Labelling

What?

Formal information provided by labelling systems. Labelling can inform on aspects such as material composition, production and maintenance.

Why?

Labelling can represent a guaranty from the user perspective and provide guidelines for the users.

Challenges

• The current labelling ‘jungle’ creates information fatigue.
• Users do not always read the labels.
• Labelling can be costly – especially if the included information is standardised.

Examples

In the European Union, there is a regulation, Regulation 1007/2011, on which information that should be included on labels for textiles and clothing (https://ec.europa.eu/growth/sectors/fashion/textiles-clothing/legislation_en).

An overview on eco labels can be found in the Eco Label Index (www.ecolabelindex.com/ecolabels).

Further Reading

Aspers (2008). Labelling fashion markets. International Journal of Consumer Studies 32, pp. 633–638.

Hyllegard et al. (2012). Socially Responsible Labeling: The Impact of Hang Tags on Consumers’ Attitudes and Patronage Intentions Toward an Apparel Brand. Clothing and Textiles Research Journal 30, pp. 51–66.

Krüger et al. (2013). Guidelines II – A Handbook on Sustainability in Fashion. Copenhagen School of Design and Technology, pp. 136-141.