasibility of designing, developing, and implementing a Digital Product Passport (DPP) - a digital tool aimed at enhancing traceability and accountability throughout the garment value chain. By capturing and sharing verified data on a product’s lifecycle, environmental footprint, and sustainability performance, the DPP is positioned to strengthen Bangladesh’s competitive edge in the global apparel market.

The urgency of this pilot project is highlighted by the fact that a very significant percentage (almost 60 per cent) of Bangladesh’s garment exports are destined for the European market, making the EU the country’s single largest apparel market. As compliance with evolving EU standards has become extremely essential, DPP is a fundamental requirement under the EU’s Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). Adopted by the European Parliament in April 2024, DPP’s phased implementation will begin in 2026. This legislation will mandate that textile and other high-impact products entering the EU market carry a digital passport containing data on sustainability, durability, and environmental impact.

For Bangladesh, which is the second-largest garment exporter globally, embracing the DPP now is a strategic move to safeguard and secure its future access to the EU market.

This pilot project’s core objectives include evaluating the technical and operational viability of the DPP system, fostering transparency and traceability in garment production, supporting compliance with sustainability and regulatory standards, and training relevant stakeholders while assessing the system’s potential for broader industry-wide adoption.