Funded project - Revolutionising the entire lifecycle of clothing from purchase to disposal
This project will build a platform to connect the oversupply of textiles materials with demand via an innovative B2C/B2B marketplace. There is currently no digital infrastructure to re-distribute Victorian surplus textiles in a way that captures the variety of enterprises to make up our industry.
Background
A.BCH is a pioneering force in the circular fashion sector, dedicated to revolutionising the entire lifecycle of clothing from purchase to disposal. A.BCH business activities encompass circular design, circular manufacturing including Cut Make Trim (CMT) and finishing. The organisation also strives for innovation through continuous research and development, as well as online and in-person retailing from the Direct-to-Consumer brand.
As a circular fashion label, A.BCH provides a straightforward solution to address the complexities of the fashion industry. Recognising its significant contribution to waste, air and water pollution, and unethical practices, A.BCH is committed to operating at the highest standard through circular economy practices. While the industry still has much ground to cover in embracing sustainable practices, A.BCH strives to lead the way and inspire positive change.
The problem
Unused pre-consumer textiles present a pressing waste crisis, particularly in Victoria. Despite the thriving textile and garment industry, there exists a staggering 3 million kilograms of high-quality surplus textiles and trims hidden away in warehouses, destined to be wasted. Despite the expressed interest of numerous businesses and individuals in acquiring and utilising these surplus materials, the current lack of accessible platforms or systems hampers their discovery and accessibility.
The issue extends beyond mere waste management, it carries significant economic implications. Failing to unlock the value of these materials deprives businesses of potential revenue streams and creates reluctance to embrace innovation and progress toward a circular economy. The untapped potential of these unused resources not only hinders economic growth but also disrupt the adoption of sustainable and ethical practices within the industry.
The project
The project aims to develop a digital platform known as a Circular Sourcing, to tackle the persistent challenges in the textiles industry. The platform's primary goal is to connect businesses of all sizes with surplus materials through an innovative B2C/B2B marketplace. The project will provide businesses with an avenue to sell their excess materials to individuals and organisations seeking to utilise them. By showcasing sustainable innovation and fostering collaboration, the platform aims to facilitate textile reuse and establish a scalable model throughout the state.
Our collaborative group comprises key stakeholders representing various stages of the textile value chain, including farm-to-fabric sourcing, textile technology, local manufacturing, textile milling, and CMT factories. With expertise in supply chain management, raw materials and textile development, consumer products, marketing, and project management, the project team is well equipped to drive the project forward.
Throughout the design and development process, the project incorporates a feedback loop to incorporate necessary changes into the platform. Following multiple iterations of user testing, the final step will be the official launch of the digital platform, showcasing its capabilities and presenting opportunities for businesses to engage and participate.
Project progress
| Key deliverables | Status |
|---|---|
| Establish working group with collaborative stakeholders and reporting schedule. | Complete |
| Research engagement and concept design of pilot platform, including data collection and analysis for reporting. | Complete |
| Development of digital platform, including prototyping and initial user feedback. Develop creative materials and user guide. | Complete |
| Creative and technical development feedback of pilot platform including assets. Development of version one of the pilot platform for testing. | Complete |
| Launch pilot platform and execute marketing plan. Undertake launch of platform and compile user feedback. | In progress |
Challenges
The primary hurdle of the project is timing, particularly with the technical aspects of the platform. Developing custom coding within existing platforms and plugins often takes longer than anticipated. It's crucial to prevent delays in other areas and ensure that the tasks continue progressing smoothly to avoid becoming a bottleneck toward the end of the project.
Although the initial plan was to launch the pilot platform earlier, unforeseen delays arose. To minimise any further setbacks, the focus shifted towards preparing all the content for the website and developing a comprehensive marketing plan before the pilot launch.
From the grantee
"As the lead applicant and project manager, Courtney Holm of A.BCH possesses a strong understanding of the consumer base driving the demand for sustainable textiles. She gathered committed buyers through her proof-of-concept project developed alongside A.BCH. Holm is recognized in the industry for actively collaborating across sectors, engaging with businesses of varying sizes and individuals. This foundation of commitment and innovation is crucial for the successful planning, leadership, and implementation of the project to an exceptional standard.
"A.BCH is sincerely grateful for the funding received from Sustainability Victoria, as it has provided the opportunity to pursue a project that may not have otherwise materialised. As a small yet ambitious business with a primary focus on the circular economy for clothing and textiles, we recognise numerous areas of opportunity for innovation and development. However, we often lack the necessary resources to pursue them."
"The support from this project funding has not only made it possible but will also have a tangible impact on the industry by directly addressing a significant challenge within the system. Building infrastructure for new systems to be designed, tested, and launched is essential for the realisation of a circular economy. We strive to avoid resorting to conventional industry practices simply because they are convenient. By receiving funding from Sustainability Victoria and other sources, we can swiftly transform innovative ideas into action, showcasing through collaboration and continuous engagement that a better, circular future can be created for Victoria and Australia as a whole."
More information
Circular Sourcing is an Australian marketplace dedicated to the sale of designer deadstock and quality surplus materials, such as fabrics (with plans to expand to include yarns and trims). The aim of the Circular Sourcing platform is to shift and support the Australian fashion and textile industry as it transitions to working with more surplus or recycled materials and less virgin materials. Visit the Circular Sourcing platform.
In 2022, A.BCH conducted a survey of 150 local textile businesses to obtain real-time estimates of surplus material volumes in Victoria and Australia. The survey aimed to understand the frequency of surplus collection as well as the types of available materials.