It has been a pivotal year in sustainability, with a number of initiatives announced by Australian brands and retailers. Here are three different ways the sector has improved in 2019.
1. INFRASTRUCTURE: Nike Australia
Toll’s custom-built Nike warehouse in Melbourne’s Altona North has become the first-ever facility in Australia to achieve a whole-of-building carbon neutral certification under the National Carbon Offset Standard (NCOS). The site’s energy efficiency program featured upgrades to a 2.5 kilometre long conveyor system which is powered by 145 individual electric motors, and the retrofitting of 1,300 light fixtures with high efficiency LEDs. This has led to a halving of the site’s total electricity consumption, exceeding the greenhouse reductions required by NCOS. The site has also received a Green Star Performance rating, the first Green Star rating for Nike.
2. TRANSPARENCY: Spell & The Gypsy Collective
Fashion retailers are setting time-bound sustainability targets - and being transparent about their progress. It's not just industry leading majors such as Country Road Group either. Spell & The Gypsy Collective recently released its annual Impact Report. The detailed analysis includes an overview of sustainable fabric targets, ethical manufacturing and social advocacy for the twelve months to December 2018. Key achievements include a 23% increase in the use of sustainable fibres and a 100% sign up to its Code of Conduct by Tier 1 suppliers.
3. COLLABORATION: Cotton On
In addition to its own sustainable cotton growing program in Kenya, Cotton On Group has collaborated to ensure best-practice in other areas of its supply chain. Cotton On Group has commenced an Australian retail industry-first partnership with CARE Australia this year. The pair have developed a bespoke program aimed at developing the skills of female garment workers, with the goal of advancing their careers. Commencing in February 2019, the two-year pilot project will involve 2,200 garment factory workers, particularly women, in key supplier factories in Bangladesh. They will undergo a unique training program developed in consultation with garment workers and factory owners.