Runestone Intelligence (Norway), an AI-driven data and digital platform company, has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Bangladesh Garment Buying House Association (BGBA) to support Bangladesh’s garment sector in preparing for the European Union’s upcoming Digital Product Passport (DPP) requirements under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR).
The MoU signing ceremony was held at the BGBA office in Dhaka, attended by senior leadership and board members of the association, marking an important step toward aligning Bangladesh’s apparel industry with emerging global regulatory standards.
The agreement was digitally signed by Juwel Rana, Founder of Runestone Intelligence, from Norway, and formally executed on-site in Dhaka by Dr. Md. Rezaul Hoque Khan, Senior Partner & Tech Consultant, representing Runestone Intelligence.
On behalf of BGBA, the MoU was signed by Mr. Abdul Hamid Pintu, President of BGBA, reinforcing the association’s commitment to strengthening industry readiness and global competitiveness.
A Strategic Move for Bangladesh’s Export Industry
The European Union remains one of the largest export markets for Bangladesh’s Ready-Made Garment (RMG) sector. With the introduction of Digital Product Passports expected from 2026 onwards, textile products entering the EU market will require structured, verifiable data related to:
- Product origin and supply chain traceability
- Material composition and sustainability metrics
- Environmental impact indicators
- Lifecycle and compliance-related information
This transformation is expected to significantly reshape global supply chains, making early preparation critical for exporting countries like Bangladesh.
Driving Industry Readiness Through Technology and Collaboration
Through this collaboration, Runestone Intelligence and BGBA will work together to:
- Build awareness of EU Digital Product Passport requirements among BGBA members
- Strengthen technical and operational readiness across buying houses and manufacturers
- Enable structured product data and traceability across supply chains
- Support pilot programs for early adoption of DPP systems
- Facilitate digital transformation using AI-driven platforms
Runestone Intelligence will introduce its AI-powered Digital Product Passport platform and Supply Intelligence platform, designed to help suppliers efficiently manage compliance-related data and prepare for evolving EU requirements.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Abdul Hamid Pintu, President of BGBA, stated:
“The global apparel industry is undergoing a major transformation driven by sustainability and regulatory requirements. The Digital Product Passport will be a key factor in future trade with the European Union. This collaboration is an important initiative to prepare our members and ensure Bangladesh remains a competitive and trusted sourcing destination.”
Juwel Rana, Founder of Runestone Intelligence, added:
“Digital Product Passport is not just a regulatory requirement — it represents a shift toward data-driven and transparent supply chains. Our goal is to support BGBA members with practical tools, AI-driven platforms, and a clear pathway to readiness, enabling them to meet EU expectations efficiently.”
Unlocking New Business Opportunities
Beyond compliance, the initiative is expected to create new opportunities for BGBA members by:
- Enhancing credibility and transparency for European buyers
- Improving supplier positioning in global sourcing decisions
- Reducing future compliance costs through early adoption
- Enabling participation in data-driven supply chain ecosystems
The partnership is positioned not only as a compliance initiative but as a strategic enabler of long-term business growth and market access.
Early Adoption and Industry Engagement
As part of the collaboration, selected BGBA members will have the opportunity to participate in:
- Early-stage pilot programs
- Awareness and training sessions
- Initial onboarding into Digital Product Passport systems
These initiatives are designed to provide hands-on experience and practical understanding of how DPP requirements will impact operations.
