YARN FUNDAMENTALS: Washing, drying, steaming, treatments
Washing, drying and steaming
• Use low-impact, biodegradable detergents and certified eco-finishes.
• Verify that Water- and energy-efficient machines are used.
• Make sure there is a water waste treatment plan and follow up.
• Encourage the use of renewable energy.
Treatments
• Look for eco-friendly alternatives
• Avoid coatings, laminations, and finishes that make fabrics unrecyclable.
YARN FUNDAMENTALS: Quality control
Quality control
• Implement regular quality checks at multiple stages
• Anticipate and fix issues as soon as possible
• Define critical defects
• Have a final inspections before packaging
YARN FUNDAMENTALS: Labelling
Make end-of-life clear to the consumer
Care Labels / QR Codes:
• Replace traditional labels with digital care labels (QR codes/NFC chips)
• Give disposal/recycling instructions specific to the garment
• Include clear instructions:
“This product is 100% recyclable through X program.”
Transparency:
• Explain what will happen when the item is returned or recycled
(e.g., “Your sweater will be shredded and respun into new denim yarns”).
• Avoid vague “recyclable” claims
• Be specific
Digital Product Passport (DPP)
• Rollout 2027, widespread adoptation 2030
• EU regulation: all products sold in Europe
What
• Digital record for product lifecycle
• NFC chip, QR code, RFID tag
• When and where product is sold
• Repairs / replacements
• Ownership changes
Updates
• European Commission's website
• (https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/14382-Digital-product-passport-rules-for-service-providers_en)
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
• Anticipate laws (already rolling out in the EU) requiring brands to take responsibility for textile waste.
YARN FUNDAMENTALS: Packaging
Packaging
• Use sustainable and recycled/ recyclable/ compostable package
• Reduce material use
• Source materials locally
• make sure that the method to recycle is mentioned on the polybag
