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The National Clothing Product Stewardship Scheme takes centre stage at Global Sourcing Expo
The National Clothing Product Stewardship Scheme, created by the Australian Fashion Council, is set to be showcased at the Global Sourcing Expo in Sydney from July 11-13, 2023. The scheme aims to improve the design, recovery, reuse, and recycling of clothing, with a focus on circularity by 2030.
The Global Sourcing Expo attracts exhibitors from 13 countries, many of whom prioritise sustainable production processes and materials to create high-quality and long-lasting garments. The event will feature a Global Sourcing Seminar panel led by AFC project director Danielle Kent, discussing how the stewardship scheme will provide a roadmap to circularity in Australia.
Marie Kinsella, CEO of the International Exhibition & Conference Group, who organises the event, commented on the vital need for sustainable production and sourcing practices in the fashion industry.
The impact of fast fashion on Australia’s environment and workers
The Australian Fashion Council estimates that on average, Australians purchase 56 items of clothing every year, the majority of which are made from non-sustainable materials. The country has no organised system for the collection of unwearable clothing and minimal resources for recycling textiles.
The rise of fast fashion has seen clothing waste become one of Australia’s most significant contributors to its waste problem. The AFC estimates that over 200,000 tonnes of clothing and textiles end up in landfills each year.
Fast fashion also has a severe impact on workers’ wellbeing. Brands rely on low-cost labour to produce cheap garments, exploiting workers in developing countries by paying low wages and subjecting them to unsafe working conditions.
Striving for a more sustainable future in fashion
The International Exhibition & Conference Group is committed to promoting transparency and accountability in the international sourcing supply chain. The Global Sourcing Expo will feature sustainability-focused seminars, and the event aims to encourage a more considered and sustainable approach to reduce waste.
While Australia still has a long way to go in the fight against fast fashion, industry observers have noted a shift in consumers prioritising ethically made products. The Global Sourcing Expo hopes to drive progress towards a more sustainable future for the fashion industry.
