In our second month of operations, we continue to be inspired by the industry leaders and changemakers who are proving that just because "that's how we've always done it" doesn't mean it has to be that way.
We’ve welcomed over 250 members and supporters, progressed scoping and consultations with State and Federal Government and our first benchmarking activities are underway.
Welcome to over 250 members and supporters
Over 70 responsible brands and retailers have now joined Seamless as members, with Country Road recently announced. There has been a groundswell of engagement with more than 180 industry stakeholders signed on as supporters including reuse and recycling operators, academic institutions, government agencies, consultants and technology providers. We’ve been thrilled to build connections through our member and supporter induction sessions, which introduce the Seamless priorities and upcoming activities as part of the work plan. A huge thanks to those who have taken part – your support and collaboration is invaluable.
The first annual reporting cycle is nearly complete, with members reporting on the garments they placed on the Australian market in the last financial year ending June 2023. This data determines the contribution paid by members, including the first quarterly levy payments. These funds will be invested to drive initiatives across the four priority areas of circular design, circular business models, closing the loop including recycling and reuse, and citizen behaviour change.
Government collaboration and accreditation
This month, we participated in the State and Territories Waste Chairs and CEOs Forum in Canberra. Seamless CEO, Ainsley Simpson shared the scheme imperatives and priorities. Our team also attended the Parliamentary Friends of Waste and Recycling reception hosted by co-conveners Libby Coker MP and Bridget Archer. The cross party support for national circularity was evident throughout the presentations, including a short address by Minister Tanya Plibersek along with Senator Jonathan Duniam and Senator Peter Whish-Wilson.
Next month, we’ll be convening the first Seamless government working group; with the NSW Environment Protection Authority stepping up to convene the first two years. This working group will drive collaboration and co-ordination across state and national government policy, programs and infrastructure investment to achieve clothing circularity by 2030.
We progressed our application to become an Australian Government accredited product stewardship scheme, as a first step on the journey towards government regulation.
Benchmarking and work planning
Seamless work planning is underway to achieve our four priority areas. Seamless members are completing an annual survey to provide benchmarking data along with an in depth understanding of their challenges, capabilities and expertise. This data, along with the insights from next month’s supporter survey and circularly action plan workshops with tier one and two members, will inform and refine the Seamless work plan.
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