Circular Fashion Initiative
The South Australian Fashion Industry Association (SAFIA) is about to launch an exciting new programme and industry first! Kicking off this month, SAFIA is set to help local fashion and textile businesses move towards a more sustainable, circular future.
Thanks to a $100,000 LEAP grant from Green Industries SA, the Circular Fashion Initiative will give SA businesses access to a whole range of support. Think tool kits, masterclasses, tailored workshops, and even one-on-one consulting. It’s all about making it easier for fashion brands to start designing and operating in ways that are better for the planet, the economy, and the community.
Whether it’s circular design, ethical sourcing, or making sustainability part of everyday business, the program aims to give brands the tools and confidence to make lasting change. Up to 150 businesses are expected to benefit—so it’s a big step forward for fashion in South Australia, where the industry has been estimated by Deloittes to contribute $212 million annually to the state’s economy.
So, what can South Australian fashion and textile businesses actually expect from the SAFIA Circular Fashion Initiative? Quite a lot, actually. Here are the key elements of the program, designed to make real, practical change feel do-able:
- Sustainability Masterclasses
Led by industry experts, these sessions will dive into circular design, ethical sourcing, sustainable fibres, and packaging. You can join in-person or online—whichever works best for your business. - Tailored In-House Workshops
These aren’t one-size-fits-all. Workshops will be customised to suit your business, with a hands-on approach to things like supply chain mapping and putting circular design into practice. - One-on-One Consulting
Some businesses will get the chance for personalised advice, tackling their unique sustainability challenges and getting real, actionable solutions. - Helpful Toolkits
Two toolkits will be on offer: one for businesses just starting out on their circular journey, and another to help you assess how you’re tracking and where to improve. - The Circular Fashion Symposium
To wrap things up, a major event is planned for mid-2027. It’s a chance for businesses to share their progress, learn from others, and hear from national and international experts through presentations and masterclasses.
Sustainable fashion expert with more than 20 years experience, Robyn Wilde is leading the programme. Robyn has worked with global brands to implement sustainable and circular solutions and she’ll be heading up the masterclasses and workshops. Her expertise in areas like sustainable fibres, supply chains, and ethical sourcing, will be invaluable in helping local businesses to evolve in the area where they had previously indicated they need most help.
“We are thrilled to be able to offer this incredible opportunity to South Australian businesses, empowering them to transition towards a more sustainable and circular fashion industry. This initiative is the perfect blend of education, practical tools, and hands-on support, and we couldn’t be more excited to see the positive impact it will have on the local industry.”
-Dr Nathan James Crane, Chair of the South Australian Fashion Association
The program will roll out in four stages over the next two years, making sure businesses at all levels of their sustainability journey can get involved and benefit.
Applications for masterclasses and consulting will open shortly. For more information about the SAFIA Circular Fashion Initiative and how your business can participate, visit safia.fashion or contact Dr Nathan James Crane at hello@safia.au.
See more: How to Reuse Reduce & Recycle Your Fashion Footprint