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Victoria’s fashion manufacturing industry has reached a pivotal moment, according to new research commissioned by the Australian Fashion Council and Epson Australia. The study, compiled by RMIT University, sheds light on the current state and potential future of the nearly $1 billion Textile, Clothing, and Footwear (TCF) manufacturing sector in Victoria.
Economic and Employment Potential
The report, titled “Victorian TCF Manufacturing: Future Jobs, Technology and Economic Growth,” outlines the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. Over the past five years, the value of Victorian TCF manufacturing has declined by 18 per cent. However, with targeted policy interventions and collaboration between industry and government, an additional $225 million could be injected into the Victorian economy, potentially creating 1,500 new jobs.
These potential gains would particularly benefit women, who make up a significant portion of the workforce in this sector. A survey revealed that over half of TCF businesses have a workforce composed of more than 60 per cent women, compared to 28 per cent in Australian manufacturing overall.
Risks of Inaction
Without strategic investment and support, the sector is projected to lose $98 million in value by 2030, along with 700 jobs. The report warns that this decline would also lead to a loss of technical skills, greater reliance on overseas supply chains, and a missed opportunity to enhance Victoria’s reputation for producing high-quality, innovative, and sustainable products.
“This sector is ours to lose,” said Australian Fashion Council CEO Jaana Quaintance-James. “By implementing these practical and achievable recommendations, we can revive the industry, retain sovereign capability in Australia’s TCF manufacturing, and empower Australian brands to start, remain, or even return onshore.”
Recommendations for Revitalisation
The report identifies five key areas to drive productivity, innovation, and wage growth in the sector:
- Adding TCF manufacturing as a priority within the Made in Victoria statement
- Strengthening government procurement policies to increase local content in uniforms, workwear, and personal protective equipment (PPE) contracts
- Developing a revitalised TCF skills and training program to address workforce skill gaps
- Co-investment in advanced technology and jobs of the future for a sustainable, circular clothing economy
- Developing a national TCF manufacturing strategy, with Victoria at the forefront
Quaintance-James emphasized the importance of swift action, particularly for the women employed in fashion manufacturing. “The role of a female-powered workforce will be crucial in turning its decline around,” she said.
Smart-Factories and Sustainable Technology
The report also highlights the potential for cost efficiencies and reduced waste through the adoption of smart-factory models. These factories utilize advanced technologies like digital sampling, digital printing, and laser cutting, which can significantly reduce waste and production lead times.
“With the help of new sustainable technology such as the Epson Monna Lisa direct-to-fabric printer, manufacturing locally can be made far more cost-effective for brands, enabling made-to-order production, reducing waste to landfill, and ensuring cost efficiencies,” said Craig Heckenberg, Managing Director at Epson.
Heckenberg believes that the smart-factory concept, supported by the right technology, could enable Australian brands to produce high-quality, sustainable clothing domestically for both local and international markets.
Supporting Onshore Production
Ngali Owner and Designer Denni Francisco, who uses the Epson Monna Lisa printer, expressed support for the recommendations in the report. “If the industry was adequately supported to enable brands like mine to produce onshore, it would significantly streamline our business. Just-in-time manufacturing is critical to sustainable activity, and I’m sure many labels would feel the same. We all want to support our highly skilled talent at home and continue to grow the Australian textiles trade, its job market, and ultimately the wider economy,” Francisco said.
The full report is now available on the Australian Fashion Council’s website.
Last Updated on September 3, 2024 by Nick Ross
