Demand for sustainable fashion is at an all-time high, driven by growing consumer awareness and a new wave of conscious shoppers seeking brands that prioritise ethical production and circular fashion practices.
The latest figures show that the local green fashion – or slow fashion – market is currently valued at $1.98 billion, with a projected growth rate of around 7% projected by 2028.
“However, this figure is most likely underrepresented given that a lot of retail exchange takes place through small businesses and is also linked to thrifting and upcycling,” says Julie Holt, Global Exhibitions Director at Global Sourcing Expo which takes place at the ICC Sydney from 17 – 19 June.
Anaita Sarkar, Co-Founder and CEO of Hero Packaging and speaker at the Global Sourcing Expo underscores a clear shift from sustainable items being viewed as a luxury to a key differentiator, adding: “ Additionally, a PwC survey revealed that consumers are willing to spend an average of 9.7% more on sustainably produced or sourced goods, even amidst economic concerns. Interestingly, in challenging economic times, consumers gravitate toward brands that align with their values.”
However, a projected growth rate of 7% shows that there is still a lot of work to do in this space. “To grow beyond this, sustainable fashion needs to become more accessible and affordable, and herein lies a key hurdle for brands trying to compete with cheaper, fast fashion brands,” says Holt.
Let’s Talk DPPs
Holt shares that there is mounting pressure on ethical brands to lead the charge in consumer education, accessibility and transparent practices.
Digital Product Passports (DPPs) is one such way that brands will be held accountable, and while there is no set roll out date for Australia, Holt does believe that it is coming.
“Implementation of DPPs in Europe is set for 2030 with many local brands currently taking stock of their supply chain, from the first thread to the finished product and packaging.”
DPPs are essential for tracing a product’s composition, lifecycle and sustainability. “With a unique identifier like a QR code, it ensures transparency and supports circular economy goals through high-quality, accessible data. However, the traceability process cannot be underestimated, and more conversations need to be had around it.”
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Sustainability and Product Packaging
At the very end of the product cycle lies the packaging process – another key differentiator for brands and a vital component for both ethical and consumer reasons.
Sarkar echoes this sentiment, saying: “According to Trivium Packaging’s Buying Green Report, 82% of consumers across age groups are willing to pay more for products with sustainable packaging, marking an increase from previous years.”
However, Robert Lockyer, Founder & Chief Client Officer of Delta Global and speaker at the upcoming Global Sourcing Expo believes that while Australia is uniquely positioned to lead the global shift towards sustainable packaging, limited access to sustainable materials, cost pressures and supply chain complexities are some of the key stumbling blocks faced.
“There’s a significant opportunity for Australian brands to lead by example – particularly in showcasing how luxury and sustainability are not mutually exclusive,” says Lockyer. “Investing in packaging that is not only recyclable or reusable but also beautifully designed and responsibly sourced creates a competitive edge, builds consumer trust and contributes to long-term brand equity.”
He adds that to move toward truly sustainable packaging, brands must rethink the entire lifecycle—from sourcing recyclable materials to designing for reuse without compromising quality. “Mono-material packaging plays a key role in simplifying recycling, making it easier to process at the end of its life while maintaining a premium feel.”
Central to the success of sustainable packaging is consumer education. “Digital touchpoints like QR codes can guide consumers in reusing or recycling packaging, while also enhancing traceability and streamlining returns,” he adds.
Growing Sustainably
Sarkar shares a few top tips for brands looking to grow under a sustainable banner as follows:
1. Adopt Social Listening: “Treat customer feedback on social media and reviews as a live focus group. Use these real-time insights to guide meaningful product and sustainability decisions.”
2. Strive for Continuous Innovation: “View every product launch as a chance to improve—invest in better materials, smarter logistics and sustainable processes to reduce environmental impact.”
3. Nurture Purpose-Driven Partnerships: Collaborate with artists, charities and like-minded brands to stay creative, community-focused and culturally relevant while expanding your impact.
Looking ahead, Holt is excited about future prospects for the slow fashion sector. “This is an opportune time to capitalise on demand however a brand is only as good as its supply chain. We like to think of the Global Sourcing Expo as a platform where manufacturers from around the world can come together to collaborate and connect ensuring a more resilient, more transparent supply chain,” she says. “Growth in this space can only take place when we lean on our suppliers and build mutual trust.”
Global Sourcing Expo kicks off its 2025 portfolio in Sydney from 17 – 19 June 2025.
Exhibitor bookings for both Sydney and Melbourne Expos are open, and applications can be submitted here:
Visitor registrations are open (and free) for the Sydney Expo,
More information is available at https://globalsourcingexpo.com.au/.
