Global Sourcing Expo Seeks a Sustainable Future in a World Dominated By Fast Fashion
‘Fast’ fashion may be the single biggest threat the Australian fashion industry has faced in decades – and its impact on the environment could be devastating.
To quote British fashion designer Patrick Grant, “We have enough clothing on the planet right now to dress the next six generations of the human race”. And yet, consumers across the globe are continuing to purchase cheap and poorly-made garments at an astronomical rate as part of the constant quest to stay ‘on-trend.’
Closer to home, the Australian Fashion Council (AFC) estimates that on average, Australians purchase 56 items of clothing a year, the majority of which are made from non-sustainable materials. The issue is worsened by the fact that Australia has no organised system for the collection of unwearable clothing, and minimal resources for the recycling of clothing and textiles.
This dilemma is what led the AFC to create the National Clothing Product Stewardship Scheme, a world-class initiative that aims to improve the design, recovery, reuse and recycling of clothing.
The National Clothing Product Stewardship Scheme will be in the spotlight at the upcoming Global Sourcing Expo at the International Convention Centre in Sydney from 11-13 July 2023, where AFC Project Director, Danielle Kent, will lead a Global Sourcing Seminar panel on how the Scheme will provide a roadmap to circularity in Australia by 2030.
“As the long-time organisers of Australia’s premier international sourcing exhibition, we are all too aware of the dangers of fast fashion on both an economic and environmental level,” explains Marie Kinsella, CEO, International Exhibition & Conference Group “We are thrilled to have the AFC, alongside other fashion industry leaders, as part of the Global Sourcing Seminar speaker line-up for their ability to highlight the critical need for sustainable production and sourcing practices. We look forward to the robust conversations around this topic as we all work together to create a more sustainable future for fashion.”
Fast fashion sparks environmental and ethical concerns
As a result of Australia’s inadequate resources to aid in the recycling and clothing of textiles, clothing waste has become one of the largest contributors to the country’s waste problem. The AFC estimates that more than 200,000 tonnes of clothing and textiles end up in landfills every year.
“Fast fashion is a huge contributor to this issue, as these brands rely on cheap and low-quality materials that fall apart after a few wears and are then discarded,” says Marie. “The industry is also characterised by fast production and consumption cycles, resulting in the excessive use of natural resources, high energy consumption and pollution via microplastics.”
Unfortunately, the harmful impact of fast fashion is not limited to the environment as the industry is also notorious for exploiting cheap labour in developing countries. To continue offering clothing at an extremely low price point, brands seek out low-cost production by paying workers low wages and subjecting them to unsafe working conditions.
These workers are predominantly women and in the worst cases, children, who are forced to work for long hours as their well-being is compromised for the sake of cheap and fast production.
“In many cases, these unsafe working conditions result in human rights violations as workers are exploited and the cycle of poverty continues,” comments Marie. “That is the true cost of fast fashion.”
Part of a larger cultural problem
Marie believes that the rise of fast fashion is linked to the larger social issue of a modern ‘disposable culture.’
“More and more, we’re seeing garments being quickly discarded and replaced as part of a mindset that encourages overconsumption. While we are in no way opposed to consumers exercising their freedom to purchase what they like, we advocate for a more considered and sustainable approach to reduce waste.”
The Global Sourcing Expo attracts exhibitors from 13 countries, many of whom, like the Textile Export Promotion Council, prioritise sustainable production processes and materials to create high-quality and long-lasting garments.
“One of the biggest priorities of the 2023 Global Sourcing Expo is promoting transparency and accountability throughout the international sourcing supply chain,” says Marie. “Our exhibitors are a testament to this commitment, as is the high number of sustainability-focused seminars in our Global Sourcing Seminar program.”
And while she acknowledges that Australia still has a long way to go in the fight against fast fashion, Marie comments that the industry has observed a noticeable shift in consumers prioritising ethically-made products.
“The conscious consumerism mindset is definitely spreading, and many buyers are seeking accountability for whether or not the clothes they purchase were produced under ethical and sustainable conditions. We look forward to engaging with buyers, suppliers and industry experts in the Global Sourcing Expo in July and continuing this important conversation,” she concludes.
Ends
FOR EDITORS
About the Global Sourcing Expo Sydney 2023
Global Sourcing Expos Sydney and Melbourne provide a dedicated show platform to connect global manufacturers, producers, service providers and fashion labels with trade buyers and industry professionals from Australia, New Zealand and beyond.
The Show now includes a focus on home and gift, as well as apparel, accessories, and textiles. As one of the only shows in Australia to directly target wholesale and retail buying groups, this is an ideal opportunity to enter the Australian market.
“The Global Sourcing Expo connects the world!”
When and where for Sydney Show: Tuesday 11 – Thursday 13 July 2023, International Convention Centre, Sydney, Australia.
When and where for Melbourne Show: Tuesday 21-Thursday 23 November, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Website: https://globalsourcingexpo.com.au/
FOR EDITORS
About IEC Group Pty Ltd
International Exhibition & Conference Group Pty Ltd (IEC Group Pty Ltd) is a privately owned Australian company of key personnel with combined exhibition industry experience of over 70 years.
Enquiries about the event: Julie Holt, IEC Group. julie@iecgroup.com.au or +61 (0) 3 9596 9205
For editorial enquiries please contact:
Rene Rose
M +61 474 476 344