Study level

  • PhD

Faculty/School

Faculty of Creative Industries, Education and Social Justice

Topic status

We're looking for students to study this topic.

Research centre

Design Lab

Supervisors

Associate Professor Tiziana Ferrero-Regis
Position
Associate Professor
Division / Faculty
Faculty of CI, Education & Social Justice

Overview

The textile industry is one of the world’s largest, with global sales in 2016 of USD 1.5 trillion. It is also one of the most polluting industries, producing 20% of global wastewater, and contributing to 10% of carbon emissions. Fashion generates large amounts of waste, and has negative social and health impacts for workers.

Circular economy would address these issues, keep clothes and textiles at their highest value and keep clothes in continuous circulation. The transformation of the sector requires a systemic approach and collaboration across the entire supply chain.

The project focusses on building local networks that encourage communities, not-for-profit, educational institutions and businesses to engage with circular practices. A local approach has the potential to develop social connections and well-being, while also focussing on economy and environment.

Isolated instances of collaboration exist in Australia, but they remain at the level of pilot projects.

Research activities

In this project, you are expected to:

  • investigate existing circular practices projects in fashion and textile at a local level
  • uncover barriers an enablers of local circular economy, based on existing realities
  • determine strategies to achieve circularity in the industry as established in the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable development.

You will:

  • conduct a literary review of circular practices and circular economy, including policies
  • conduct surveys, interviews and site visits
  • mapping the geography of  the local fashion industry
  • writing, reporting and presenting at national and international conferences.

Outcomes

The purpose of this interdisciplinary research is to explore the potential and barriers and enablers of urban and regional communities to create circularity in fashion and textile industry that increases manufacturing while creating social cohesion and well-being.

This project can lead to industry internships and building your research profile as a scholar, participate in future funded projects.

Scholarships

You may be eligible to apply for a research scholarship.

Explore our research scholarships

Keywords

Contact

Contact the supervisor for more information.