If the apparel industry gets its way, small labels with QR codes on them would replace the bulky clothing tags that offer washing instructions and other information.
Why it matters: Digital product labels — which brands like Ralph Lauren are already starting to use — could provide a lot more information to consumers, who could scan them for a library of details about the garment they’re wearing (or might buy).
The move would come at a time when the broader retail industry is transitioning to “2D” barcodes, which will unlock reams of online extras about everyday products.
Driving the news: Garment manufacturers have been lobbying Congress and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for permission to replace physical clothing tags — which must include care instructions, fiber content, country of origin, etc. — with digital labels, most likely in the form of a QR code.
Full story at Axios.