A new scheme will bring together fashion designers, manufacturers, retailers and charities to divert materials heading to landfill every year with support from the Federal Government.
The Australian Fashion Council will lead a consortium of fibre growers, designers, manufacturers, labels and textile waste managers to design and develop the industry-led scheme which is set to drive innovation in the fashion sector, creating new Australian jobs.
The scheme is set to receive $1 million in grant funding from the Federal Government, through the National Product Stewardship Investment Fund.
Minister for the Environment Sussan Ley said despite being the second highest consumers of clothing and textiles in the world, only seven per cent of clothing in Australia is recycled.
“Like other forms of waste, clothing releases harmful carbon emissions as it breaks down in landfill,” Ley said. “We want this scheme to better protect the environment by creating clothing in a more thoughtful manner, designing for durability, designing for less waste and choosing fibres for future recyclability.”
Australian Fashion Council Acting CEO Kellie Hush said the scheme would provide clarity on how participating parties can take action to reduce textile waste.
“We have long needed an industry-led solution that actively involves all key stakeholders, defines their responsibility and provides clear action to achieve a circular clothing economy,” Hush said.
“This Scheme is critical to creating a sustainable textile industry in Australia, and in turn will also create significant opportunities to drive innovation, better business and the creation of new jobs and skill sets for Australians.”
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