Labelling requirements have not been updated since the 1960s. Credit: hlphoto via Shutterstock.

The Secondary Materials and Recycled Textiles Association (SMART) has joined the call for the modernisation of labelling on clothing, promoted online as #CutTheTape.

According to the organisation, the annual production of label tape produces approximately 5.7mn miles (about 9.2m km) of tape. This is reportedly long enough to stretch from the earth to the moon and back twelve times.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

Additionally, labelling requirements have not been updated since the 1960s. Industry organisations feel that the current outdated requirements are inconsistent and hinder efforts to trace the origins of materials to be more sustainable and support a circular economy.

These label requirements include care instructions/symbols, fibre content, importer requirements, and the origin of textiles, garments, footwear, and related accessories.

What solution is being proposed for clothing labelling?

130 international recycling, fashion, and footwear organisations are proposing digital technology solutions – such as QR code labels – to reduce labelling waste and eliminate at least 343,000 MT of emissions from industry supply chains while providing consumers with more detailed and accurate product information.

The data would also aid in the garment’s lifecycle by providing details about resale, repair, rental, upcycling, or recycling.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The organisations have addressed this issue to the United States Federal Trade Commission, requesting the use of digital means to standardise global labelling requirements.

SMART president Steve Rees commented: “Greener e-labelling clears the way for transparency and accountability in the global textile recycling space.

QR codes will empower consumers by providing more accessible information and key data that can strategically extend a garment’s or item’s lifecycle as it moves through the resilient reuse and recycle distribution chain.”

QR codes are already heavily used in smart packaging across consumer packaged goods industries.