New UKFT membership to help retailers cut labeling costs

UKFT has recently absorbed the Home Laundering Consultative Council (HLCC) into its organisation. HLCC was the UK member of an international body called GINETEX. GINETEX owns the trademark of the five basic wash care symbols that are used in garments throughout the world. Developed in the 1960’s, the symbols are designed to be understood in all countries, irrespective of language.

These care symbols (which are used on billions of garments each year) are a registered trademark protected in over 50 countries. Use of these symbols in Europe and elsewhere requires a licence fee be paid. The level of the fee varies from country to country, but it can be charged per garment, and can amount to hundreds of thousands of Euros per year.

As UKFT is the UK representative of GINETEX, UKFT can offer its members the option to use the care symbols throughout the world without incurring any further charges.

Retailers have the ability to receive these licence benefits plus a great deal more through joining the UKFT Retail Partner Programme. Any retailer that sells its own brand or label outside the UK can become a member of UKFT Retail Partner Programme, membership costs £2500 per annum and gives retailers the right to use the symbols worldwide.

The licence can cover numerous brands under one large corporation; with potentially huge savings for many large UK retailers. Further benefits of the Retail Partner Programme includes networking opportunities with UKFT’s Core and Associate Membership, involvement in UKFT’s University Outreach, Let’s Make It Here Introductions plus many more.

Annual Membership of UKFT is open to all UK-based designers, retailers, manufacturers, brands and suppliers of fashion and textiles. Membership subscriptions are on a sliding scale, according to annual turnover. The option to use the care symbols is available under UKFT’s Membership+ scheme.

Introducing access to the care symbols for not only its members but additionally for retailers, reinforces UKFT’s commitment to continuously develop the services it provides to the fashion and textile industry.

UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT)