Why Melbourne
Melbourne is widely recognised for its creative industries, strong community networks and leadership in climate ambition. It is a city that values culture, design and progressive thinking.
Yet textiles remain one of the least addressed waste streams in Australia.
According to Recycling Victoria’s Annual Report 2024/25, 283,300 tonnes of textiles are disposed of to landfill in Victoria each year. Yet at the same time many people continue facing increased cost-of-living pressures. The disconnect is structural: disposal is often easier than redistribution, and clothing is rarely treated as essential infrastructure.
We see Melbourne as an opportunity to do this differently.
Common operates at the intersection of environmental responsibility and social access. Our structured circular redistribution model reduces textile waste while increasing access to quality clothing — connecting surplus garments with frontline social services, local networks and grassroots organisations through accountable systems, measurable impact reporting and local partnerships.
We are building a locally integrated redistribution network designed to:
• Divert usable textiles from landfill
• Strengthen access pathways through social service organisations
• Support repair, reuse and circular participation
• Partner with industry in measurable, accountable ways
Melbourne’s fashion ecosystem spans global retailers, national brands, department stores, archive and sample sale culture, emerging independent labels and local resale networks. Across this spectrum, high inventory turnover and seasonal production cycles generate significant material throughput.
While repair and upcycling initiatives are growing, they remain small relative to the scale of production and consumption. Redistribution therefore presents one of the most immediate and practical pathways to extend garment life and reduce landfill.
This density of supply alongside strong social infrastructure creates the conditions for a structured, locally integrated redistribution model to operate effectively.
Our intention is not to duplicate what exists, but to contribute to and strengthen it.
As Victoria advances its circular economy and climate targets, textiles are increasingly recognised as a priority waste stream. Recent investment in industry-led initiatives reflects growing momentum to address textile waste across production, recovery and recycling systems.
Common’s redistribution model complements this work.
While innovation and recycling solutions are essential, extending garment life through structured redistribution remains one of the most immediate and practical levers available to reduce landfill while improving equitable access.
Common enters Melbourne with experience, systems and evidence and with the belief that responsibility is foundational to the future of fashion.