National Institute of Fashion Technology

Apparel Quality Management I

Mid term submission by
SRAYOSHI DATTA

What is a care label?

Care symbols provide all the information required for washing, bleaching, ironing, dry
cleaning, and tumble drying; care labels advise on the best ways to clean textile items.

Importance of care label instructions :

1.Care labels help to preserve the quality of the garment by providing information on
how to clean, dry and iron the garment. It helps consumers to preserve its quality and
prolong the lifespan of the garment.
2. Following care labels prevent damage, shrinkage and fading that keep the garment
looking new for longer periods.
3. Care labels protect consumers from false advertising and misleading claims. It
provides accurate information about the garment care requirements which help
consumers to make decisions while purchasing the product.
4. Care labels also promote sustainable practices by encouraging consumers to care
for their garments properly and reduce the amount of energy and water used in
washing and drying.
5. Good and informative care labels can enhance a brands reputation by
demonstrating a commitment to quality and consumer satisfaction. It should be easy to
understand and help to build trust with the customers.

Care labels are crucial to the apparel industry. The care label's instructions are little
fixes for large problems. It serves as a means of conveying fundamental details about
the fabric's composition and maintenance guidelines. It gives the consumer
instructions on how to take care of their clothing and what washing method works best
for that specific type of fabric. The care instructions found on the labels assist the
wearer in preserving the garment's fit and look over time.
From the seller point of view, any damage to the garment from wrong washing
procedures can lead to complaints or worse, the client might return the items and a
poor image for the firm. A precise and well-written care label helps avert unhappy
customers.

About international association for textile care labelling GINETEX :

GINETEX has established a comprehensive set of standards that govern textile care
labelling. These standards ensure consistency, clarity, and reliability in care
information provided to consumers. Key elements of GINETEX standards include:

● Care Symbols: The iconic care symbols developed by GINETEX are widely
recognized and understood by consumers globally. These symbols represent
various care instructions, such as washing, drying, ironing, bleaching, and dry
cleaning.
● Labelling Guidelines: GINETEX provides detailed guidelines on how care
information should be presented on garment labels. This includes specifications
for symbol placement, font size, and language.
● Labelling Requirements: GINETEX outlines mandatory labelling
requirements for different types of textiles, ens

GINETEX, the International Association for Textile Care Labelling, has devised an
internationally applicable care labelling system for textiles based on
symbols.GINETEX, the International Association for Textile Care Labelling, was first
founded in Paris in 1963 following several international Symposiums for Textile Care
Labelling at the end of the 1950’s. GINETEX has devised an internationally
applicable care labelling system for textiles based on symbols. The pictograms used
are registered trademarks and are the GINETEX property. The care labelling system
gives consumers and textile companies the correct information on the care treatment
of textile products. The processes indicated by the symbols will avoid any irreversible
damage to the product. GINETEX is composed of 22 national organisation members.
These organisations represent all interested parties concerned with textile care and
labelling.The 5 main care symbols are an international trademark owned by
GINETEX and are registered with the World Intellectual Property Organisation
(WIPO). GINETEX has cooperated with the International Standards Organisation
(lSO) and allows ISO to use its care labelling system to help ensure those care
symbols have a global reach. The IS0 3758:2012 standard - “Textiles – Care labelling
code using symbols” informs textile and apparel manufacturers, suppliers and
retailers all over the world about care labelling symbols and the appropriate related
tests for materials and clothing to avoid causing any irreversible damage during
washing, bleaching, drying, ironing and professional care.
Key Goals of GINETEX:

Standardisation: To guarantee that customers can comprehend and interpret care

symbols with ease, GINETEX creates and upholds worldwide standards for textile
care labelling.
Consumer Education: In order to provide customers the power to make wise decisions
and prolong the life of their clothing, the group advocates for consumer education on
textile care.
Industry Collaboration: To guarantee that care labelling procedures are in line with
global standards, GINETEX promotes collaboration between textile producers,
merchants, and care service providers.

GINETEX works closely with various member associations around the world, which
represent the interests of their respective industries and regions. These member
associations play a crucial role in promoting GINETEX standards and ensuring their
implementation at the national level. Some prominent member associations include:

● Association of Textile Care Professionals (ATCP): The ATCP represents

textile care professionals in the United States and Canada.
 ● European Textile Care Association (ETCA): The ETCA represents textile care
professionals in Europe.
● Textile Care Association of Japan (TCAJ): The TCAJ represents textile care
professionals in Japan.
● Australian Textile Care Association (ATCA): The ATCA represents textile
care professionals in Australia.
● Textile Association of India (TAI): Represents the textile industry in India.
● Brazilian Textile Industry Association (ABIT): Represents the textile industry
in Brazil.
● Chinese Textile Industry Association (CTIA): Represents the textile industry in
China.
● South African Textile and Clothing Industry Organisation (SATC): Represents
the textile and clothing industry in South Africa.

