UKFT held a seminar at its head office in London last week to provide the fashion and textile industry with an update into the regulations around care labelling and the impact of the various garment cleaning processes available.

UKFT is the UK representative of GINETEX, the organisation that owns access to all garment care labelling symbols used in more than 90 countries around the world.

The event was attended by technical managers, garment technologists, design and development directors, production directors and fabric technologists from fashion brands and retailers, as well as by label suppliers and garment care specialists.

The seminar covered why care labels are used, what they mean and consumers’ perception of care labelling (both in the UK and overseas). It offered guidance on environmental implications including the new GINETEX Clevercare symbol, as well as exporting and using the GINETEX symbols around the world. Other topics of discussion included legal requirements, fibre content, country of origin, importer names, flammability and future revisions to standards, as well as the implications of the UK’s exit from the European Union.

Adrian Redgate, owner of National Drycleaners, was also present to help garment producers understand the impact of the various cleaning processes available, including dry cleaning and the lesser-known but increasingly common wet cleaning process. He dispelled common myths around what happens during the cleaning process and gave practical advice on how to avoid issues.

UKFT assumed responsibility for the dry cleaning and domestic laundry industry from its federated member Textile Services Association (TSA) last year. One of its key objectives is to foster stronger links between garment producers and aftercare specialists.

The GINETEX Symbols

The GINETEX symbols are protected by trademarks in over 90 countries throughout the world including the UK. There is a fee to use them in many European countries. Membership of UKFT can also give you the right to use the symbols throughout the world without any further charges.

Although many countries use the GINETEX system there are some notable exceptions including the USA, South Korea and Australia. Members of UKFT should contact the office to receive market specific advice.

For more information, please contact info@ukft.org.