Textiles product stewardship scheme wins support

textiles product stewardship

The Waste Management and Resource Recovery Association of Australia (WMRR) and the National Retail Association (NRA) have backed the federal government’s announcement of a $1 million grant through the National Product Stewardship Fund for clothing textiles.

Both the NRA and WMRR recognise that the design, supply, use and management of clothing textiles is a challenging issue for Australians, and one that requires tackling head-on to address challenges in order to maximise lifespan and ultimately reduce disposal.

“We have seen lots of innovation in this space with improved design to minimise waste, as well as share and hire schemes to minimise production,” the associations said. “These funds will enable a world-class initiative that can improve the design, recovery, reuse and recycling of textiles.

“The initiative will be led by the Australian Fashion Council , in consortium with Charitable Recycling AustraliaQueensland University of TechnologySustainable Resource Use and WRAP, and WMRR and NRA are grateful to be part of this stewardship scheme that will bring together the entire clothing textile supply chain.

“Textile waste is a great challenge for Australia and like all other material streams, we need to value the resources that are consumed in creating these items of clothing. We congratulate the federal government for recognising and funding this initiative.”

Earlier this month, Kellie Hush, Australian Fashion Council Acting Chief Executive Officer said the initiative 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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