Manufacturer · Fashion Accessories
Eco clothing labels are labels where the impact of the material and the excess are reduced – for example tape made of recycled polyester or cotton, printing with less ink, fewer labels per garment and combined information. Label sustainability is not just about material: a label that stays legible throughout the life of the garment is more sustainable than a "green" label that has to be cut out or wears out quickly.
Eco clothing labels – where to start
A label is a small part of a garment, but in large collections it adds up to thousands of metres of tape. If a brand is working on a more sustainable product, its labels should follow the same logic. There are four levers you can work with:
- the tape material;
- the amount and type of ink;
- the number and size of labels;
- the durability of the label.
Tape material
| Material | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Recycled polyester | Uses existing plastic; wash-resistant | Limited choice of colours and widths |
| Organic or conventional cotton | Natural look; suits cotton garments | Less sharp print; more sensitive to washing |
| Conventional polyester or nylon | Wide choice, stable print | New synthetic raw material |
A good rule is for the label to be made of a material compatible with the garment. A cotton label on a cotton T-shirt makes sorting easier for future textile recycling, and a synthetic label in a polyester sports garment is also logical. You will find more about tape types in our textile labels.
Recycled polyester – what to know
Recycled polyester is most often produced from used PET bottles or waste from textile production. As a label tape it behaves almost like conventional polyester: it takes print well, does not shrink and withstands washing. The differences lie in availability – not every width, density and colour is offered – and in documentation. If you plan to mention the material to customers, ask the supplier for information on the origin and recycled content of the raw material. Polkom holds a GRS (Global Recycled Standard) certificate, and recycled versions are available on inquiry.
Cotton – organic or conventional
Organic cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides and fertilisers, but as a label tape it looks and behaves like ordinary cotton. It is the logical choice for brands that already use organic cotton in their garments. The same practical rules apply to cotton labels: larger type, single-colour printing and a wash test, because the cotton surface is rougher.
Less ink, fewer labels
- Single-colour printing. Every additional colour means more ink, plates or screens, and more waste during set-up.
- A thin layer. Flexo and thermal transfer printing lay down less ink than dense screen printing.
- Combining. Instead of separate labels for brand, size and composition – one label with all the information, where possible.
- A sensible size. Enough space for legible text, without unnecessary decorative margins.
Durability
A label that scratches gets cut out by the customer. A label that fades loses the care information, and the garment is washed incorrectly and wears out faster. That is why a soft, legible and durable label is part of the sustainability of the garment itself. Do not sacrifice legibility for a more "natural" look. Choose a tape and ink that withstand the actual wash programme, and test the sample before ordering for the whole collection. This way the label will last as long as the garment.
The hang tag and packaging
A large part of a garment's label material is outside it – the cardboard hang tag, the string, stickers and packaging. There are usually more options for change there: recycled or uncoated board, a smaller format, a cotton string instead of a plastic one. See our hang tags for more ideas.
How to talk about label sustainability
General claims such as "eco", "green" or "environmentally friendly" attract the attention of customers, but also of regulators. In the EU the rules against misleading environmental claims are becoming stricter, and every claim must be provable. We recommend:
- stating a specific fact – for example "label made of recycled polyester" – instead of a general "eco-friendly label";
- keeping the documents from your material suppliers;
- not using certification logos unless you have the right to do so;
- not mixing information about the label with information about the garment.
Mandatory information remains
Whatever you choose, the label must contain the fibre composition under Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011, and ISO 3758 care symbols remain the standard. A sustainable label does not mean less information, but better organised information.
A practical plan for the collection
- Review how many labels there are in a garment and which can be combined.
- Choose a tape material compatible with the main fabric.
- Simplify the design to one or two colours.
- Ask for a sample and test softness and durability.
- Document your choice so you can communicate it honestly.
How it affects the price
Some more sustainable solutions make the label more expensive – for example a special material in a small quantity. Others make it cheaper – fewer colours, fewer labels, a smaller format. Often the total labelling cost stays similar if the changes are made together. Specific figures can only be given after a request for a quote with your quantities and chosen material.
Labels from the manufacturer
Polkom is a manufacturer and wholesaler of garment accessories from Sofia with over 30 years of experience. We produce printed labels on various tapes and help you optimise the labelling of your collection. We deliver throughout the EU. If you are looking for a specific material, state it in your inquiry via our Contact page and we will check the options.
