Industry backs petition for digital clothing labels in US

An industry group representing the clothing sector has asked the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to allow the use of digital labelling on clothing, arguing that it would be a greener option and serve consumers better.

The petition, which was submitted to the FTC by the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) a few weeks ago, has garnered support from a number of other groups including the US Fashion Industry Association (USFIA), Ralph Lauren, Patagonia, the Italian Footwear Manufacturers Association (IFMA), the US Chamber of Commerce, and coding standards organisation GS1.

According to the AAFA, the current system of physical label is "outdated and does not adequately meet consumers’ need for easily intelligible care instructions, nor their desire for enhanced product information."

It stressed that the objective is not to do away with physical labels – one commentator warned that smaller producers may not have the resources to offer digital labelling – but "rather to allow digital labelling as an option."

More durable and less likely to be removed digital labels can provide plain language care instructions across multiple languages, including via test-to-speech, and thereby better serve consumers, according to the group.

Meanwhile, less label tape produces a smaller carbon footprint, and the proposed digital transition "enhances transparency throughout a product's lifecycle, offering insights into options like resale, repair, rental, and recycling," it contends.

Ralph Lauren said it had started using digital care labels in 2019, which involves adding a QR code onto the product label that can be scanned using a smartphone to provide information on the garment. It noted that more than 400 million Ralph Lauren products are tagged with its digital product identity (DPID) system.

"The current textile care labelling requirements have led to label creep with the proliferation of small text in multiple languages and confusing symbols displayed on large and uncomfortable tags," said the company in its comment.

"This is not only inconvenient for consumers and manufacturers but also wasteful," it added. "Allowing for digital labels, such as a QR code or URL placed on a small tag, offers a sustainable alternative to the millions of miles of labelling tape produced annually and enables consumers to access care instructions and additional product information in a more convenient and accessible format."

The comment period for the petition is now closed. If the FTC does not act on a petition within 180 days from the close of the public comment period, the petitioner may request a status update on the review, and the Commission must provide a response within 30 days.