What is the initial eco-modulation criteria?

Responsible clothing brands and retailers that join Seamless pay a contribution on every garment placed on the Australian market. The scheme has commenced with a contribution of 4 cents for every new garment and 3 cents for each garment that meets the initial eco-modulation criteria.

Garments that meet the eco-modulation criteria are able to be more easily sorted and recycled under a single fibre stream.

From 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025, garments that meet the eco-modulation criteria are those which have a primary material made from a mono-material or single fibre at a rate of at least 95%. For example, a 100% cotton shirt would meet the eco-modulation threshold even if the tag or thread was not cotton, if these elements made up less than 5% of the total garment. Similarly, an activewear garment made from 95% polyester with 5% elastane would also meet the criteria.

While still more readily recyclable, a garment made of a mix of cellulosic fibre (cotton, viscose), or synthetic fibre (polyester, nylon) would not meet the threshold, if one material did not make up 95% of the fibre.