Readiness gaps, including siloed data, limited upstream traceability, insufficient data granularity, and varying levels of technological preparedness across supply-chain tiers, are major challenges to implementing the Digital Product Passport (DPP).

Early DPP readiness can help Bangladesh build on its global leadership in LEED-certified green factories and move toward a stronger competitive position in responsible and traceable sourcing.

The findings of a DPP pilot were shared at a roundtable held Tuesday at a city hotel.

Digital Product Passport (DPP) is a mandatory EU-driven digital record containing detailed sustainability, material, and repair information for products, accessible via a unique identifier to foster a circular economy by improving transparency for consumers, businesses, and recyclers, enhancing product longevity, reuse, and recycling.

The Centre for Entrepreneurship Development (CED), BRAC University, in collaboration with MicelioData, an EU-based organization, organized the high-level roundtable discussion titled “LEED to Leading: Turning DPP Compliance into a Competitive Edge for Bangladesh’s RMG Industry”.

The discussion focused on DPP preparedness, traceability, data management, and the opportunity for Bangladesh to strengthen its position as a responsible and competitive sourcing destination in the global apparel market.

MicelioData presented the concept of a textile data space as a secure and interoperable digital ecosystem built on trust, data sovereignty, and collaboration.

GIZ further reinforced the need for a broader national data ecosystem to support DPP preparedness.

Its presentation outlined the idea of a government-hosted data exchange space, developed with relevant public and private stakeholders, to enable interoperability, reduce repeated data entry, protect data privacy, and support verification of Bangladesh-origin product data.

Together, the presentations underscored the importance of a trusted national data space in helping factories, brands, regulators, and development partners respond to emerging DPP, traceability, and due diligence requirements.

Participating factories, including Urmi Group and Epyllion Group, shared their experiences and key learnings from the DPP pilot.

Shamarkukh, Director of Urmi Group, highlighted the Group’s ongoing work on DPP preparedness, including investments in strengthening internal data management systems, enhancing team capacity, and building an organizational culture that treats data as a strategic asset.

Shah Alam, AGM of Epyllion Group, also reflected on the practical learnings from the pilot and the steps required for factories to prepare for emerging traceability and DPP-related requirements.

Speaking there, Mohammad Hasan Arif, Vice Chairman of Export Promotion Bureau, emphasized that Bangladesh’s RMG exporters are increasingly shifting from dependency on tariff benefits toward greater competitiveness, capability, and skills development.

He noted that building a DPP ecosystem would require close collaboration among government, industry, academia, solution providers, brands, and other relevant stakeholders.

He also highlighted the importance of developing trustworthy relationships with brand-buyers and importing countries so that such initiatives can gain wider acceptance and create meaningful impact.

Representatives from brands also shared their perspectives on data-driven sustainability and traceability.

Mr Himadri from Marks & Spencer emphasized that data collection alone will not create value unless stakeholders understand the significance of the data and use it to generate actionable insights for improvement.

Kazy Mohammad Iqbal Hossain from Lindex highlighted traceability challenges, particularly at the cotton and yarn stages, and stressed the need for practical approaches to address upstream supply-chain data gaps.

Industry leaders also reflected on the growing compliance burden faced by Bangladeshi suppliers.

Asif Ashraf, Managing Director of Urmi Group, reaffirmed Urmi Group’s commitment to remaining a leader in sustainability and urged brands to view Bangladeshi factories through the same lens as factories in competing sourcing countries such as China and Vietnam.

Vidiya Amrit Khan, Vice President of BGMEA, highlighted that suppliers are facing continuous pressure to lower prices while also investing heavily to comply with new regulations, certifications, and audit requirements.

Stressing the need for a unified and uniform data system, she said this could help reduce duplication, ease audit fatigue, and lessen the compliance burden on suppliers.

The roundtable concluded with a shared recognition that DPP preparedness should not be seen only as a compliance requirement, but also as a strategic opportunity for Bangladesh’s RMG industry.

By investing early in data infrastructure, traceability, skills, and collaborative governance, Bangladesh can further strengthen its global reputation as a sustainable, transparent, and future-ready sourcing hub.

Munni_fe@yahoo.com