We've Joined the Movement: Australia's First Stewardship Scheme for Clothing
Launched in 2024, Seamless is Australia's first clothing stewardship scheme dedicated to creating a circular clothing industry by 2030 and Twill & Tee are proud to be a member. This pioneering initiative recognises that fashion and clothing brands are responsible for the entire lifecycle of their garments, from design to recycling or sustainable disposal. By promoting responsible stewardship across the clothing lifecycle, Seamless aims to transform how Australians choose, enjoy, and recycle clothing.
As a small business, we understand the significant role we play in fostering a sustainable future. By joining Seamless, we are able to actively contribute to the lifecycle of every garment we produce, that being small compared to many larger manufacturers and with a focus on a pre-order model and trying to better estimate production prior to manufacturing, we believe we are still responsible for what we do produce. This decision underscores our commitment to sustainability, regardless of our size. Small businesses like ours have the potential to make a substantial impact driving positive change through collaborative efforts.
By supporting initiatives that emphasise the collection, sorting and recycling of textiles, we are actively working to reduce textile waste and conserve natural resources. This collective endeavour ensures that everyone, irrespective of their size, can participate in creating a more sustainable fashion industry. Through Seamless, we are not just participants but active contributors to a movement that prioritises environmental responsibility and innovation in fashion.
How Does Seamless Transform the Clothing Lifecycle
Seamless is not just about recycling; it’s about rethinking the entire clothing lifecycle. From the design phase, where sustainable materials and processes are prioritised, to the end-of-life phase, where garments are reused, reprocessed, or responsibly disposed of, Seamless is revolutionising how we approach fashion.
By contributing 4 cents for every garment we produce, we support research and initiatives that drive circular business models. These efforts help create a system where clothes are designed for longevity, reused in various forms, and ultimately recycled, reducing the environmental impact of the fashion industry.
Membership Contributions Can Drive Industry-Wide Change
According to new research insights and benchmarking data from Seamless, Australians are shopping for more second hand clothes, but in 2023 we each bought 53 new items of clothing on average and 222,000 tonnes of clothing was sent to Australian landfill, reinforcing the need for systemic change.
If 60% of Australian clothing manufacturers and retailers sign up for Seamless, a funding pool of $36 million could be raised annually, driving significant industry-wide changes. These funds would support activities that divert 60% of end-of-life clothing from landfill by 2027.
By participating in Seamless, we are not only supporting our own sustainability goals but also contributing to a collective movement that aims to reshape the fashion industry in Australia. This collaborative effort highlights the power of community and shared responsibility in driving meaningful change.
Join me in supporting a circular clothing economy by supporting businesses who support a greener future. You can also tune in to the Seamless Leadership Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Amazon Music or visit Seamless Australia for more information.
