Textile labeling requirements
Nowadays, there are many requirements in the industry of textiles. The information on labels is very controlled, and this is necessary to identify the composition of all textile fibers used and any non-textile parts of animal origin. In terms of textile, it’s essential to explain that it is composed of:
- Clothing
- Furniture coverings
- Mattress coverings
- Camping tents
- And more
In the European Union, textile labeling is governed by European Union law. Labels are mandatory for textiles sales to the end customers. National authorities can check the information displayed on a label at any time; some examples may include:
- Requesting customs clearance
- In distributors’ warehouse
- In wholesalers or retail outlets
Within the content, it’s imperative that the label:
- Explain regarding the composition of the fabric
- Use clear and legible text, including uniform lettering
- Contain a clear separation between information on the textile composition and product care information
According to the US FTC (Federal Trade Commission), most textile and wool products have labeling requirements. The following information must appear on the garment label:
- Fiber content
- Country of origin
- Care symbols
- Identity of the manufacturer or the company responsible for the distribution
Facing the textile label printing constraints with the thermal transfer, one of the main constraints associated with textile labeling is following all the product life cycles.
In 2016, the average clothing lifespan was 35 days. Within this time frame, clothing is washed and dried multiple times. However, this is just a small part of all the treatments that apparel becomes exposed to.
Today clothing and apparel are subject to aggressive products and treatments such as:
- Detergents
- Softeners
- Washing water
- Drying high temperature
- Ironing high temperature
- Humidity
- Dry cleaning
The label information must remain legible throughout the entire lifecycle of the clothing or apparel they are attached.
You’ll need a reliable print solution such as thermal transfer to accomplish this. This form of print technology provides advantages that allow labels to maintain resistance to many treatments that the clothing may be exposed to, offering excellent levels of resistance against abrasion, light, temperature, and solvents.
You are also provided with the freedom to print on numerous label stocks such as paper, synthetics, or textiles, along with superior print quality when it comes to the need for high resolution, sharpness, and blackness of characters, even at very high print speeds.
