Seamless Statement

Vinnies Canberra/Goulburn welcomes the launch of Seamless, a new product stewardship scheme for the Australian fashion market which will contribute to the development of clothing circularity in Australia.  Seamless recognises that fashion and clothing brands are responsible for the whole life of the garment, including recycling or sustainable disposal.

Seamless is the result of a federally funded year-long initiative to frame a clothing product stewardship scheme, which was jointly delivered by a consortium including Charitable Recyclers Australia, the representative body of charitable thrift shop operators. 

Vinnies’ shopfronts are ubiquitous in cities and towns around Australia. They are as well-loved as the second-hand clothes and homewares sold within.

Vinnies have been following the circular economy ethos while supporting those in need in our communities since before the term even existed. Locally, we opened our first Canberra shop selling second-hand goods in Narrabundah in 1964.

Vinnies Canberra Goulburn CEO Lucy Hohnen said “we are delighted to see this year long process bearing fruit. Australia’s charitable recyclers play a large and essential role in keeping clothing in use and out of landfill. Australians currently add a staggering 200,000 tonnes of clothing to landfill each year. 

Therefore, Vinnies encourages people to play their part in reducing fashion waste by:

• Buying less, and purchasing higher quality clothing with a view to wearing each piece longer
• Donating unwanted items to thrift stores like ours so that their useful life is extended.
• Shopping at thrift stores, prolonging the useful life of existing items,while at the same time helping those in need.”

Each year Vinnies Canberra/Goulburn processes 3000 tonnes of donated items which we keep out of landfill. Sales from these items are then in turn used to fund programs for those experiencing hardship.