CARE LABELLING
BASIC PRINCIPLES OF CARE LABELLING
Initially a protected trademark, fully recognized by the ISO 3758 standard
The five care symbols are protected trademarks in most countries. They may not be reproduced, issued or used without a special license agreement with GINETEX, co-owner of the trademarks together with COFREET. This Intellectual Property license agreement commits companies to use the symbols correctly at all times.
The GINETEX symbols are also at the origin of the EN ISO 3758 international standard.
Licensees are required to make correct use of the symbols at all times in compliance with the applicable guidelines. Unauthorized or improper use of the symbols may lead to legal action.
Commercial companies (wholesalers, importers etc.) are required to ensure the obligation of correct care labelling pursuant to the GINETEX guidelines in the orders placed with their suppliers.
When purchasing textiles, consumers should check the textile articles before buying them, and make sure that they feature the care symbols for proper care instructions.
Provide maximum information for textile care
Care label symbols provide information on the maximum permitted treatment and on the proper care of textiles. They are therefore intended for consumers as well as professionals cleaners (laundries, drycleaners).
The symbols refer to the most critical aspect of a textile article's care treatment. This includes: colouring, finishing, accessories (such as buttons, zips) and applications.
The details are a matter for the manufacturers and must be truthful.
Nonetheless, care labelling is not a guarantee of quality.
Maximum possible treatment, but can be lower…
Care performed on the basis of the information given on the label provides a guarantee that the textile product will not be damaged. However, it does not guarantee that all kinds of dirt and stains will actually be removed.
Milder treatments and lower temperatures than those indicated on the label are always permitted.
For greater clarity, the full series of symbols must be included on the labels without exception. The following sequence is applicable since 2006:
News
GINETEX NEW PRESIDENT – On November 8th 2024, Adam Mansell has been appointed as GINETEX President for a 2-year period starting January1st 2025. He is the CEO of the UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT).
ISO 3758:2023 STANDARD HAS BEEN PUBLISHED
December 6th ,2023 – ISO 3758:2023 standard has been published, Textiles – Care labelling code using symbols.
This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition (ISO 3758:2012) technically revised.
RESULTS OF THE 4th IPSOS EUROPEAN BAROMETER 2023
What are the textile care habits in Europe ?
A NEW PRESIDENT FOR GINETEX
Mr. Thomas Lange, from German Fashion Association, has been appointed President of GINETEX for 2 years starting 1 January 2023.
RESULTS OF THE 3rd IPSOS EUROPEAN BAROMETER 2021
Environmental concerns are now central to Europeans’ new textile care habits.
BREXIT: IMPACT ON TEXTILE LABELLING
Textile labelling requirements in the UK will change starting 1st January 2021. Here are the main new requirements.
THE CHARTER FOR SUSTAINABLE CLEANING
A.I.S.E. presents first products which comply with the renewed detergents industry sustainability standard and relaunched its cleanright.eu platform.
A NEW PRESIDENT FOR GINETEX
Mr. Alejandro Laquidain, from Consejo Intertextil Español, has been elected President of GINETEX for 2 years starting 1 January 2021.
CLEVERCARE.INFO - A REVAMPED WEBSITE!
Enhanced with new sections, the aim of this new website is to become the reference in textile eco-care for consumers.
RESULTS OF THE 2ND IPSOS EUROPEAN BAROMETER 2019
One of the main findings is that durability of clothing is at the heart of Europeans’ interests, who wish to keep their garments for as long as possible.
HOW TO CLEAN A FABRIC FACE MASK
In the time of Covid-19, GINETEX gives you the main recommendations on how to take care for your fabric face mask.
GINETEX SIGNS THE UN CHARTER
By signing the UN Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action, we continue our commitment to make consumers and brands aware of the changes necessary to decrease the impact of the textile and Fashion industry on the environment
SUSTAINABLE TEXTILE CARE
Clervercare.info, a full marketing program aimed at end-customers. Discover more with our video and comic strips!
A NEW PARTNERSHIP
GINETEX is now member of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition – Both of our international organizations are teaming up for a better world!
JOINT INDUSTRY ANNOUNCEMENT
A.I.S.E., APPLiA & GINETEX are publishing their joint tips for sustainable laundering.
A BAROMETER FOR CARE LABELLING
GINETEX, in partnership with IPSOS, unveils the outcomes of its European barometer "Europeans and textile care labelling".
THE EXTENDED PRODUCER RESPONSIBILITY (EPR)
France: The AGEC Law imposes, from January 1st 2022, the affixing of TRIMAN signage and info-sorting on products such as clothing textiles, household linen and footwear.
National Members
Video
GINETEX has developed an internationally applicable logo for sustainable care. Consumers are given information to help them reduce the environmental impact of caring for textile.
Newsletter
Two times a year, GINETEX headquarters issue a newsletter covering textile care labelling information. Please register to be best informed.