Blockchain for Transparency: Tracking Zero-Waste Practices Across the Fashion Value Chain in Bangladesh

The country’s ready-made garment (RMG) industry is facing tremendous pressure for sustainable practices owing to rising environmental concerns and expectations from global buyers. The present study tries to see the possibility of blockchain technology in enhancing transparency, traceability and zero-waste practices throughout the clothing value chain of Bangladesh. The study uses mixed methods to examine the state of awareness, barriers to adoption, enablers and integration with the 5.0 technologies using a survey of 300 professionals from the sector and 22 interviews. The results suggest moderate levels of adoption, with large firms adopting the measure while SMEs face financial, technical and organizational constraints. The adoption of Blockchain enhances visibility of material flows along with operational efficiency, sustainability reporting, and its integration with Industry 5.0. The main enablers are sustainability requirements driven by buyers, operational benefits as well as technological partnerships. The main barriers are high costs, skill deficits, and resistance to change. This research adds to the theory of blockchain for sustainable supply chain management in an emerging economy and provides implementation recommendations for practitioners, policymakers, and international buyers. Bangladeshi RMG firms can achieve zero waste production, operational transparency, and global competitiveness through the adoption of blockchain and Industry 5.0 integration.

Blockchain Technology, Fashion Supply Chain, Transparency and Traceability, Zero-Waste Practices, Sustainability

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