Courtney Holm, the founder of Circular Sourcing, embarked on a mission to tackle the issue of excess fabric in Australia’s fashion industry. As she scoured warehouses for materials for her sustainable fashion label, she was shocked by the sheer amount of surplus fabric that was going unused. This discovery led her to envision a platform where this excess material could be digitized and made available to those who could use it.
After securing a grant from the Victorian government’s Circular Economy Business Innovation Centre, Ms. Holm set out to create a platform that would connect sellers of surplus fabric with buyers who could put it to good use. The success of the pilot program led to the establishment of Circular Sourcing as a full-fledged business, prompting Ms. Holm to shift her focus away from her fashion label to dedicate her time to this new venture.
While the fashion industry often focuses on the issue of discarded clothing, the problem of unused fabric is equally significant but less visible. Ms. Holm highlighted that globally, around $210 billion worth of fabric goes unclaimed each year, representing a significant economic and sustainability challenge that needs to be addressed.
One of the main reasons for the surplus fabric is the large minimum order requirements set by mills, forcing companies to order more material than they actually need. Additionally, production machinery is often geared towards high volume output, leading to excess fabric being produced. Circular Sourcing offers a solution by listing surplus material for sale, allowing anyone from home-sewing enthusiasts to fashion brands to purchase fabric by the meter or by the roll.
The platform has been well-received by both sellers and buyers, with many designers like Jillian Boustred finding a new revenue stream by selling their excess fabric. For small businesses like MTK Australia, Circular Sourcing has helped recoup development costs and prevent fabrics from ending up in landfills. The ability to sell surplus fabric has not only reduced waste but also created a more sustainable and circular approach to sourcing materials.
While similar platforms are already established in Europe, Circular Sourcing is pioneering this concept in the Southern Hemisphere. Ms. Holm hopes to see the same level of interest in circular sourcing in Australia and surrounding countries, especially given the significant garment manufacturing presence in the Asia Pacific region. By connecting sellers and buyers in a circular fashion, Circular Sourcing is not only addressing the issue of excess fabric but also promoting sustainability and responsible consumption in the fashion industry.