GINETEX Standards and Initiatives

● GINETEX Initiatives and Standards

● In addition to care symbols and labelling regulations, GINETEX has taken part
in a number of projects to address new issues and advance sustainable textile
care practices. Among the noteworthy instances are:
● Guidelines for sustainable textile care have been published by GINETEX, with
an emphasis on the use of eco-friendly cleaning solutions, water conservation,
and energy efficiency.
● Digital Care Labelling: GINETEX has looked at the possibility of offering
customers more interactive and thorough care information through digital care
labelling.
● Global Textile Care Day: Started by GINETEX, the event aims to promote
sustainable practices and increase public awareness of the significance of
appropriate textile care.

These member associations work closely with GINETEX to develop and promote
standards, provide training and education, and advocate for the textile care industry.
By collaborating with these associations, GINETEX can ensure that its standards are
widely adopted and implemented around the world.

Defining Eco-caring labelling system :

Eco-labeling, also known as eco-care labelling systems, is a voluntary way to certify
and mark a product's environmental performance. Products in a certain category that
are better for the environment are designated with eco-labels.
The main purpose of the eco-label is to stimulate consumers to buy environmentally-
sound products and, in turn, to stimulate producers to produce in an environmentally
friendly manner. Labels allow consumers to make comparisons among products.
Consumers are also provided with the ability to reduce the environmental impacts of
their daily activities by purchasing environmentally preferable and healthy products
and by minimising adverse consequences during use and disposal. Eco-labeling has
emerged globally as a differentiating factor in retail markets for textile and apparel
purchases. It is a primary tool for marketing to well-informed and ‘green’ customers;
thus, eco-labeling has become very important to the development of a sustainable and
credible textile industry.

Materials: Organic Cotton: This mark certifies that no synthetic fertilisers or

pesticides were used during the cotton's growth for the clothing.

Recycled Fabrics: This label lets you know that the clothing is made from recycled
materials, such cotton or polyester.

Tencel: Wood pulp, a renewable resource, is used to make this environmentally

friendly fabric.

Linen: Producing linen uses less water than producing cotton and is a natural material
that is biodegradable.

● Production Procedures:

Fair Trade: This mark guarantees that the item was made in accordance
with fair trade principles, upholding the rights of labourers and paying
them a fair salary.

Ethical Sourcing: The presence of this mark certifies that the labour and
materials used to make the item were obtained ethically.
 Low-Aggression DyeingLow-Impact Dyeing: This label indicates that
the garment was dyed using environmentally friendly methods that
minimise water pollution.

● Environmental Certifications:

GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard): This certification ensures that

the entire textile supply chain, from fibre production to manufacturing,
meets organic standards.

OEKO-TEX Standard 100: This certification guarantees that the textiles

used in the garment are free from harmful substances.

The GINETEX care labelling principles :

1. The care symbols provide information on the maximum permitted type of

treatment
2. The care symbols must always be used in full and in the prescribed sequence
3. The care labelling must be clear, readily understandable, easy to use and not
dependent on any particular language
4. The care symbols must not leave room for possible misinterpretation by the
consumer
5. Uniform positioning of labels and harmonised use of the care symbols
6. The uniform care Labelling system using symbols must take account of
consumer habits without using complex technical data
7. The appliances used for textile care purposes must ensure the best possible
implementation of the recommended care treatment
8. Adaptations which are necessary to keep up with ongoing technical and
economic developments must as far as possible be made without the use of new
symbols and additions in the framework of the existing system
 Five basic symbols are used in the International care labelling system in this
order:

The requirement & care label system of American care labelling system :

