Ragtrader can reveal the full programme for its landmark conference in Melbourne on August 29.
Register to attend here.
Lowes chief advisor Sarann Ryan, Wittner CEO Catherine Williamson and Rip Curl head of technical product Milan Thompson have been added to the half-day conference schedule.
’Race to Regulation’ will investigate the one-year deadline issued by Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek to the fashion industry to address waste or face regulation. The event will also include sessions on current international regulatory frameworks, as well as insights into circularity processes and technologies trialed by Australian retailers.
Ragtrader publisher Assia Benmedjdoub said the afternoon will open with an in-depth look around the June 30, 2024 deadline set for retailers.
”This includes insights from leading industry figureheads into current voluntary measures, as well as major retailer which are forging ahead as early adopters,” Benmedjdoub said. “This is an unmissable event for brands, retailers and suppliers to the industry. We have already seen strict mandatory measures handed down to packaging companies this year - let’s start having the important conversations early.”
The full programme is below:
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 Talking Policy: Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water branch Head of Supply Chain Initiatives Chloe Bird
The Australian Federal Government has a number of initiatives to address climate change and the environment. This fireside chat will discuss this in the context of Australia’s fashion industry.
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: Piping Hot Operations and Commercial Director Kelly Yap, Lowes Chief Advisor Sarann Ryan, Wardrobe Crisis Founder Clare Press and Rip Curl Head of Technical Product Milan Thompson
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, trialing 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, RMIT Professor Alice Payne
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