What role do sustainable clothing labels play in the fashion industry?

The fashion sector is an essential industry in today’s society and economy. Its influence has been growing throughout history, and goes beyond clothes: it is a reflection of the culture of a society, and at the same time of the identity of people, who use clothes to assert themselves as individuals and at the same time transmit their belonging to a certain social group.

We could say that fashion has both the capacity to reflect and shape the world. But that does not mean that it is without challenges, or that it is not subject to the changes and fluctuations that shake other sectors, such as digitalisation and increased environmental awareness.

If we focus on the latter, in recent years the fashion and retail sector has come under heavy scrutiny for being one of the most polluting sectors globally, especially what is known as ‘fast fashion‘. But, in contrast, consumers are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their purchasing decisions, and are increasingly choosing to avoid this ‘fast fashion’, to buy fewer, but better quality clothes, and to choose sustainable brands that act to reduce their environmental impact in a transparent way.

In this regard, according to Forbes magazine, while there have been few native sustainable fashion brands, the growth of sustainability departments and product lines with one type of green certification or another in major brands and fashion groups attests to the growing and becoming mainstream demand for sustainable products.

Clothing materials, including the origin of raw materials, manufacturing processes, and even the packaging materials of garment shipments are under this environmental scrutiny. Already, clothing labels are no exception: Sustainably made, they are transforming the way brands operate and consumers choose their products.

How does it mean that a clothing label is sustainable?

The main factor to take into account is the material from which the label is made. Not only should we opt for recycled, recyclable and/or natural materials, which are highly biodegradable, but we must also ensure that the origin of these materials is also environmentally friendly. The ones that are seeing the greatest adoption are:

• Recycled materials: Many sustainable labels are made from recycled materials, such as recycled polyester or recycled paper. This reduces the need for virgin resources and reduces waste.
• Organic fibres: Labels made from organic cotton, linen or bamboo are popular due to their biodegradability and lower environmental impact compared to synthetic fibres.
• Organic inks: In addition to the base materials, the inks used in labels also play an important role. Ecological, water-based or soy-based inks are less toxic and safer for the environment.

In our own garment label design process we select eco-friendly and sustainable materials, such as cotton and linen from controlled cultivation, recycled polyester from bottles and reconversion, or paper made from composites such as recycled paper, cannabis paper, grass paper, rice paper or seed paper.

We also work with new materials and techniques, such as 100% recyclable tyvek or stone paper, a synthetic paper composed of 70%-80% common limestone powder and 20%-30% polyethylene.

Of course, the manufacturing process must also be sustainable, it makes no sense to source a material with a low environmental impact and transform it through a highly polluting process. What should be taken into account?

• Energy efficiency: Factories producing sustainable labels should opt for renewable energy and energy-saving technologies wherever possible, which will significantly reduce their carbon footprint.
• Local production: Local label manufacturing reduces transport emissions and supports local economies, as well as ensuring better working conditions and fair wages.
• Waste reduction: Sustainable manufacturing processes aim to minimise waste by optimising material cuts and recycling leftovers.

Consumer impact

Garment labels are much more than just a small square of information on, for example, how to wash a garment. Today, they have become powerful marketing tools for branding, informing consumers about the origin and manufacturing process of their garments, thus promoting transparency and trust in brands.

In addition, by providing information on sustainability, these labels educate consumers about the impact of their purchases, leading to more conscious and responsible choices.

In this way, sustainable labels add value to garments, differentiating brands in an increasingly competitive marketplace and aligning their products with the values of conscious consumers, as they are a testament to a brand’s commitment to sustainability.

In short, from choosing recycled and organic materials to implementing efficient and responsible manufacturing processes, these labels are driving significant change in the fashion industry.

Moreover, they reflect a broader trend towards sustainability that extends across multiple sectors, demonstrating that every small step towards greener practices can have a significant impact on our world.

By opting for sustainably labelled products, consumers are not only making conscious fashion choices, they are also supporting a more sustainable future for all.