Leina + Fleur Embrace Zero Waste Every Day: Eco-conscious Fashion in Action

Rethinking Waste: What Zero Waste Week is All About

Zero Waste Week is an inspiring annual campaign that encourages individuals, businesses, and communities to rethink their approach to waste. Usually held in the first week of September, it focuses on reducing, reusing, and recycling in ways that make a real difference for the planet. From reimagining packaging and reducing single-use plastics to managing fabrics and other resources thoughtfully, the week highlights how small actions can collectively create a significant impact. At its heart, Zero Waste Week celebrates creativity, community, and responsibility—showing that waste can be managed wisely, and mindful choices truly protect our environment for the future.

“In 2023, Australians sent 222,000 tonnes of clothing to landfill. On average, each person disposes of 23kg of clothing annually, making Australia the world’s largest consumer of textiles per capita. Shockingly, while 95% of discarded garments could be reused or recycled, only 7% are.” - Seamless Australia 2023

Zero Waste, Every Day: How We Make it Part of Our Brand

At Leina + Fleur, we are proudly committed to Australian-made fashion. Our centralised local production allows us to see firsthand the waste generated during garment creation—a level of visibility that offshore manufacturing simply doesn’t offer. This means we not only understand the impact but also have full control over how we manage, reduce, and repurpose it. Being eco-conscious guides everything we do, from design to production. Our compostable packaging is part of this effort: we partner with specialised sustainable packaging providers to deliver our garments in eco-friendly wrapping. Our mailing bags are reusable and certified home-compostable, made from plant-based materials and cornstarch, and will break down in 3–4 months. Customers can repurpose them for returns or even add them to their compost bins.

We’ve also invested in automatic cutting equipment that reduces fabric offcuts by 9%, and leftover fabrics, paper and plastic are donated for reuse through our partnerships with Recycle Smart . RecycleSmart collects, sorts, and responsibly recycles a wide range of hard-to-recycle items—like textiles, soft plastics, and blister packs—while providing full traceability and ethical processing.

Giving Garments a Second Life: Our Circular Approach

Waste reduction extends far beyond our own workshops. At Leina + Fleur, we actively support a circular fashion economy through multiple initiatives. Projects like ‘Made For You’ allow us to repurpose excess fabrics rather than discard them. ‘Made For You’ garments are produced only to order, ensuring no waste.

Our Outlet features garments of the highest quality that may not meet strict quality control criteria, as well as one-off samples and “unicorn” pieces. Instead of going to waste, these items are offered at a smaller value, giving them a second life with someone who will love them. Additionally, our Facebook reseller groups allow our community to sell and buy preloved L+F garments, keeping these pieces in circulation and reducing landfill. These initiatives not only minimize waste but also enable more people to enjoy Leina + Fleur responsibly.

Supporting Fair Work Practices Through Responsible Sourcing

Conscious manufacturing is about more than materials—it’s also about people. We are committed to following ethical and responsible pathways, upholding our values of Integrity, Respect, and Impact Reduction. We carefully select partners who share these values and ensure that working environments meet high standards.

All our manufacturers adhere to our Supplier Code of Ethics, based on the Ethical Trading Initiative Base Code, which aligns with ILO conventions and international labor standards. Suppliers are required to read, understand, and verify compliance, while independent factory audits and on-site visits ensure standards are met. This accountability allows us to create fashion that is both eco-conscious and fair for all involved in its production.

Living Mindfully Every Day

Zero Waste Week is a reminder of the power of collective action, but at Leina + Fleur, working towards sustainability is a year-round commitment. Through thoughtful production, our Outlet, reseller groups, and partnerships with Recycle Smart and Punch Equipment, we reduce waste, support a circular fashion system, and give garments a second life. By reusing packaging, donating fabrics, or participating in resale programs, small choices add up to a meaningful impact. Sustainability isn’t just a campaign—it’s a lifestyle, woven into everything we do, step by step, stitch by stitch, and shared with our community every day.

References / Bibliography

1. Leina + Fleur. (2025). Our Values and Ethics. Retrieved from https://leinaandfleur.com.au/pages/our-values-and-ethics

2. Seamless Australia. (2023). Despite Rise in Second-Hand Shopping, Australia Sends 222,000 Tonnes of Clothing to Landfill. Retrieved from https://www.seamlessaustralia.com/news/despite-rise-in-second-hand-shopping-australia-sends-222-000-tonnes-of-clothing-to-landfill

3. Sustainability Victoria. (2025). Our War on Textile Waste. Retrieved from https://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/news/news-articles/our-war-on-textile-waste

4. Australian Government – Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. (2024). Enabling Design for Environmental Good: Textiles Summary. Retrieved from https://www.dcceew.gov.au/sites/default/files/d