We’re committed to designing our own brand clothing and bedding, using recycled materials. Thanks to positive partnerships, like Textile Exchange, and their globally recognised standards such as Global Recycled Standard (GRS) and Recycled Content Standard (RCS) we can source recycled materials which look and feel like conventional materials.
By January 2025, 50 per cent of the polyester used in our own brand clothing* and bedding ranges will be from recycled material**
Polyester is one of the most important materials at Kmart accounting for approximately 18 per cent of our primary materials in our apparel products. The durability, hand feel, shape retention and washability of these fibres make them an important material in our clothing and bedding products.
However, polyester present environmental challenges. As a synthetic material, it draws on fossil-fuels and it’s production uses significant amounts of chemicals, water and energy. There is evidence that small microfibres can also wash-off polyester fabric and garments during manufacture and use.
As part of our long-term strategy, we have committed that 50 per cent of the polyester used in our own branded clothing and bedding ranges will be from recycled content by January 2025.
This commitment will reduce our reliance on ‘virgin’ (new) polyester fibres derived from fossil fuel, as well as water and energy use in production, while also creating a market for both pre and post-consumer polyester materials that could otherwise end up in landfill.
We have now transitioned approximately 25 per cent of the polyester used in our own brand clothing and bedding to recycled materials, and we have a roadmap in place to take us to the completion of our commitment in 2025.
*excluding footwear, accessories and all functional trims (e.g. zips) and decorative details (e.g. lace or ribbons)
**our target for recycled nylon is currently under review and has been removed.