Communicating the Environmental Impact and Sustainability of Fashion: Developing New Labels for Consumer Awareness

Garment labels primarily provide information on fabric content and care instructions, offering little insight into the environmental footprint associated with the lifecycle of the product. This gap in information hinders consumers' ability to make choices that are environmentally aware. This research delves into the current framework of fashion labeling, examining the impact of regulatory policies and industry norms in this area. A thorough analysis indicates that while there are some efforts and labels that tackle environmental issues, they tend to be scattered, inconsistent, and not widely implemented. This situation creates a prime opportunity to introduce a new, comprehensive labeling strategy that not only more effectively conveys the environmental implications of clothing but also aligns with overarching sustainability objectives. The suggested labeling system is designed to close the information gap, empowering consumers to easily assess and comprehend the environmental consequences of their fashion choices. In doing so, this research suggests that such labels could encourage a shift toward more sustainable consumer habits and pressure the fast fashion sector to adopt practices that are more considerate of the environment. This introduction lays the groundwork for an in-depth investigation into the environmental ramifications of fast fashion, the present limitations of labeling, the influence of government and industry on consumer consciousness, and the capacity of innovative labeling approaches to promote a more sustainable fashion sector.