In July 2021, the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) voted to retain the US Care Labeling Rule for apparel and certain textile goods.

In July 2020, the FTC had voted to propose a repeal of the US Care Labeling Rule, which had been in effect since 1971. The rule requires manufacturers and importers of garments and some textile goods to attach a label that provides clear and accurate care instructions covering dry cleaning or washing, bleaching, drying and ironing.

The FTC’s consultation received over 200 comments, the majority of which opposed the repeal. Individuals and small business objected because consumers rely on these labels to extend the lives of their clothes. Manufacturing and cleaning businesses stated the removal of these labels would also increase the likelihood that items would be damaged in cleaning, thus exposing them to unnecessary liability.

The FTC periodically reviews the Care Labeling Rule to ensure it remains up to date with new developments and continues to provide useful information to consumers. It also considers ways to improve rule requirements to the benefit of US consumers and businesses.

SGS Softlines Services

SGS has a worldwide network of over 40 state-of-the-art laboratories specializing in testing of apparel, footwear and home textiles. Their committed team is drawn from multi-disciplinary backgrounds, allowing them to carry out a comprehensive range of physical, chemical and functional testing services for components, materials and finished products. SGS helps companies ensure quality, performance and compliance with international, industrial and regulatory standards worldwide. After all, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS’s Softlines Services. 

SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full U.S. FTC Retains Care Labelling Requirement for Apparel SafeGuardS. 

Subscribe here to receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox.

For further information contact:

Louann Spirito

Consumer and Retail — Softlines

US & Canada Softlines Business Head

Tel: +1 973 461 7919

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Website: www.sgs.com/softlines

LinkedIn: sgs-consumer-goods-&-retail

About SGS

We are SGS – the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. Our 93,000 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.

The web presence experts at MORBiZ have put together a thoughtful cheatsheet to help small business owners grow their social media following. This guide has been published on the MORBiZ website at www.morbiz.com/great-ways-to-grow-your-small-business-facebook-following. Within the guide, small business owners and social media managers will find tips and tricks to help jumpstart their audience growth on Facebook and other popular social media channels.

A few of the important topics covered include branding your new business Facebook page and ensuring that the about section is optimized for search, both on and off Facebook. In addition, the guide discusses the proper imagery for the page and how to set up your profile so it is geo-targeting the correct audience. A properly executed profile set up is a critical first step in building an online audience.

Additionally, MORBiZ recommends to establish a content calendar to allow for routine distribution of materials across your social channels. The guide further examines the type of content that should be shared on social media, such as photos, text and videos. Lastly, one will learn about engagement ideas to maximize the reach of the page and its content. One important tip is to join groups on Facebook and interact as the business. This organic approach will accelerate audience growth.

For more information, be sure to read the guide at www.morbiz.com/great-ways-to-grow-your-small-business-facebook-following. If you'd like assistance with growing your web presence, be sure to contact MORBiZ directly by calling 1-855-266-7249 or filling out the contact form at www.morbiz.com/web-contact-form. We look forward to helping you grow your business, both online and off.

About the Author MORBiZ uses the latest technology, proven techniques, quality content and in depth research to offer high value, hyper-local web presence, Internet & mobile marketing, custom mobile apps, automated reputation management solutions and free guest WiFi marketing programs.

Zambuki is pleased to announce they have released engagement widget packs to help businesses increase sales and attract more customers. This new business tool ensures increased engagement with a chat widget, all-in-one review tools, and more.

Companies need to engage their target audience to increase their visibility and conversions. As a digital marketing agency, Zambuki understands the value of quality engagement to attract new customers and keep existing customers coming back. With the engagement widget packs, companies can bundle several widgets to get the best results for their websites. Some widget options include a chat widget for better customer service, video widgets to capture and hold their attention, podcast widgets to provide valuable information, and social media feeds.

Zambuki works closely with businesses to help them find the best solutions to meet their needs and appropriately target their audience. The widget packs allow companies to purchase three widgets for their website and get a fourth at no charge, improving their engagement.

Anyone interested in learning about the engagement widget packs can find out more by visiting the Zambuki website, or by calling 1-503-536-2689.

About Zambuki: Zambuki is a digital marketing agency that provides the customized solutions businesses need to reach their target audience more effectively. They offer various digital marketing services, including website design, reputation management, social management, branding, and more. Their team works closely with businesses to help them make the best impression online.

Company: Zambuki

Address: 1850 NW Front Ave. Suite 405

City: Portland

State: OR

Zip code: 97209

Telephone number: 1-503-536-2689

The Californian city of Santa Rosa has become the latest jurisdiction to prohibit per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food ware and/or food ware accessories for dine-ins, take-outs, or in retail establishments or at city-sponsored events.

The signing of Ordinance No. ORD-2021-008 ‘Zero Waste Food Ware Ordinance’ into law means:

• Polystyrene foam (Styrofoam) can no longer be used in food service ware
• Dine-in food facilities must now:
  • Use only reusable food ware and reusable food ware accessories
  • Offer condiments in a reusable dispenser or format (pre-packaged single-use packets are banned)
• Food facilities must provide food ware accessories (items normally provided alongside prepared food) only upon request

The ordinance was signed into law on August 19, 2021 and adds a new Chapter 9-30 to the City Code. The ban will come into effect on January 1, 2022.

Definitions contained in the law include:

• ‘Food ware’ – all bowls, boxes, containers, cups, lids, plates, trays and other similar items that are used for prepared foods
• ‘Food ware accessories’ – types of item that are normally provided alongside prepared food, including but not limited to beverage trays, chopsticks, cocktail sticks, condiment containers, cup sleeves, forks, knives, napkins, plate-liners, splash sticks, spoons, stirrers, straws, toothpicks, tray-liners and wrappers

Within retail settings, this ban on BPA includes coolers, ice chests or similar containers, unless these are wholly encapsulated or encased within a more durable material so can be reused.

SGS Food Contact Materials Services

SGS’s technical experts have extensive experience of testing materials and articles in contact with food. They can ensure that your products meet the appropriate regulations for food contact materials and pave the way for compliance. SGS offers the full range of testing, including migration tests, along with expert advice on emerging regulations, compliance issues and documentation review. After all, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS’s Food Contact Materials Services. 

SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full Santa Rosa, USA, Bans PFAS in Food Ware and Food Ware Accessories in Food Facilities SafeGuardS. 

Subscribe here to receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox.

For further information contact:

Dr HingWo Tsang

Global Information and Innovation Manager

Tel: (+852) 2774 7420

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines

LinkedIn: sgs-consumer-goods-&-retail

About SGS

We are SGS – the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. Our 93,000 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.