US Requirements
Requirements for the United States are quite stringent, and companies that don't
comply with these requirements may end up paying penalties. The labelling
requirements only apply when the products are sold to the consumers.
In the US, the CPB - US Customs and Border Protection and FTC - the Federal Trade
Commission are the authorities responsible for the labelling requirements and control.
An apparel product care label must have:
● Fibre content ie. (60% cotton, 40% polyester)
● Country of origin (Made in Vietnam)
Manufacturer/dealer identity
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Care Labels
English language
Extra Notes:
When importing textiles to the US, the FFA must be followed. It's a regulation for
products that are highly flammable
. • If you are producing garments for children 12 years and under, you will have to
look CPSIA up. It stands for Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act and is a set
of safety rules for children's clothing.
• Made in USA labelling is a great marketing tool for apparel brands. But in order to
use this label, the brand needs to meet specific requirements published by FTC.
According to the Federal Trade Commission’s Care Label rule, care labels may be
composed of either words or symbols. Irrespective of whether the content is words,
symbols, or both, care instructions appear in the following order:

1. Machine wash / hand wash / dry-clean

2. Washing temperature (hot / warm / cold)
3. Washing machine programme (delicate / permanent press / normal cycle)
4. Bleaching instruction (do not bleach / non-chlorine bleach / chlorine bleach)
5. Drying method (tumble dry / line dry / flat dry / drip dry)
6. Ironing (do not iron / cool iron / warm iron / hot iron)
7. Warnings

In addition to the care label instructions, manufacturers and importers must provide
labels that:

● Are permanently attached so that they can be easily seen at the point of sale. If
the product is packaged, displayed or folded so that the customers cannot find
the label, care information must also appear on the side of the package or on a
hang tag
● Remain fastened and legible during the useful life of the product
● Mention the regular care needed for the ordinary use of the product
● Warn the customer about additional factors which may harm the garment

Since December 1996, a new system using only symbols and no words has been used
in the United States of America. The revised care symbols developed by the American
Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) with their meanings are listed below.

Symbols used in the American Care Labelling System (ASTM Symbols)

European care labelling system :

REQUIREMENTS:

Textile labels are mandatory in the EU. This applies to textiles that are intended for
sale to the general public. The EU has a variety of regulations regarding the labelling
of textile products. A textile product is considered a product that contains more than
80% of textile fibres of the entire weight.
The labels must be in the native language where the garments are sold, and the labels
must be attached in a secure and durable way. There are no standards in the sizing of
labels, you as a brand choose the size you want.
Also, the following info should be included:
·
Fibre content ie. (60% cotton, 40% polyester). Only textiles that are made solely of
fibre are allowed to be labelled 100%. Non-textile parts like animal-origin materials
must be clearly stated, such as leather, fur, etc.
● Country of origin is not required - check with your specific country though!
● Washing and Care Instruction is not required but highly recommended.
Manufacturer Identification is not required.
Use the language of your target markets.
Important note:
The EU has very high requirements for the safety of textile products like children's
clothing & nightwear, workwear, and safety products. Check those specifically.
Use uniform fonts, sizes, and styles for all text on the labels.
When it comes to standard sizing, you can take a look at the EN 13402 European
standard for size labelling of clothes.

Individual committees of the European Union are reviewing existing care label
standards by collaborating with other international bodies so that they can create a
unified system under the ISO scheme.

The symbols used in Europe are trademarked by GENETEX and a trademark fee
needs to be paid to GENETEX, the trademark holder, if the garments are to be sold in
a GENETEX country.

A correct care label for European countries is required to consist of at least four and
sometimes five symbols in the following sequence: 1) Washing, 2) Bleaching, 3)
Ironing, 4) Dry-Cleaning & 5) Drying.

Washing Process

Maximum temperature 95°C Maximum temperature 40°C

Mechanical action normal Mechanical action normal
Rinsing normal Rinsing normal
Spinning normal Spinning normal

Maximum temperature 95°C Maximum temperature 40°C

Mechanical action reduced Mechanical action reduced
Rinsing at gradually decreasing Rinsing at gradually decreasing
temperature (cool down) temperature (cool down)
Spinning reduced Spinning reduced
 Maximum temperature 40°C
Mechanical action much
Maximum temperature 70°C reduced
Mechanical action normal Rinsing normal
Rinsing normal Spinning normal
Spinning normal Do not wring by hand

Maximum temperature 30°C

Maximum temperature 60°C Mechanical action much
Mechanical action normal reduced
Rinsing normal Rinsing normal
Spinning normal Spinning reduced

Maximum temperature 60°C

Mechanical action reduced Hand wash only
Rinsing at gradually decreasing Do not machine wash
temperature (cool down) Maximum temperature 40°C
Spinning reduced Handle with care

Maximum temperature 50°C

Mechanical action reduced
Rinsing at gradually decreasing Do not wash
temperature (cool down) Be cautious when treating in
Spinning reduced wet stage

Bleaching Process

Chlorine-based bleaching
allowed.
Only cold and dilute Do not use chlorine-based
solutions. bleach
Ironing Process

