Ragtrader Live Melbourne returned to the stage this week as the fashion industry navigates a circularity transformation.
‘Race to Regulation’ featured a range of in-depth panels and presentations over a half-day conference on August 29.
Check out the gallery above and rediscover the program highlights below.
1.00pm Registration
1.30pm Welcome: Ragtrader Publisher, Assia Benmedjdoub
1.35pm Setting the scene: Australian Fashion Council (AFC) CEO Leila Naja Hibri
The Australian Federal Government has commenced transitioning the nation to a circular economy, with historic mandatory regulations issued this year to reduce the issue of waste in packaging. In this opening note, AFC CEO Leila Naja Hibri sets the scene for the textile and clothing industries, as calls to address the 200,000 tonnes of annual waste diverted to landfill are on the agenda.
1.40pm The path ahead: Australian Fashion Council Seamless project director Danielle Kent
Supported by the Australian Federal Government, a new voluntary scheme has been developed to improve the design, recovery, reuse and recycling of clothing. The Australian fashion industry has been offered a one-year window to make the program viable ahead of proposed regulation. This presentation unpacks the scheme from project manager Danielle Kent including its development, priorities and targets.
2.00pm The early adopters: Lorna Jane founder Lorna Jane Clarkson, The Iconic sustainability partner Nicole Conroy and KMD Brands head of ESG Shasta O’Loughlin
Some of Australia’s most influential fashion brands have raised their hand to fund a 12-month transitional phase for the industry. This panel session will share unparalleled insights into their involvement, priorities and critical role in leading the country’s transformation towards a new economy.
2.25pm Talking Policy: Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water branch Head of Supply Chain Initiatives Chloe Bird and Australian Fashion Council (AFC) CEO Leila Naja Hibri
The Australian Federal Government has a number of initiatives to address climate change and the environment. This fireside chat will discuss this in the context of Australia’s fashion industry.
2.45pm Afternoon tea
3.15pm Global outlook: The Growth Activist CEO Rosanna Iacono
Governments and legislators across the world have commenced unleashing a raft of new regulatory proposals this year aimed at tackling fashion waste. As major markets such as the United States and Europe gear up to address the issue at pace and scale, this presentation provides Australian fashion professionals with an insight into regulation through a global lens.
3.35pm: The power of experimentation: Piping Hot operations and commercial director Kelly Yap, Lowes chief advisor Sarann Ryan, Wardrobe Crisis founder and author Clare Press and Rip Curl head of innovation and sustainability Milan Thompson
In order to transition to circular production models, retailers need to unite economies of scale and achieve new systems, technologies and solutions for clothing waste. But that hasn’t stopped individual brands from pursuing a culture of experimentation, trialling new methods and techniques that produce garments with less impact. This panel explores these solutions, including opportunities and challenges for adopting at scale.
3.55pm A message from our partner Shopline: The Role of Unified Commerce in Sustainability
4.10pm Re-inventing the future: Decjuba head of sustainability Kate Carroll, Wittner CEO Catherine Williamson, Michael Hill head of sustainability Kerrie Hockless, RMIT Professor Alice Payne
As the Australian fashion industry prepares to formalise systems for re-using, re-purposing and recycling merchandise, this panel explores the current landscape for retailers on the path to diverting landfill. From footwear, accessories and apparel, leaders share their insights and initiatives across different product categories.
4.30pm Networking drinks