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.