Clothing Longevity and Circular Textiles in South Australia (2026)

This report explores opportunities to strengthen clothing longevity and accelerate circular textile practices in South Australia. Adapted from a study developed by the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) and applied in the South Australian context, the project combined a large-scale survey of 591 residents with in-depth interviews involving consumers and industry stakeholders across the textile and clothing sector.

Findings indicated that while awareness of circular models such as resale, rental and repair is relatively high, participation remains limited. Older participants reported stronger repair skills and longer clothing lifespans, while younger groups expressed strong interest in learning but lower confidence in practical skills.

The study identifies 5 key opportunities to enhance circular textiles in South Australia, which provide a practical framework for government, industry and community partners to empower South Australians to extendgarment lifespans, reduce textile waste and participate in a thriving circular fashion economy.=

This project was undertaken as part of the Women in Circular Economy Leadership Scholarship, supported by Green Industries SA.