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.
• An overview on eco labels can be found in the Eco Label Index.

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.