Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek has announced the federal government will enforce regulations around clothing and textile waste, unless national retailers unite to address the issue by June 30, 2024.
Lorna Jane, The Iconic and KMD Brands are among the early adopters funding a 12-month transitional phase for the fashion industry to address circularity under a new scheme.
The retailers will join a power lineup of fashion industry representatives at Ragtrader Live: Melbourne to discuss the new scheme, alongside proposed initiatives and ventures to onboard circularity.
Register to attend here, following a sell-out conference in 2022.
The conference schedule will also include international case studies, as well as sessions on how national retailers are approaching circularity in their businesses from recycling and re-using to trialing experimentation and technology.
The event will take place on August 29 at Zinc, Federation Square.
Ragtrader publisher Assia Benmedjdoub said the conference will inform industry professionals on requirements ahead of June 2024, alongside encouraging conversations on circularity among leading retailers.
"The team and I have worked quickly to assemble a program to educate and inspire the sector, following the Environment Minster's announcement this year," she said. "Now is the time for us to assemble and share insights as a united industry."
The initial program is featured below, with additional speakers to be announced shortly:
1.00pm Registration
1.30pm Welcome: Ragtrader Publisher, Assia Benmedjdoub
1.35pm Setting the scene: Australian Fashion Council (AFC) CEO Leila Naja Hibri
The Australian Federal Government has commenced transitioning the nation to a circular economy, with historic mandatory regulations issued this year to reduce the issue of waste in packaging. In this opening note, AFC CEO Leila Naja Hibri sets the scene for the textile and clothing industries, as calls to address the 200,000 tonnes of annual waste diverted to landfill are on the agenda.
1.45pm The path ahead: Australian Fashion Council (AFC) project manager Danielle Kent
Supported by the Australian Federal Government, a new voluntary scheme has been developed to improve the design, recovery, reuse and recycling of clothing. The Australian fashion industry has been offered a one-year window to make the program viable ahead of proposed regulation. This presentation unpacks the scheme from project manager Danielle Kent including its development, priorities and targets.
2.05pm The early adopters: Lorna Jane founder Lorna Jane Clarkson, The Iconic sustainability partner Nicole Conroy, KMD Brands head of ESG Shasta O’Loughlin
Some of Australia’s most influential fashion brands have raised their hand to fund a 12-month transitional phase for the industry. This panel session will share unparalleled insights into their involvement, priorities and critical role in leading the country's transformation towards a new economy.
2.30pm SPECIAL GUEST: To be announced
2.45pm Afternoon tea
3.15pm Global outlook: The Growth Activist CEO Rosanna Iacono
Governments and legislators across the world have commenced unleashing a raft of new regulatory proposals this year aimed at tackling fashion waste. As major markets such as the United States and Europe gear up to address the issue at pace and scale, this presentation provides Australian fashion professionals with an insight into regulation through a global lens.
3.35pm: The power of experimentation
In order to transition to circular production models, retailers need to unite economies of scale and achieve new systems, technologies and solutions for clothing waste. But that hasn’t stopped individual brands from pursuing a culture of experimentation, trialling new methods and techniques that produce garments with less impact. This panel explores these solutions, including opportunities and challenges for adopting at scale.
3.55pm A message from our partner Shopline: The Role of Unified Commerce in Sustainability
4.10pm Re-inventing the future: Decjuba head of sustainability Kate Carroll, Wittner CEO Catherine Williamson, Michael Hill head of sustainability Kerrie Hockless
As the Australian fashion industry prepares to formalise systems for re-using, re-purposing and recycling merchandise, this panel explores the current landscape for retailers on the path to diverting landfill. From footwear, accessories and apparel, leaders share their insights and initiatives across different product categories.
4.30pm Networking drinks