Why consumers care about sustainability in the Fashion Industry

Learn how NFC tags help you choose eco-friendly clothes & empower brands to be transparent.

Table of Contents

Overview

Sustainable fashion offers a stylish way to minimize your environmental impact.  While traditional fashion can be wasteful and pollute our planet, sustainable options prioritize quality, eco-friendly materials, and ethical production. This article explores how NFC tags can empower both consumers and brands to embrace sustainable fashion.

Consumers are demanding more from the clothes they wear, wanting a style that doesn't cost the Earth. This is where sustainable fashion steps in, focusing on creating clothes that are kind to the planet without sacrificing affordability or that trendy look.

The fashion industry typically accounts for about 18% of global production, and there is a great deal of potential to improve this number. While the fashion industry is not immune to the effects of climate change, there are many ways in which it can reduce its environmental impact.

Why should you care about sustainable fashion?

Fast fashion may be cheap, but it comes at a huge cost to the environment. From polluting oceans with dyes to overflowing landfills with discarded clothes, the industry leaves a hefty footprint. Sustainable fashion aims to change that by focusing on:

  • Quality over quantity: Invest in well-made pieces that last, reducing waste and saving you money in the long run.
  • Eco-friendly materials: Organic cotton, recycled fabrics – these are kinder to the planet and often feel amazing to wear!
  • Ethical production: Fair wages and safe working conditions for everyone involved in making your clothes.

How can NFC tags make a difference?

NFC tags give consumers the true story behind their clothes. The information provided via NFC can include:

  • Material Breakdown: Learn exactly what your clothes are made of. For instance, organic cotton uses less water and avoids harmful pesticides compared to traditional cotton. 
  • Source Tracking: Trace the garment's journey, from the farm where the cotton was grown to the factory where it was stitched. This transparency in the supply chain shines light on ethical sourcing and fair labor practices.
  • Footprint Reduction Efforts: Dive into a brand's sustainability initiatives. Do they use eco-friendly dyes that minimize water pollution? Have they implemented water-saving technologies in their production facilities? 
  • Certifications: Some brands might display certifications they've earned for sustainable practices, like organic cotton certifications or ethical labor standards compliance.

By fostering transparency and enabling circularity programs, this information empowers both brands and consumers to make a positive impact.

For starters, brands can use NFC tags to share their sustainability story. See how they're reducing their environmental impact, from ethical sourcing to recycling programs. 

Plus, NFC tags can track a garment's journey — making it easier for brands to offer take-back programs and give clothes a second life.

On top of that, it’s a win-win for engagement. With a tap of a phone, consumers can learn care tips to make their clothes last longer, reducing waste. Brands can even offer exclusive content and rewards for eco-conscious consumers.

Example: Patagonia Repair and Resale program

They're famous for their "Worn Wear" program that encourages customers to repair and resell their Patagonia gear. With an NFC tag, Patagonia could track a jacket's life cycle. You could see how many times it's been repaired, where it was originally purchased, and even access care instructions to extend its lifespan.

Plus, the tag could connect you to Patagonia's take-back program, offering you a discount on a new item when you return your well-loved jacket for responsible recycling or refurbishment.

🔗 Read more: Sustainability at Patagonia


How can a brand start leveraging NFC tags in garments with Tappr Network?

It is pretty simple, get in touch with us, and we will lead you through 3 easy steps. We help you select and implement the appropriate NFC tags suitable for your garment. 

Afterwards, together we carefully define a mobile experience that meets your brand story and consumer expectations. 

And at last, we build and maintain the mobile experience, such that consumers are always connected with their favorite brands & products.

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