New data from Seamless, Australia’s national clothing stewardship scheme, shows that the number of clothing items sold dropped by 12 per cent in 2023 compared to 2018. Australians are buying fewer new clothes and more secondhand clothing, indicating a shift towards better purchasing habits. 

At the Seamless Circular Economy Showcase at NSW Parliament during National Recycling Week, the organisation revealed Australians bought 1.42 billion clothing items last year, or 53 items per person, down from 1.6 billion in 2018. While still a significant number, the reduction represents progress in overall fashion consumption behaviour.   

Additionally, the number of secondhand clothes sold in the country has increased by 18 per cent over the last five years, with 240 million secondhand garments finding new homes. This shift can be attributed to the rising cost of living and growing awareness about the environmental impact of clothing waste.  

Data from Seamless also indicated that the number of clothes being reused (whether sold, swapped, or shared) has also risen by two per cent in 2023, totalling 592 million garments. Recycling efforts have also seen an improvement, with 140 million garments (or 35,000 tonnes) recycled, a rise of 17 per cent since 2018.  

Despite these encouraging trends, 222,000 tonnes of clothing were sent to landfill in 2023, highlighting the need for continued efforts to reduce waste. Ainsley Simpson, CEO of Seamless, said collective action is important to address the issue of clothing waste. 

“Imagine what’s possible when we join together to achieve a circular clothing economy in Australia by 2030,” Ainslee said. 

Dr. Sarah Kaine, member of the NSW Legislative Council, also emphasised the state’s growing waste crisis during the NSW Parliament showcase, stressing the need for systemic change in how Australians choose, enjoy and recycle their clothes.  

This year’s National Recycling Weekwas a call for all Australians to ‘Join the Cycle’ by reusing, repairing and recycling the clothing they already have, keeping valuable materials in circulation. By taking actions to rethink the way we purchase, use and dispose, we can collectively make a big difference in keeping clothes in circulation and protecting our planet.  

For more resources and information on what to do with clothing or other old textiles, visit Recycling Near You.  

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