These circular clothing definitions are our shared language. They outline the R-strategies and other related terms used across Australia's clothing and textiles industry.
The R-strategies are ten actions that start with ‘refuse’ and end with ‘recover’. They follow circular economy principles and help shift the industry away from the old linear model of ‘take, make, dispose’ toward a circular system where products stay in use longer and are kept out of landfill.
By using simple, consistent definitions that everyone can apply — from clothing brands and reuse operators to recyclers and government — we make communication easier and support stronger collaboration as Australia moves toward a circular clothing economy.
Download the Circular clothing definitions here
Common definitions by industry, for industry
These definitions were developed and refined by people working across Australia’s clothing and textiles sector to make sure they are practical, easy to use and grounded in real-world practice. The starting framework was created by a Seamless working group of industry experts and checked against recognised international guidance and Australian standards.
We then broadened the consultation, bringing in more than 80 contributors from across the clothing system — including designers, manufacturers, academics, reuse and repair practitioners, recyclers, waste and resource-recovery experts, charities and representatives from all levels of government.
How to use the definitions
These definitions are yours to use and share. You can copy them directly from the PDF or the editable Microsoft Word version and include them in glossaries for reports or research, briefs for suppliers and partners, or internal resources for your organisation. They’re a free resource for the sector — and beyond.
