Progress Update: Seamless Completes Phase One, Achieving Key Milestones.

The National Clothing Stewardship Scheme, Seamless, is a first of its kind and aims to transform how clothing is made, used and recirculated in Australia to achieve clothing circularity by 2030.

On October 28, 2023, the Seamless Transition Advisory Group (TAG) concluded its fourth and final meeting, passing the baton to the new independent not-for-profit stewardship organisation under the oversight of the Board of Directors.

Since its establishment in June 2023, TAG members have demonstrated remarkable dedication to establishing a new entity in line with the transition plan's first stage.

“The core goal of Seamless is creating a circular clothing industry by 2030, where responsible stewardship and citizenship are embedded across the entire clothing lifecycle.” – AFC CEO, Leila Naja Hibri said.

Key achievements of the Seamless TAG to date:

In what may be a first for any Australian board, Australia’s Clothing Stewardship scheme created a board role for a Guardian of Nature.
Creating a Product Stewardship Organisation (PSO) with a circularity framework.
Implementing mechanisms to engage all clothing supply chain actors with the PSO.
Developing a clear organisational constitution with objectives related to clothing circularity.
Defining the role of supply chain stakeholders in the organisation's governance.
Welcoming Cotton On as the newest Seamless Foundation Member, alongside Sussan Group, Big W, David Jones, Lorna Jane, Rip Curl, R.M. Williams, and THE ICONIC.

“Change starts with all of us, and industry collaboration is a huge part of making the greatest impact,” said Michelle Pacey, General Manager for Product. “Cotton On’s partnership with Seamless is an important step in the right direction as we work together with other brands to find industry-wide sustainable solutions.”

The TAG is made up of Foundation Members of Seamless along with a range of clothing supply chain specialists including NSW Environment Protection Authority, Charitable Recycling Australia, and Waste Management and Resource Recovery Association.

The clothing industry was further represented by A.BCH, Bassike, Future Fashion Agency, and the Australian Fashion Council.

“The diverse thinking and thoughtful contributions of all TAG members have resulted in the development of a Constitution and the appointment of an Executive and Governance Board where joined-up thinking and action will underpin the delivery of ambitious industry transformation and optimal outcomes for all key stakeholders” – said Rosanna Iacono, Independent Chair of the Seamless TAG

In November, the newly formed Seamless Board will initiate the selection of an independent Chair, Directors, and the CEO.

Brands are encouraged to register their interest to remain up to date with Seamless.

Progress Update: Seamless breaks new ground appointing new independent Director

The National Clothing Stewardship Scheme, Seamless, aims to transform how clothing is made, used and recirculated in Australia to achieve clothing circularity by 2030.

On 28 September 2023, the Seamless Transition Advisory Group (TAG) had its third meeting with a clear objective to progress the establishment of the Product Stewardship Organisation (PSO) through the development of a new Constitution and Board of Directors.

Foundation members of Seamless; Big W, David Jones, Lorna Jane, Rip Curl, RM Williams and THE ICONIC, along with a range of clothing supply chain specialists including NSW Environment Protection Authority, Charitable Recycling Australia and Waste Management and Resource Recovery Association attended the meeting.

The clothing industry was further represented by A.BCH and the Australian Fashion Council.

The latest Foundation member, Sussan Group, joined the meeting for the first time.

“The Sussan Group is looking forward to helping shape the conversation and recommendations for the proposed scheme. We are excited to be working alongside our Seamless partners on potential solutions to solve the issue of textile waste” said Rebecca Hard, Sussan Group CEO.

The newly created Constitution establishes a robust framework with clear objectives related to clothing circularity and outlines the role of supply chain stakeholders in the governance of the organisation.

Notably, the new Seamless PSO is breaking new ground in Australia by appointing an independent director responsible for serving as a Guardian of Nature. This dedicated role is focused on representing the interests of nature, all species, and the environment as a whole.

“I commend the Transition Advisory Group for embracing a progressive approach in the establishment of the constitution, ensuring that the organisation will be genuinely focused on positive outcomes for planet, people and economy and inclusive in the breadth of stakeholders whose voices will be heard in the delivery of strategy,” said Rosanna Iacono, Independent Chair of the Seamless TAG.

The TAG’s next meeting is scheduled for 26th October 2023 to finalise its role in the establishment process and to handover to the newly established PSO and its Board.