Looking beyond the current take-make-waste extractive industrial model, a circular economy aims to redefine growth, focusing on positive society-wide benefits. It entails gradually decoupling economic activity from the consumption of finite resources, and designing waste out of the system. Underpinned by a transition to renewable energy sources, the circular model builds economic, natural, and social capital. It is based on three principles:
1. Design out waste & pollution
2. Keep products and materials in use
3. Regenerate natural systems
In a circular economy the importance of the economy needing to work effectively at all scales is recognised – for large and small businesses, for organisations and individuals, globally and locally.
Concept Definition & Diagram Source: Ellen Macarthur Foundation
1. Start with the End in Mind & Design out Waste from the System
Use 100% natural fabrics in the creation of new clothing pieces. Natural fibres are a renewable resource, they have an array of wellness attributes for clients, makers and are biodegradable.
Make and adapt clothing as and when our clients need (customised on demand based on client's physical needs and style preferences). Extending the life of clothing in circulation.
Focus on responsibly managing any wastage through-out our end-to-end supply chain. In the case of fabric scraps: collection, recycling, reuse or composting of natural fibres.
2. Keep Clothing in Circulation for Longer Timeframes
Repurpose, reuse, upcycle and mend clothing already in circulation to help our clients extend the life of their clothing.
Inspire, educate and sell products and services to help clients care, store and extend the life of their clothing.
Use dead-stock fabrics to extend the life of what already exists (natural and synthetic fibres, the latter only if requested by Clients).
3. Grow & Stimulate the Demand for Local Artisan Makers & Reduce Logistics
Engage local independent & ethical clothing makers: women’s Custom Designers, Pattern Makers, Couturiers, Tailors and Seamstresses.
Work with local growers and producers of 100% natural fibres wherever possible - or those closest in neighbouring countries.
Reconnect women with local Artisan Makers in their community and stimulate their economic growth while reducing transportation emissions through shorter distribution logistics.
4. Enable Transparency & Traceability of Clothing Origins and Journeys
Identify data and digital solutions which enable capture of clothing origins, makers and their traceability across our supply chain. Implement once business allows. Until such time, capture manually as much as possible and accessible.
5. Measure, Account for and off-set our Social & Environmental Impacts
Measure our environmental footprint across our supply chain and off-set our impacts through social and environmental restoration & regeneration partners.
Our aim is to build ethical and sustainable practices into every aspect of our business and we recognise the importance of managing our end-to-end supply chain. Listed below are the actions we are taking to support our journey.
Code of Conduct - We have created a Supplier Code of Conduct which aims to define the standards and responsibilities across our supply chain.
Additionally, we believe in transparency and working with independent global and local accreditation bodies and technology partners to ensure we challenge ourselves to achieve ongoing high standards of ethical, social and environmental responsibility and impact.
Accreditation Partners - To start us on our journey we have identified the following three independent accreditation bodies and brands through whom we are seeking accreditation: 1. Ethical Clothing Australia as an independent partner for the accreditation of local artisan makers joining our Maker Community; 2. Good on You an organisation which independently rates fashion brands for sustainability, ethicals & inclusion; and 3. BCorp Certified B Corporations are businesses that meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose.
Digitally Born Clothing- To help us deliver on our promise of transparency and traceability of women's clothing throughout the lifecycle we have identified and are seeking to partner with Provenance. A technology partner enabling brands to capture detailed data to communicate the origins and impact of their products.
We look forward to updating you as we progress with our journey.