The Bangladeshi ready-made garment (RMG) exporters have asked their government to amend national regulations to allow the adoption of fully digital labeling. Digital labeling would also enable the industry to better protect intellectual property rights (IPR).
The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association has joined a global alliance that urges governments around the world to modernize domestic fashion labeling requirements and support the use of more sustainable digital labels.
Experts say digital labeling will play an effective role in controlling the manufacturing of counterfeit products since every input of the finished goods is expected to come under digital labelling where all parties in the supply chain will be identifiable. This initiative will ensure better governance in the global fashion supply chain.
By joining this alliance the BGMEA has aligned itself with its sustainability vision of 2030 which promotes sustainability, circularity and transparency in the global fashion supply chain.
According to the media release by BGMEA, the rationale of digital labelling is multi-pronged. Firstly, digital labelling would significantly cut labelling waste and help in decarbonization efforts. It is estimated that around 343,000 MT of carbon dioxide is emitted from labelling waste, which can be eliminated from the industry supply chain. It may be noted that every year about 9.17 million kilometres of label tape is produced for the global fashion industry’s requirement which is enough to stretch between the earth and the moon twelve times each year.
Digital labelling solution would cut manufacturing cost and thus make fashion more competitive and affordable, besides it would also reduce lead time and enable consumers to access more detailed information about the products they purchase, which will ensure transparency and traceability of products.
It would increase product longevity in the circular economy resulting in the chance for resale, upcycling, or recycling.
Bangladesh RMG sector to adopt digital labelling
