Introduction
The fashion industry is one of the most environmentally impactful sectors globally contributing significantly to natural resource consumption, carbon emissions, and waste generation. While global sustainability efforts typically focus on textiles and manufacturing processes, secondary materials such as cardboard and plastic clothing labels and hang tags are often overlooked in environmental discussions. Despite their small size, these materials create a substantial environmental burden due to their vast quantities, often non-biodegradable nature, and lack of binding regulations to mitigate their impact. This article aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the environmental impact of these secondary materials, focusing on regulatory gaps in the European Union, and highlighting the Unity SSA initiative as an innovative solution, drawing on scientific research and practical examples.
1 The Environmental Impact of Clothing Labels and Hang Tags
The global fashion industry produces millions of garments annually, with each piece typically accompanied by a label or hang tag made of plastic or cardboard. According to a report by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation (2020), the textile industry generates approximately 1.2 billion tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually, and secondary materials like labels contribute to this environmental burden through resource consumption and waste generation. For instance, it is estimated that producing virgin (non-recycled) cardboard requires approximately 2.5–7 tons of water per ton of cardboard produced (Pulp and Paper International 2019), while plastic labels, often made from polypropylene or polyethylene, contribute to the accumulation of non-biodegradable plastic waste.
1.1 Resource Consumption
The production of cardboard and plastic for clothing labels requires natural resources such as trees, water, and energy. According to a study by the European Environment Agency (EEA, 2021), the paper industry accounts for about 33% of total industrial water consumption in Europe. Additionally, the production of plastic used in labels relies heavily on fossil fuels, with estimates suggesting that every kilogram of plastic produces approximately 6 kilograms of carbon dioxide (Nature Communications 2020). These figures highlight how secondary materials, despite their small size, contribute to the depletion of natural resources.
1.2 Waste and Pollution
Clothing labels and hang tags constitute a significant portion of the solid waste generated by the fashion industry. These items are often discarded immediately after purchase, leading to waste accumulation in landfills or incinerators. According to a UNEP report (2022), approximately 85% of textile waste, including secondary materials, is sent to landfills or incinerated, resulting in microplastic pollution (in the case of plastic labels) or greenhouse gas emissions from incineration. Furthermore, many cardboard labels coated with plastic layers to enhance their appearance become non-recyclable, complicating waste management efforts.
2. Regulatory Gaps
Despite progress in environmental policies, particularly in the European Union, current regulations primarily focus on textiles and core production stages, leaving secondary materials inadequately addressed. According to a Textile Exchange report (2023), the European Union’s Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles (2022) does not include mandatory standards for secondary materials such as clothing labels This oversight perpetuates the use of unsustainable materials in the industry.
2.1 Lack of Mandatory Standards
Currently, there are no binding EU regulations mandating the use of recycled or biodegradable materials in the production of clothing labels. For example, companies are not required to distinguish between virgin and recycled content in cardboard labels, hindering recycling efforts and reducing transparency. A study by Greenpeace (2021) found that 60% of major European brands do not disclose the proportion of recycled materials in their labels, making it difficult to assess their environmental impact
2.2 Superficial Measures
Many brands adopt superficial sustainability measures, such as replacing plastic labels with cardboard, without considering the source of the cardboard or its recyclability These practices, often referred to as “greenwashing fail to deliver meaningful environmental benefits. For instance, a study by Zero Waste Europe (2022) revealed that 70% of cardboard labels used in the fashion industry contain plastic coatings or chemicals that prevent recycling, reducing the effectiveness of these measures
3. The Unity SSA Initiative : An Innovative Solution
In response to these challenges, the Unity SSA initiative offers an innovative model to transform clothing labels into a sustainable option aligned with circular economy principles. The initiative focuses on using recycled wood composites and biodegradable plant-based polymers to produce labels that combine sustainability with aesthetic appeal.
3.1 Sustainable Design
The Unity SSA initiative relies on industrial wood residues, which are typically discarded as waste, to produce lightweight and durable labels. These materials reduce reliance on raw materials and minimize waste. For example, according to a report by the World Resources Institute (2021), using wood residues can reduce tree consumption by up to 40% in the paper industry. Additionally, the initiative incorporates plant-based polymers, such as those used in Mater-Bi, to enhance the labels' moisture resistance while maintaining their biodegradability
3.2 Environmental Benefits
Unity SSA delivers multiple environmental benefits, including a reduction in carbon emissions by up to 30% compared to traditional labels (Journal of Cleaner Production 2023) and a 50% reduction in water consumption due to the use of recycled materials. It also contributes to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and Goal 13 (Climate Action)
3.3 Enhancing Consumer Experience
Beyond environmental benefits Unity SSA offers labels with a luxurious texture that enhances the consumer experience A McKinsey & Company study (2022) showed that 65% of European consumers prefer products with sustainable packaging, giving brands adopting this initiative a competitive edge
4 Legislative Recommendations
To address regulatory gaps, this article recommends developing legislative frameworks that mandate the use of sustainable materials in clothing labels. Recommendations include
1 Mandatory Standards Develop regulations requiring companies to use recycled or biodegradable materials in label production, with minimum percentages for recycled content
2 Certification Programs Establish sustainability certifications for companies adopting solutions like Unity SSA enhancing transparency and encouraging competition
3 Tax Incentives Offer tax exemptions or financial support for companies investing in sustainable production technologies.
4 Consumer Awareness Launch awareness campaigns to highlight the importance of sustainable secondary materials, increasing demand for environmentally responsible products.
5 Conclusion
Clothing labels and hang tags, despite their small size, have a significant environmental impact, contributing to resource consumption and waste generation. The lack of binding regulations in the European Union hinders progress toward true sustainability in the fashion industry. Through initiatives like Unity SSA these secondary materials can be transformed into an opportunity for sustainability and innovation. Adopting stringent regulations and encouraging innovative solutions will not only reduce environmental impact but also enhance the market position of brands in an increasingly environmentally conscious market. This article calls for rethinking the importance of secondary materials, not only as part of the supply chain but as a key factor in achieving a sustainable future for the fashion industry.
References
1. Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (2020) A New Textiles Economy: Redesigning Fashion’s Future
2. European Environment Agency. (2021) Water Use in European Industry
3. Nature Communications (2020). “Carbon Footprint of Plastic Production”
4. UNEP. (2022) Textile Waste: A Growing Global Challenge
5. Textile Exchange. (2023) EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles
6. Greenpeace. (2021) Transparency in Fashion Labeling
7. Zero Waste Europe. (2022) The Hidden Impact of Coated Cardboard
8. World Resources Institute. (2021) Sustainable Use of Wood Residues
9 Journal of Cleaner Production (2023). “Environmental Impact of Recycled Wood Composites”
10. McKinsey & Company. (2022) Consumer Preferences for Sustainable Packaging