A key part of Australia’s soon-to-be operational clothing product stewardship scheme Seamless is to help inform the Federal Government on how and why regulation should be implemented.
This is according to inaugural CEO Ainsley Simpson, who highlighted that clothing is on the Minister for Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek’s product priority list.
“Regulation is there to address market failures,” she said. “Over the next year, we will have a strong evidence base as to where those market failures are occurring. And we can help inform how and what the government regulates.
"Becoming the government accredited scheme is our first signpost. Those standing tall beside us have chosen to help prepare and pave that pathway, and many will join us along the road map to both responsibility and circularity.
"But we will be relentless in advocating for a level playing field. So to all the brands clothing Australians, you will be held to account whether you are large or small, local or international."
Speaking at the operational launch event this week, Plibersek said she is pleased with the progress of Seamless so far, but said regulation is still on the table.
“I said last year that if the industry doesn't step up, I'm prepared to regulate,” Plibersek said. “I'm really very pleased with the progress that I've seen in this first year. I'm delighted with the additional organisations that have signed up to Seamless. And I'm looking with great anticipation at the ones that are on the verge of signing up.
“But of course, in areas like packaging, we're going to regulate because self-regulation hasn't worked.
“I always think that an industry taking care of its own impact on the environment is going to be better than government regulation. That option is still there. But I hope that that's not where we end up going. I hope where we end up is with Seamless taking the world by storm.”
Regarding further sign-ups from brands, Ainsley said she expects this to continue, confirming she is in talks with multiple businesses.
“In the conversations we've been having with executives from all of the responsible brands, what is clear is that they see the benefits of pooling their investment, and driving forward the key priorities for their businesses, which include things like diversifying their revenue models, creating financial efficiencies, and most importantly, also mitigating climate action,” Simpson said.
“What we're finding is that the conversation and the decision to join Seamless is not about why they will join Seamless, but rather when. Our doors remain open. And we will welcome brands to a seat at the table whenever they're ready.”
When asked about whether the levy of four cents per garment will change ahead, Simpson said the current amount is fair and a “reasonable place to start”.
“The initial levy was determined using an evidence based economic model, global benchmarking and industry-wide consultation,” Simpson said. “So four cents is a fair and reasonable place for us to start.
“The model was evolved and intended to always be shifting and changing with the progress that we're making, but that can be done with our members and the industry.”
Since being announced to market last year, Seamless has signed on more than 62 brands and businesses, with latest entrants including Carla Zampatti, Zimmermann and MJ Bale.