Thesis poster blog. Presented by Shafin Afrid & Arafat Saleheen

Picture a world where you're part of a group of organic farmers who want to make sure your fruits are truly organic, and you want everyone to know it. To achieve this, you decide to employ a sophisticated technology called blockchain to meticulously track your organic fruit's journey, from its inception on the farm to the moment it reaches consumers' tables. 

Here's how it works: Every time you pick a batch of fruits, you write down important details like the harvest date, location, and the specific farming methods utilized. This data is then securely stored on a blockchain, a digital ledger that's like a highly fortified vault for information. This ledger ensures that nobody can tamper with the data, providing an unbreakable record of each batch.

The magic happens in how this information is linked together. Each set of data is called a “Block” and is defined with a unique code called “Hash”. Now, let's focus on the chain aspect. The hash of the previous block is included in the current block, forming a chain of transactions. This allows everyone to follow the chronological history of the organic fruits' journey.

As these organic fruits make their way through the supply chain, more information is continually added to the blockchain. This might encompass details about their transportation, storage conditions, and any certifications they've acquired during the journey. Every single step is meticulously recorded as a new link in the chain, and it remains incredibly secure.

For the end consumer, it's wonderfully simple. When they purchase these organic fruits, all they need to do is scan a code on the packaging, such as a barcode or QR code. This grants them access to the blockchain data, offering a comprehensive history of the fruits, including their origin, cultivation practices, and the entire journey they underwent before landing on their plate. With the blockchain-based system in place, consumers have confidence in the authenticity and quality of the organic fruits they purchase. They can trust that the information provided is not changed by anyone from the future stakeholder in the supply chain, as any attempt to tamper with the data would be immediately stopped due to the blockchain's immutable nature.

This example demonstrates how blockchain technology can be used to enhance immutability, transparency, and trust. The concept holds immense potential for the textile industry, although it's currently underutilized. That is because it is not without its challenges. Companies often hesitate to share certain information, and there's a lack of interoperability between different blockchain systems, making collaboration difficult. On top of that, concerns about security, the costs involved, lack of incentives, and government regulations also present obstacles. Because of these reasons, the scalability of the blockchain implementation in the complex supply chain of textiles has become quite difficult. 

EU legislation has proposed to mandatorily include a Digital Product Passport (DPP) with all textiles sold in Europe by 2030. This DPP acts like an electronic record for each item of clothing. It's designed to make it easier for everyone involved in the clothing industry, from manufacturers to consumers, to share and access important information about each piece of clothing.

However, for this idea to work smoothly alongside blockchain technology, we need to first address the intricate challenges within the clothing industry. It's a bit like solving a complex puzzle before we can fully benefit from these innovations.