In January, I attended the Key To Shift conference in Berlin, which specifically focused on sustainable fashion and how designers, distributers and consumers could identify it and purchase or produce it. A speaker from the Organic Exchange stated that there were about 70 different ‘eco- labels’ out there meant for the retail division alone. 

Unfortunately, that figure has only increased along with the confusion about what is eco and why. With no overriding piece of legislation or body to regulate the standards for eco- production, companies take it upon themselves to create their own standards. Or, ethical organizations form them. And even publications get in on the labeling to create their own seals of approval. While this is admirable and often helpful, the main result is little consistency and a barrier to the ease of eco-fashion infiltration into the mainstream fashion realm.

What is quickly becoming the norm is a crossing over from organic food labels into fashion standards- hence the recognizable FairTrade badge on hangtags. Yet, the trouble with this is that our clothing doesn’t require (nor can it afford!) to have the same highest level of purity. 

This is a truly tricky area to navigate. What seems undeniably necessary though, is a simplification of labels into one system with varying levels of ‘eco-friendliness’ with related entry points of cost. Much more easily said than done. 

(infographic via fast company)