This study investigates the tension between the communicative necessity of physical fashion labels and their environmental impact. Although essential for regulatory compliance, brand identity, and consumer care, labels contribute significantly to global textile waste and hinder recycling efforts due to their synthetic compositions.
Through a qualitative case study of Patagonia, the analysis explores how even sustainability-focused brands struggle to balance the need for transparency with waste reduction goals. The study evaluates innovative strategies, including Digital Product Passports, blockchain integration, and minimalist design, to mitigate ecological harm. It proposes a collaborative framework for brands, regulators, and consumers to transition toward digital-hybrid systems. Ultimately, the study concludes that transforming labels from static waste into smart, circular interfaces is vital for the fashion industry to meet its environmental commitments and reduce its global carbon and wastewater footprint.
