Europe’s plan to require digital product passports for clothing is set to bring new clarity to how garments are made, and the move could touch Bangladesh’s big export industry. The passports let shoppers scan QR codes or tags to see what a garment contains and how much energy, water and chemicals were used in its making, so claims about being green can be checked. Suppliers will upload facts about materials, payroll and certificates and add batch details as goods move from fields and mills to factories and finishers. Independent checks from trusted groups or labs are meant to stop greenwashing and make sure the passport data is real. Some Bangladeshi manufacturers and tech firms have started small pilots that record key data on secure ledgers and then create QR codes for each batch. These trials aim to give factories control of their data while meeting buyers’ demands for proof. Still, many smaller makers face a clear challenge because they must update computers, buy new systems and train staff to collect and report fresh information. Trade groups, brands and tech partners say the change will need real support, including joint training, shared testing labs and help to fund early upgrades so small factories are not left behind. One promising path is step by step pilots that teach good practice and let firms learn before they roll out new systems widely. Some platforms use blockchain style ledgers to make records hard to change, while others link simple sensors and digital forms so workers can report data easily on a phone. Industry groups have begun partnering with technology firms to run these pilots and to train local teams on how to manage the new systems. Leaders note that smaller producers make up a large share of the roughly 3,320 export-oriented apparel factories in the country, so broad support is needed for success. If brands, government and development partners provide clear incentives and fair rules, the passport system could raise buyer trust, reduce false green claims and open new markets for honest suppliers. Shoppers will gain clear facts, suppliers who meet standards will win business more easily, and workers may benefit from steadier orders and improved factory practices. With careful help and shared tools, the digital passport idea could help Bangladesh keep its place as a trusted supplier while also encouraging cleaner production and fairer claims across the whole industry. Several industry groups including BGMEA have joined with start-ups such as DigiProdPass and international teams like Aware to scale pilots, share knowledge and prepare training. Early adopters hope that proof of sustainability will attract higher value orders and term contracts, which can help factories invest in cleaner technology and create more skilled jobs locally.
