Bcard

Textile Labelling Requirements (TLR)

New laws such as the Textile Labeling Requirements provide information that creates new opportunities for future repair and recycling along with the sharing understanding with all the people involved in the textile process (Stakeholders).

VET: How can you provide clear information for the person who will be repairing or recycling the garment seven years from now?

HEI: How can you design a system that allows for future changes within the system (legislation, new materials, prodution processes) that do not exist yet (futureproof)?


Textile Labelling Requirements (TLR) aim to ensure transparency in the fashion industry by providing clear and accurate information on garment composition, sourcing, and production processes. TLR can play a pivotal role in fostering sustainable and ethical practices by making the garment’s journey visible, from raw material extraction to its finished state. This transparency builds trust between brands and consumers, promoting responsible choices while complying with global regulations related to sustainability. Labels may include data on eco-friendly materials, ethical sourcing, and fair labour practices, and can be applied through traditional methods or newer technologies like QR codes, RFID, or NTC tags. TLR is not only a means to comply with laws but also a tool to align brands with future changes in production processes, material innovations, and legislation.

Case Studies

Kowtow
Kowtow, a New Zealand-based brand, focuses on transparency in its supply chain, ensuring that every step, from raw materials to finished garments, meets its sustainability standards. Their labels provide detailed information about the organic cotton they use, including where and how it’s sourced. Additionally, Kowtow ensures its labels communicate fair trade practices and the environmental impact of each product.
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ASKET
ASKET is a small Swedish clothing brand that emphasizes “radical transparency.” Their garment labels not only state the fabric composition but also provide detailed breakdowns of the production costs, environmental impact, and traceability. ASKET’s labels are designed to help consumers understand where the products come from and the journey of each material.
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Ninety Percent
Ninety Percent, a London-based sustainable fashion brand, uses its labelling system to clearly communicate the ethical and environmental considerations of its garments. Their labels include information on organic cotton sourcing, garment care to extend product life, and a unique code that allows customers to track the garment’s journey through the supply chain.
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Honest Basics
Honest Basics, a Berlin-based brand, focuses on producing eco-friendly wardrobe essentials. Their labels feature concise information about the organic cotton and recycled materials used in their products. They also ensure their labels are designed for longevity, offering garment care instructions that promote product durability and sustainability.
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Veja
Veja, a smaller footwear brand, prioritizes transparency in its labelling by detailing the sourcing of organic cotton, wild rubber, and eco-tanned leather used in their shoes. Their labels provide insights into their fair trade practices and how their supply chain minimizes environmental impact.
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References

  • Fletcher, K. (2022). The Fetishization of Transparency .

  • Bonifazi, G., et al. (2022). End-of-Life Textile Recognition in a Circular Economy Perspective: A Methodological Approach Based on Near Infrared Spectroscopy. Sustainability, 14(16), 10249.

  • Bhaduri, G., & Ha-Brookshire, J. E. (2011). Do transparent business practices pay? Exploration of transparency and consumer purchase intention. Clothing and Textiles Research Journal, 29(2), 135-149.

  • Richards, H. (2021). Rethinking value: “Radical transparency” in fashion. Continuum, 35(6), 914-929.

  • Yu, D., & Zhao, P. (2022). Global Value Chain Governance of the Apparel Design Industry under the Background of Global Sustainable Economic Development. Journal of Environmental and Public Health, 2022.