10 signatures reached
To: Uniform Manufacturers via school P&C committees
Textile Recycling for School Uniforms
We call on all Australian school uniform manufacturers and sellers to introduce circular textile recycling programs.
1. Accept worn-out school uniforms of all brands.
2. Fibres are reused or recycled (not landfilled or exported as waste).
3. No cost to parents and school.
We ask all school P&C committees to request the sustainability policy from their uniform providers. Requesting details on sustainability & circular programs.
1. Accept worn-out school uniforms of all brands.
2. Fibres are reused or recycled (not landfilled or exported as waste).
3. No cost to parents and school.
We ask all school P&C committees to request the sustainability policy from their uniform providers. Requesting details on sustainability & circular programs.
Why is this important?
Every year, millions of Australian school uniforms end up in landfill.
Kids grow fast. Knees wear through. Zips are used as fidget toys. Uniforms that still contain valuable cotton and polyester are thrown away because there’s no easy way to recycle them.
This is a solvable problem.
Textile recycling is growing in Australia.
Responsible retailers now offer recycling. Why don’t uniform shops?
Textile recycling is growing in Australia.
Responsible retailers now offer recycling. Why don’t uniform shops?
The school is a convenient drop off point. Uniform shops have existing supply chains. That puts them in the great position to close the loop.
Across Australia, families want to do the right thing — but without take-back schemes or recycling options, uniforms are destined for the bin. Meanwhile, textile waste is one of the fastest-growing waste streams in the country.
It;s time school uniform manufacturers to step up and take responsibility for the full life cycle of their products.
It;s time school uniform manufacturers to step up and take responsibility for the full life cycle of their products.
Being responsible for the waste will also encourage them to design with durability and recyclability in mind.
If we can recycle cans, bottles, phones, and tyres — we can recycle school uniforms.
Our kids deserve a future that isn’t buried under yesterday’s uniforms.
How it will be delivered
We will forward this petition to the major uniform manufacturers.
Please also send it on to your school’s principal & P&C.
They choose uniform providers every year. They can choose one with a good sustainability policy.