Sydney Global Sourcing Expo set to tackle sustainability challenges

Soaring inflation has the majority of Australian consumers concerned with the increasing cost of their shopping carts – yet many continue to prioritise ethical consumption over good deals.

The 2023 Australian Ethical Consumer Report, published by Baptist World Aid, reveals that 70% of Australians plan to adjust their shopping habits to reflect more ethical practices over the next twelve months, with a further 51% now familiar with the term ‘ethical fashion’.

“It’s not surprising that Australian consumers are becoming more ethical in their consumption, given the awareness campaigns spearheaded by sustainability crusaders over the last decade,” comments Marie Kinsella, CEO of the International Expo Group, organisers of the Sydney Global Sourcing Expo, taking place from 12-14 June 2024 at the International Convention Centre.

“These sustainable leaders have been especially vocal about the impact that fast fashion is having on the planet, with millions of tons of clothes ending up in landfills. Their message has resonated most strongly with younger generations, who realise that their consumption habits and brand choices can have a significant impact on the fight against climate change,” she adds.

This is substantiated by the Ethical Consumer Report, which found that younger generations are the most active in engaging with ethical consumption. The Report gave Gen Z a score of 66 on its Ethical Global Citizen Index Score (meaning ‘good’) while the Baby Boomer Generation was assigned a 54, meaning ‘fair.’ Promisingly, 69% of consumers surveyed reported that their awareness of the impacts of their purchasing decisions has increased over the last three years – up from 62% in 2021.

Global Sourcing Expo exhibitors can access essential sustainability resources

However, while substantial progress has been made in educating Australian consumers about the impact of their purchasing decisions, the brands that cater to them are still playing catch-up.

“Some fashion brands are finding themselves overwhelmed by the complex prospect of re-evaluating their supply chains and labour practices to be more transparent and ethical, as well as ensuring environmental sustainability throughout the production process,” says Marie.

“Whilst many recognise the importance of joining the sustainable fashion movement, they are unsure of what steps are required to achieve this and how to communicate the efforts they’re making to consumers. That is the concern of many of the international exhibitors who participate in the Global Sourcing Expo,” she adds.

The Global Sourcing Expo attracts hundreds of exhibitors from over 15 countries in the fields of apparel, homewares, textiles and accessories who attend with the goal of meeting Australian and New Zealand buyers and the hopes of breaking into the local market.

As Marie explains, while many of these exhibitors have been awarded internationally -recognised sustainability certificates for their use of sustainable materials and the steps they’ve taken to ensure ethical and transparent supply chains, some still require guidance on how to highlight these sustainable measures in their marketing:

“We offer a range of networking events, interactive workshops and industry-leading Sourcing Seminars that exhibitors can take advantage of over the course of the three-day Sydney Global Sourcing Expo and gain invaluable resources for navigating their sustainability journey. These events are designed to give our exhibitors a deeper understanding of the buying preferences of the average Australian consumer, so that they can adjust their offering and marketing communications accordingly.”

The co-located Global Sourcing Seminar Series will give exhibitors practical resources on sustainability-focused topics such as transparency in the supply chain; ethical labour practices and the environmental impact of sourcing.

“It’s all about connections, and the Expo is the perfect place for brands to form strong partnerships and engage with suppliers, as well as for finding a partner who shares their commitment to responsible practices and to working together to improve standards and performance,” says Marie.

“With seven in ten Australians surveyed by the Ethical Consumer Report agreeing that ethical fashion holds importance and a further 50% choosing to purchase from fashion brands specifically known for their sustainable practices, it’s clear that a sustainability commitment can significantly benefit a brand’s bottom line. We’re here to ensure that our exhibitors have all the resources they need to navigate their sustainability journey effectively, while finding their like-minded buying partner,” she concludes.

Note: The content of this press release has not been edited by Fibre2Fashion staff.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)