Made in Australia

As Team Australia prepares to step onto the global stage of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, we can proudly celebrate a kit that’s not only Australian by design – it was largely crafted on home shores too. This natural next step in our long-term commitment to homegrown manufacturing adds an extra layer of patriotism to the Australian formal uniforms and encourages us to look firmly ahead to a more sustainable future.

We spoke to our head of product development, Scott Faulder, and our sustainability & CSR manager, Carli Davis about what this commitment represents, and the impact it will have on people and planet.

Compared to the previous Commonwealth Games uniforms, much more of this collection was made locally. Can you tell us about the process of bringing manufacturing back to Australian shores?

CD: Onshore manufacturing often means more effort, more cost, and more inconsistencies with timing, but it is also so much more rewarding, better for the community and the environment. There’s a much greater level of transparency, which means we can manage the whole process, from selecting the fibre right the way through to sewing the garments.

SF: We crafted thousands of uniform pieces in this range onshore, which means we have been able to support a number of Australian partners – it’s a significant commitment to local manufacturing and its effects are far reaching.

Can you speak more to the R.M.Williams legacy of Australian manufacturing? Why is this so integral to our business?

SF: R.M.Williams has always supported local production, having manufactured in Australia for 90 years and counting – it’s an integral part of our brand DNA. It’s an industry that we’re actively working to rebuild and grow, through investment in facilities and targeted training programs.

CD: It’s also at the forefront of Andrew and Nicola Forrest’s ambitions for R.M.Williams. Since the business was acquired by their investment group Tattarang in early 2020, there has been a renewed commitment to ensure materials and manufacturing are Australian, wherever possible. Our customers trust our products and rely on us to ensure that no stone is left unturned when it comes to ensuring the wellbeing of the people we work with and the environment that we share.

What is the environmental impact of manufacturing more of these products in Australia?

CD: Our commitment to homegrown manufacturing and sourcing local materials means a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, a higher quality product, and opportunities for communities across the country. We were also able to handcraft the boots and belts in our iconic Adelaide workshop, which is partly powered by its own solar power system.

SF: We’ve seen increased traceability and have been able to reduce the amount of unnecessary transport and shipping. During the development, we also took great care and consideration with our materials selection, opting for natural fibres like the linen blend wovens and organic cotton pique jerseys.

What message does this send about R.M.Williams as a business and Australia as a nation, as we prepare to showcase our uniforms on a global stage?

SF: We are listening and we’re on a journey of understanding impacts, making improvements for the future.

CD: We’re showing respect for slow fashion, durability, and quality over quantity.

Step behind the design with Scott Faulder to learn before about the creative process of bringing the uniforms to life, and remember to tune in from July 28th to August 8th to see team Australia in action at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.