The International Apparel Federation (IAF), the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA), and 128 other organisations are pleading with decision-makers at all levels to use technology to make labels more cost-effective and sustainable.
The letter, which was signed by the AAFA, the IAF, and other organisations, represents the garment industry and adjacent industries, stakeholders, and people striving to advance sustainability, circularity, and real solutions.
The labelling requirements result in the annual manufacturing of about 5.7 million miles (about 9.2 million km) of label tape, according to the estimations provided by the industry, which is enough to stretch twelve times around the moon.
The organisations claim that there are now digital options, including QR code labels, that can reduce the amount of content that these standards mandate the business create.
When talking about how consumers today demand “more information and less waste” when it comes to purchasing clothing and other products, AAFA President and CEO Steve Lamar emphasises the limitless options the internet world has to offer.
IAF secretary general, Matthijs Crietee, says, “It is crystal clear we need to progress to digital labelling for apparel and footwear. “
