Clothing sold in Europe may soon come with digital “passports” designed to verify sustainability claims, signaling a major shift toward transparency in the global fashion industry. Under emerging European Union rules, garments could carry QR codes or electronic tags allowing consumers to access detailed information about how and where items were produced.
These digital product passports would outline materials used, energy and water consumption, chemical inputs, and the various actors involved in production. Suppliers in countries such as Bangladesh — the world’s second-largest apparel exporter — may be required to adopt early versions of the system as soon as 2027.
Supporters say the initiative could help curb greenwashing by forcing brands to back up environmental claims with verified data. However, industry leaders warn that smaller manufacturers may struggle to meet the new requirements, which demand real-time data tracking and third-party verification.
To prepare, some Bangladeshi suppliers are already partnering with technology firms that use tools like blockchain to trace production steps and generate scannable product codes. Industry groups and tech providers are also launching pilot programs and training efforts to help factories adapt.
Experts say the success of the initiative will depend on support from global brands, technology partners, and governments — particularly to ensure smaller producers are not left behind as sustainability standards tighten.