Ecolabelling as a Confirmation of the Application of Sustainable Materials in Textiles
General problems of the fibre and textile industries
Author:
- Targosz-Wrona Elżbieta
Institute of Textile Engineering and Polymer Materials, University of Bielsko-Biala, Bielsko-Biała, Poland
 Full text | Abstract: The sustainable development idea has been -and still is-the principle activity of those who are aware of the importance of environmental protection. Realisation of this idea takes place, for example, by use of sustainable materials. They have a special meaning most of all in textiles because ecologically-friendly characteristics are usually the first to be mentioned as having a direct impact on the human body, (human-ecology) for example, not causing an allergy, non-carcinogenic, non-toxic etc. One of the forms of giving information about sustainable materials is the use of ecolabelling: making distinctions of products by means of given trade marks (eco-labels), which are an important marketing tool on today’s more and more environmentally aware, boundary-less market. This paper presents popular ecolabels used in different countries all over the world. Examples of the criteria which must be fulfilled to claim that the textile was made from sustainable materials are presented. The requirements given by different institutions which have the right to grant eco-labels are compared. The level of understanding amongst Polish consumers with respect to information about sustainable materials from eco-labels for textiles was surveyed. |
Tags: sustainable materials, ecolabelling, eco-criteria
Citation: Targosz-Wrona E.; Ecolabelling as a Confirmation of the Application of Sustainable Aterials in Textiles FIBRES & TEXTILES in Eastern Europe 2009, Vol. 17, No. 4 (75) pp. 21-25.