The first four Seamless working groups have been established with experts from across the clothing industry coming together to collaborate on topics including eco-modulation, aged inventory management and the scheme requirements for uniforms, as well as a standard taxonomy of terms.
Establishing a common set of clear definitions and language for the Australian clothing sector is critical for effective communication and collaboration. It creates a strong foundation for successful policy development, system design, data tracking, and industry-wide implementation of circularity initiatives.
That’s why one of the Seamless working groups is responsible for drafting a proposed Taxonomy of R-Strategies. This group is underway, and representatives are from Seamless member and supporter organisations, Carbon Positive Australia, ELK the Label, FabPatch, Good Sammy, RCYCL, ResourceCo, Rip Curl, Salvos Stores, Samsara Eco, Save the Children Op Shops, SevenC's Recycling, Textile Recyclers Australia and THE ICONIC.
The working group is drafting shared definitions of R-Strategies as well as related terms for a circular clothing economy in Australia. These R-Strategies guide how circular design and manufacturing can keep resources in use and waste out of the environment – from ‘Refuse’ and ‘Rethink’ through to ‘Recover’ and ‘Recycle’. The draft definitions will be clear and practical and will align with local and global best practice and apply across the industry supply chain.
Once the taxonomy is drafted in the coming months, it will then undergo a broader consultation process with the wider industry, other key stakeholders and government.
We’ll continue to keep you updated on insights and outcomes from the Seamless working groups in the coming months.
