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Australia has a fashion problem \u2014 not just on the runways, but in our landfills. With the average Australian buying 56 new clothing items every year, it\u2019s no surprise that over 200,000 tonnes of textiles end up in landfill annually. Researchers from QUT are warning that unless we address the root causes \u2014 overproduction and overconsumption \u2014 these waste mountains will only grow taller.<\/p>\n
According to Professors Rowena Maguire, Director, QUT Centre for Justice and Amanda Kennedy from School of Law, Australia’s love affair with fast fashion is fueling an environmental and human rights crisis. Most of our clothes are made from synthetic fibres that release microplastics into the environment and take decades to break down. Worse still, many unwanted garments are shipped to developing nations, often ending up in their landfills too.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur wardrobes are overflowing \u2014 we already have enough clothing in circulation to last 100 years,\u201d said Professor Maguire. \u201cYet the fashion industry continues to churn out low-cost garments at breakneck speed, often under questionable labour conditions.\u201d<\/p>\n
In contrast to countries like France, which plans to introduce an \u201cultra-fast fashion\u201d tax of about $16 per item, Australia\u2019s regulations remain weak. A voluntary initiative known as Seamless<\/em> has introduced a 4-cent levy on new clothing to fund recycling and circular fashion strategies. However, the scheme has limited industry participation \u2014 with major fast fashion players like Temu and Shein notably absent.<\/p>\n The QUT study also highlights a deeper issue: much of the sector still sees waste as something to manage after<\/em> it\u2019s created, rather than preventing it through better design, reduced production, or more sustainable consumption.<\/p>\n \u201cA true circular economy isn’t just about recycling better \u2014 it’s about valuing resources differently,\u201d said Professor Kennedy. \u201cIt means shifting away from throwaway culture and towards a system that preserves materials and minimises waste from the outset.\u201d<\/p>\n With mounting environmental pressure and international examples paving the way, the message is clear: Australia can no longer afford to be a fashion hoarder. A shift in mindset \u2014 from consumers, brands, and policymakers alike \u2014 is not just necessary, but urgent.<\/p>\n Read more about the research here,<\/a><\/p>\n