Revolution in textile care: My Care Label app brings digital convenience and sustainability to Czech households
August 8, 2024 / 2:15 PM
Surveys show that up to 78% of consumers in the Czech Republic cut off the care labels on their clothes. They are depriving themselves of valuable maintenance information for their favourite pieces. But that's changing with the new My Care Label app.
"This app is the result of international consumer behaviour surveys conducted by IPSOS agency for GINETEX, the international association that developed and owns the copyright in the trademark for textile care symbols. The app is currently available to consumers in France, Italy, Germany, Spain, the UK and, as of this year, the Czech Republic," informs Ladislava Zaklová, Director of SOTEX GINETEX.
The digital label doesn't scratch or bite
Every textile product you buy in a shop must be labelled with care recommendations. However, most consumers cut the label off because it is uncomfortable to wear. It is impractical to store cut-off labels. The digital label that is available for every smart phone solves this age-old impediment. After purchasing clothing or textiles, users can add the product to the app and create a digital label with all the relevant information. Those who have downloaded the app can check the meaning of each symbol and expand their awareness of less known symbols such as bleaching or tumble drying.
The app gives advice on how to get rid of stains on your favourite clothes
The app gives advice on how to keep your favourite pieces of clothing as long as possible and still looking like new. The new app includes an extensive library of recommendations for cleaning different types of stains on textiles. Users will get exact procedures on how to get rid of stains without damaging their clothes. 33 different types of stains on 19 materials are available. "The app also provides useful hints and tips for proper care of textiles in the home, allowing users to keep their clothes in optimal condition and extend their durability," adds Ladislava Zaklová.
Proper care of textiles contributes to sustainability
Consumers are increasingly aware that extending the life of clothes not only saves money but also makes a significant contribution to environmental protection. Proper care of textile products reduces the amount of waste, water and energy consumption, thus minimising the ecological footprint.
The My Care Label app has been developed based on IPSOS agency surveys conducted in two-year cycles in seven EU countries since 2017. This tool not only facilitates wardrobe organisation but also promotes a sustainable approach to textile care.
The app is free and in Czech
The app is available for free for both platforms – iOS (Apple products) and Android. When searching for a download, you need to enter the English name My Care Label. Otherwise, the app is entirely in Czech.
About GINETEX and SOTEX GINETEX CZ
GINETEX is an international organization that developed and owns the rights to care symbols for textile products. In the recent past, GINETEX, in cooperation with its members, has created a label for environmentally friendly care called CLEVERCARE. SOTEX GINETEX CZ is a member of GINETEX, and it is through its membership that it allows Czech companies to use the care symbols and also the CLEVERCARE label. It grants members a unique license to use the care symbols on the garment label. SOTEX is the owner of the only quality mark for textiles QZ – Guaranteed Quality, which is part of the government's Czech Quality Programme. SOTEX advises Czech companies on how to label products correctly in accordance with current legislation and also to maintain the information purity of care symbols to avoid their deformation, and interruption of the information chain. SOTEX now has almost 900 member companies.
More info: www.sotex.cz and www.symbolyudrzby.cz