Revival of On Shore Production
Stitching Together the Past: The Revival of On Shore Production
In the bygone era, the hum of sewing machines and the steady rhythm of skilled hands crafting exquisite garments reverberated across Australia. Local manufacturing was the lifeblood of the fashion industry, ensuring that quality, ethics, and innovation went hand in hand. However, the quest for cheaper labour led to a significant shift, as production moved offshore, and with it, the ethics and standards of the fashion industry were put to the test.
Once upon a time, Australia was a hub of clothing production. Local manufacturers breathed life into designs, ensuring that the entire process, from the drawing board to the shop floor, adhered to rigorous quality standards. This localization of production allowed for shorter supply chains, which, in turn, promoted efficiency, transparency, and responsible manufacturing.
The late 20th century witnessed a change in the global fashion landscape. In pursuit of reduced production costs, many Australian brands shifted their manufacturing offshore to countries with cheaper labour. This decision created a disconnect between design, production, and ethical responsibility. Garment factories in some countries faced issues related to working conditions, underpayment, and environmental degradation.
Outsourcing production to countries with less stringent labour and environmental regulations had repercussions. Garment workers in these nations often faced harsh conditions, from long hours to inadequate pay, and sometimes even child labour. Environmental ethics took a hit as well, with manufacturing processes in some countries leading to significant pollution.
The transition to offshore production also influenced the quality in a pretty noticeable way. Once known for its skilled craftsmanship, the industry lost some of its innovation as production processes became less hands-on and more mechanical. The ability to produce small batches or customized pieces became increasingly difficult. Making them a little more special too don’t you think?
In recent years, we have witnessed a resurgence of interest in local production. As consumers become more conscientious about their choices, brands are revisiting their ethical and environmental responsibilities. A renewed focus on quality, transparency, and innovation is driving the shift towards reshoring manufacturing.
The 4 top Benefits of bringing it ALL home
Bringing fashion production back to Australian shores carries several advantages.
- Ethical Responsibility: Reshoring allows brands to regain control over the ethical aspects of their manufacturing process. This means ensuring fair wages, better working conditions, and the elimination of exploitative practices.
- Environmental Sustainability: Local manufacturing can adhere to stricter environmental regulations, leading to a reduction in the carbon footprint of the fashion industry.
- Quality Assurance: By overseeing production locally, brands can regain their grip on quality control, ensuring that each garment meets high standards of craftsmanship.
- Innovation and Customization: Local production allows for flexibility, enabling the fashion industry to experiment with designs, create smaller, more unique batches, and offer customizations to consumers.
The revival of on shore production is not merely nostalgia; it's a step towards a more ethical, sustainable, and innovative industry. As we shift our focus to local manufacturing, we can look forward to a resurgence of creativity, ethical responsibility, and quality that our fashion industry was once renowned for.
Make a difference, shop local.