DigiProd Pass Ltd. and Digital Architect, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today with the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) to initiate a pilot project for implementing a blockchain-enabled Digital Product Passport (DPP) system in the Bangladeshi garment industry.

The MoU signing ceremony took place at 3:00 PM at the BGMEA Complex in Uttara, Dhaka, signifying a major step forward in the industry’s commitment to transparency, sustainability, and alignment with international regulatory standards. The MoU was signed by BGMEA Administrator Anwar Hossain, Salauddin Sohag, Managing Director of DigiProd Pass Ltd., and Dr. Fahim Chowdhury, CEO of Digital Architect and Technovative Solutions Limited.

Over the 24-month pilot period, BGMEA will onboard selected garment manufacturers and coordinate data provision and integration support. DigiProd Pass Ltd. will lead the technical development and implementation of the DPP platform, while Digital Architect will act 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 assess 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 underscored by the fact that a very significant percentage (almost 60%) of Bangladesh’s garment exports are destined for the European market, making the EU the country’s single largest apparel market. As such, compliance with evolving EU standards is not optional—it is essential. The DPP is a fundamental requirement under the EU’s Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), adopted by the European Parliament in April 2024, with phased implementation beginning 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 DPP now is a strategic move to safeguard and future-proof its access to the EU market.

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

To be continued.....