Sri Lanka’s Apparel Sector Unveils New Transparency Initiative

Sri Lanka’s apparel sector has unveiled a unified QR code system for clothing labels and is designed to significantly improve visibility throughout the entire supply chain.

The Sri Lankan clothing sector by launching the code is responding to the global call for heightened transparency and sustainability in manufacturing practices.

The garment industry has collaborated with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), and the Global Language of Business (GS1) to launch the QR code.

At the heart of this initiative is the implementation of a singular QR code that encapsulates comprehensive information designed to enhance track and trace capabilities across the supply chain.

This includes critical details such as brand identity, supply chain specifics, product characteristics, materials used, care instructions, compliance data, and recycling guidelines.

The primary objective is to streamline data exchange, facilitate accurate reporting, and ensure compliance with burgeoning global sustainability regulations, especially from markets like the US, EU, and UK.

By uniting manufacturing competitors, fabric producers, brands, and retailers around a common goal, this initiative marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of complete supply chain traceability.

Stakeholders are engaging in refining prototypes and crafting strategies for the commercialisation of the QR code system.

The aim is also to bolster brand adherence and prioritize disclosures in line with the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) guidelines.

Furthermore, the industry is exploring opportunities to broaden the initiative’s impact by granting access to reliable data sources.

This is to demonstrate an unwavering commitment to advancing transparency and sustainability in garment manufacturing.