Blockchain-Powered Smart Labels: Increasing Consumer Engagement in Sustainable Fashion Practices

The fashion industry is increasingly criticised for its lack of transparency and unverifiable sustainability promises. This has led to an erosion of consumer trust and undermined responsible consumption. This thesis aims to design, implement and evaluate a user-centric, blockchain-based smart label system to optimise transparency and trust in sustainable fashion. As part of this study, a prototype was developed using a design science research approach that integrates a Hyperledger Fabric-based blockchain network, QR code-enabled smart labels and a user-oriented web interface. This system enables decentralised, tamper-proof documentation of sustainability-related product information that consumers can access in real time. The prototype was evaluated using the System Usability Scale (SUS) and qualitative interviews with five participants. The results show excellent user-friendliness (SUS score of 88) and demonstrate that direct access to detailed, verifiable information on the supply chain and sustainability can strengthen trust and positively influence purchasing decisions. Participants appreciated the transparency and reliability of the system and expressed a greater willingness to choose products with accessible, trustworthy sustainability information. The results demonstrate that an open, modular and user-oriented blockchain solution is technically feasible and effective in promoting trust and transparency in a sustainable fashion. The work concludes with practical recommendations for future implementations and highlights the relevance of interoperable systems in light of new regulatory frameworks such as the European Union's Digital Product Passport.