In today’s apparel industry—especially in the UK—sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have, it’s a must. When it comes to label materials for garments, smart brands are looking beyond mere branding and diving into the details: the threads, the paper hang tags, the inks used. By choosing eco-label materials such as recycled polyester threads (rPET), FSC-certified paper for hang tags, and low-impact or vegetable-/water-based inks, brands can deliver on both aesthetic appeal and environmental responsibility.
Here’s how you can think about it — and how to make the right choices for your label materials in the UK.
Why label materials matter
Every part of your garment speaks to customers: the fabric, the cut, the design—and yes, the label. Labels are one of the final touches before the item reaches the shopper’s hand. Ensuring that the materials used in labels reflect sustainability supports your brand story and helps avoid green-washing.
Labels made using recycled threads, responsibly-sourced papers and low-impact inks reduce waste, energy consumption and chemical use. For example, one manufacturer of woven labels made from 100% recycled polyester (rPET) shows CO₂ emissions down by 32 % and energy use by 64% compared to virgin polyester. EE Labels+1
And paper tags made from FSC-certified sources ensure forests are responsibly managed. Jointak+1
Making thoughtful material choices is therefore not just about ticking a box—it’s part of telling a cohesive eco-story for your brand.
rPET threads: recycled polyester for labels
One of the standout sustainable options for textile labels is thread made from recycled plastic bottles—rPET (recycled polyethylene terephthalate). In label manufacturing, using rPET means you’re using yarns derived from post‐consumer plastics rather than virgin fibre.
Here’s why this matters:
- Labels woven from rPET have been shown to reduce water consumption (by up to ~94%) when using dope-dyed yarns vs conventional. EE Labels
- They deliver comparable quality to virgin polyester in terms of strength and appearance. EE Labels
- For UK brands, emphasising “label made from recycled plastic bottles” provides a credible sustainability message.
If you are ordering labels (for example via your supplier) consider asking: what percentage of the thread is recycled? Are the yarns certified or traceable? What is the minimum order run? You’ll often find that a modern label-producer will offer woven labels using “NewLife” or similar yarns. EE Labels
If you’re buying from suppliers like the team behind custom labels at [Our products page of your site] (see for example your “woven labels” option) you could reference that in your copy: this supplier offers a wide choice of textile label materials including cotton and polyester. %sitename%
You can highlight: yes, they also support sustainable thread options (if applicable) or request to upgrade to rPET.
FSC-certified papers and low-impact inks for hang tags
Labels aren’t just the sewn-in piece at the neckline—they often include swing tags, cardboard tags, packaging labels. Here sustainability matters equally. Key areas to look at:
Paper / board materials
- FSC certification means materials come from responsibly managed forests. Deep King Label+1
- Recycled paper/board reduces demand for virgin pulp.
- Other innovative materials: bamboo, sugar-cane board, stone paper, etc. Some UK suppliers actively offer them. Weavabel+1
Ink & finishing choices
- Choose inks that are low-impact—soy-based or water-based inks reduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and cleaner recycling. U.K.P. Accessories+1
- Avoid plastic lamination or coatings with non-recyclable films. Instead, choose matte finishes, no laminate, minimal chemical coating.
- Consider full recyclability of the tag+ink+string combo to meet circular ambitions.
For example, a UK supplier of swing tags emphasises “eco-friendly swing tags made from recycled paper, kraft board, soy-based inks, water-based coatings”. Custom Swing Tags
For your brand visitors on your Sample page, you might encourage requesting a sample pack to test materials—just like you offer on the [Sample page of your site]. %sitename%
Putting sustainability into practice on your labels
When you decide to adopt eco-label materials, you can follow a simple framework:
- Audit your current label/hang-tag setup
- What are the materials for sewn-in labels? Are they standard polyester or can you move to rPET or organic cotton?
- What are your hang tags made from? Are they virgin board, bleached paper, conventional inks or sustainable alternatives?
- What finishes (laminate, film) are used that might hinder recyclability?
- Choose sustainable upgrades
- For sewn labels: switch to rPET thread yarns; work with your label manufacturer to offer this option.
- For hang tags: choose FSC-certified or 100 % recycled board, avoid plastic coatings, select soy/water-based inks.
- For strings/attachment: use recycled cotton, hemp, paper-string instead of polypropylene.
- Communicate transparently
- On your website and packaging: include a short line such as “Our swing tags are made from FSC-certified board and printed with vegetable-based inks.”
- In your product descriptions: link to your label supplier or “label manufacturer” section. You could say: “For more on our label materials visit our Our products page”.
- Consider writing a blog article (linking internally to your Blog page) explaining your sustainable labeling choices.
- Offer samples to test
- Just as your Sample page allows for material sampling, ensure you or your manufacturer provide sample label/hang-tag packs to test feel, durability, print clarity, wash/maintenance (for sewn-in labels), and recyclability.
- Use those samples in meetings with buyers or at events to show commitment to materials.
- Highlight benefits & brand value
- Reduced environmental footprint: less virgin plastic, less deforestation, lower chemistry load.
- Premium brand perception: brands that invest in detail often command higher value.
- Consumer trust: younger consumers in the UK increasingly seek sustainability credentials.
Why UK brands should act now
The UK market is evolving quickly. Sustainability claims are under more scrutiny and consumers expect meaningful action. By choosing eco-label materials now you’ll:
- stay ahead of regulation or retailer demands for sustainable packaging and labels,
- align with circular economy initiatives and sustainability reporting frameworks,
- differentiate your brand in a crowded fashion market.
Your company page (“About us”) for your label manufacturer emphasises precision, quality, custom runs (large or small) for textile companies or small designers. %sitename%
That means you can partner with a manufacturer who offers both standard label options as well as more sustainable ones—giving you a path to upgrade.
Internal linking suggestions
- When you reference your label manufacturing service, link to your Our products page for users to explore the full range of labels offered.
- Encourage designers/brands to request samples via your Sample page so they can physically test materials.
- For more in-depth resources about labeling trends and materials, link to the Blog page.
- To build brand trust, link to your About us page describing your mission and manufacturing process.
- Finally, provide a “Get in touch” link to your Contact page so potential clients can ask about sustainable label options.
Summary
Eco-label materials like rPET threads, FSC-certified papers and low-impact inks aren’t just green marketing—they’re strategic brand investments. By aligning your label materials with sustainable values you: enhance product presentation, reduce environmental footprint and build consumer trust. Whether you’re producing sewn-in labels or hang tags, choose materials that are traceable, low impact and recyclable. For UK brands, acting now offers competitive advantage and authenticity.