Iron at a maximum sole-plate

Iron at a maximum sole-plate temperature of 110°C
temperature of 200°C Steam-ironing may be risky

Do not iron
Iron at a maximum sole-plate Steaming and steam treatments
temperature of 150°C are not allowed

Dry Cleaning Process

Dry-cleaning in
trifluoro
trichloroethane,
white spirit
Dry-cleaning in (distillation
all solvents temperature
normally used for between 150°C
dry-cleaning – and 210°C, flash
this includes all point 38°C to
solvents listed for 60°C)
the symbol P, plus Normal cleansing
trichloroethylene procedures
and 1,1, 1- without
trichloroethane restrictions.
 Dry-cleaning in
the solvents listed
in the previous
Dry-cleaning in paragraph. Strict
tetrachloroethylen limitations on the
e, monofluoro addition of water
trichloromethane and / or
and all solvents mechanical action
listed for the and / or
symbol F temperature
Normal cleansing during cleaning
procedures and / or drying
without No self-service
restrictions cleaning allowed

Dry-cleaning in
the solvents listed
in the previous
paragraph. Strict
limitations on the
addition of water
and / or
mechanical action
and / or
temperature
during cleaning
and / or drying Do not dry-clean
No self-service No stain removal
cleaning allowed with solvents
 Drying Process

Tumble dry possible Do not tumble

Normal drying cycle dry

Tumble dry possible

Drying at lower temperature
setting

Japanese care labelling system :

The Japanese system, like other care labelling systems, must have symbols placed in a
specified order. Labels should be designed based on the following convention:

● Symbols should be arranged from left to right according to the following

sequence: 1) Washing, 2) Bleaching, 3) Ironing, 4) Dry-Cleaning, 5) Wringing
& 6) Drying
● For coloured products which are not usually bleached, the symbol for
possibility of chlorine bleached may be omitted
● For products which are not usually ironed, the symbols for ironing may be
omitted. (Except ‘cannot be ironed’)
● For products which can be washed with water, the symbols for dry-cleaning
may be omitted. (Except ‘cannot be dry-cleaned’)
● The symbols should be either in black or dark blue whereas the prohibition
symbols are in red and on a white background

Washing (with water)

Machine washable in Machine washable at slow water current

maximum water or gentle hand wash in maximum water
temperature of 95°C temperature of 40°C
 Machine washable in Machine washable at slow water current
maximum water or gentle hand wash in maximum water
temperature of 60°C temperature of 30°C

Machine washable in Should be washed gently by hand (not

maximum water machine washable)
temperature of 40°C Cannot be washed with water

Bleaching

Chlorine-based bleaching Do not use chlorine-based

allowed bleach

Ironing

Should be ironed at a
temperature between 180°C
– 210°C Cannot be ironed

Should be ironed at a May be ironed at 180°C – 210°C if

temperature between 140°C a cloth is placed between iron and
– 160°C garment

Should be ironed at a
temperature between 80°C –
120°C

Dry Cleaning
 Can be dry cleaned
Use solvent of perchloroethylene or of Cannot be dry
petroleum based solvent cleaned

Can be dry cleaned

Use only a petroleum based solvent

Wringing

Wring gently by hand or for a short time by Cannot be

centrifugal hydro extractor wrung

Drying

Hang dry Lay flat to dry

Hang dry in shade Lay flat to dry in shade

Note:
The international care labelling system:

The International Association for Textile CareLabelling (GINETEX) is the world

body which governs care labels since 1975.

Member nations of GINETEX are Belgium, France, Germany, England, Netherlands,

Israel, Austria, Switzerland, and Spain.

Its objectives are to:

● Inform consumers on the correct care labelling of textiles through a system of

uniform and simple care labelling symbols, independent of language
● Achieve and promote voluntary care labelling on an international basis through
the uniform symbols of GINETEX, thus avoiding the use of different systems

Canadian care labelling system :

This system was developed by the Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB) in
collaboration with industry stakeholders and was first introduced in 1979.
• In 2003 the Canadian system was updated to harmonise with the North American
Free
Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and (ISO) standards, and the colour code was
discontinued.

• The Canadian care labelling system is a voluntary program that uses symbols and
written words to indicate how to care for a garment.

• The new Canadian care symbol system used green (go ahead), amber (caution), and
red (don't try) with five symbols which were wash tub, bleach triangle, square dryer,
iron, and dry cleaning circle.
IRONING
ISO care symbol chart :