Digital Passports: A New Era in European Fashion Transparency

From 2027, clothes imported to Europe may require digital passports verifying their environmental impact. These passports aim to prevent misleading green claims, known as greenwashing. While promoting sustainability and transparency in the fashion industry, smaller manufacturers face challenges in adapting to these new standards.

In a move set to transform the fashion industry, clothes destined for European markets may soon require digital passports from 2027. These passports aim to validate environmental claims, ushering in a new era of transparency and combating greenwashing.

Consumers will have access to digital product passports (DPPs) through QR codes, providing detailed insights into a garment's environmental impact, from raw materials to finished products. This initiative presents a significant challenge for smaller manufacturers, especially in Bangladesh, the world's second-largest apparel exporter.

Industry experts say that ensuring authentic data is paramount to preventing greenwashing. Some Bangladeshi suppliers have already begun collaborating with tech companies, using blockchain technology to record and verify the manufacturing process data. Efforts are also underway to support smaller producers in upgrading their tech capabilities to meet the new requirements.

(With inputs from agencies.)