Assembled Threads and Icon have received the prestigious title of 'Social procurement trailblazer – national' partnership winners, a recognition of their exceptional commitment to social and environmental impact.

A journey into the circular economy

This remarkable journey began in 2022 when Icon, a prominent Australian property group, joined forces with Assembled Threads, a company specialising in the manufacturing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and High-Visibility vests, to embark on a circular economy partnership. Their commitment to sustainability was strengthened by their partnership with Recycling Victoria, showing an unwavering dedication to environmental responsibility from the beginning.

Bridging employment gaps and building a more inclusive workforce

Assembled Threads has long been a champion of addressing underemployment and disadvantaged recruiting, with a special focus on women from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, including those residing in North Melbourne's social housing community. Their mission is rooted in providing opportunities to individuals who are often marginalised in the workforce, thereby creating lasting social change and fostering inclusivity.

"We are giving people purposeful work, reducing the hours of welfare that we are having to support through our taxes. Isn't that a better outcome for all of us? I think it is."- Edwina Walsh, Founder, Assembled Threads

Sustainability grants and innovative recycling

Assembled Threads received a significant boost when they secured a grant from the Victorian Government through Sustainability Victoria's Recycling Victoria Communities Fund. This grant was instrumental in initiating the 'Towards Circular High Visibility Apparel' project, which aimed to not only manufacture high-quality PPE and High-Vis vests but also incorporate sustainable practices into their lifecycle.

An extraordinary aspect of this initiative was the provision of 60 High-Vis visitor vests to Icon Ground Lease Model project teams, which were worn across three construction sites. However, the true innovation lay in what transpired when these vests reached the end of their useful life. Assembled Threads, with their commitment to environmental sustainability, spearheaded a vest recycling program that substantially reduced textile waste in landfills by an impressive 90 grams per vest.

A commitment to community and the circular economy

“Icon is committed to working closely with partners, understanding the importance of giving back to the community, and recognising the pivotal role the circular economy plays in providing long-term employment opportunities, strengthening social connections, and diverting waste from the economy.’’- Nicole Donnison, Social Procurement and Inclusion Manager, Icon.

In late 2022, Minicon, a subsidiary of Icon, closely collaborated with Assembled Threads to produce 30 customised High-Vis vests adorned with traditional indigenous artwork. These vests were proudly worn by Minicon staff during the delivery of a significant Government-funded sporting project - the State Football Centre and Home of the Matildas Development. The partnership not only recognised the broader value that could be achieved through their corporate supply chain but also prompted a review of all recurrent spend.

A new approach to supplier assessment

In partnership with Social Traders, Icon developed an Assessment Matrix for Suppliers, a weighting system that delves beyond cost evaluation and focuses on the social benefit and impact of suppliers. The result of this innovative process was the conversion of all clothing, safety gear, and PPE sourcing to social benefit suppliers, and a national contract awarded to Assembled Threads to supply PPE to over 800 Icon Group members.

The winner’s advice to aspiring social procurement trailblazers?

“You really have to go with your gut and trust the companies that have shared values for the partnerships to work”- Edwina Walsh, Founder, Assembled Threads.

“Just start small, grow opportunities, build relationship on values and let it go from there- Nicole Donnison, Social Procurement and Inclusion Manager, Icon.

The result of Assembled Threads and Icon’s partnership is empowering for all parties involved, creating mutual benefits, lasting social value and serving as a shining example of business for good. Assembled Threads and Icon have showcased that with shared values and a commitment to sustainability, businesses can thrive while making a meaningful impact on individuals, communities and the environment.