A Victory for Repair Culture and Circular Design

When we started FabPatch, we weren’t just trying to fix holes — we were trying to fix a system. A system that throws away too much. That values fast over lasting. That forgets the stories stitched into our clothes and the environmental cost of every discarded garment.

Today, we’re proud to share that FabPatch has won GOLD + EDITOR’S CHOICE in the Clean + Conscious Awards 2025, named Best Zero Waste – Living in Australia  and New Zealand / Aotearoa.

This recognition isn’t just about a product. It’s about a philosophy. A movement. A quiet revolution happening in homes, schools, campsites, and laundries across the country — where people are choosing repair over replacement, care over convenience, and sustainability over waste.

What the Award Means

The Clean + Conscious Awards are among the most respected sustainability accolades in Australia and New Zealand / Aotearoa. Every product is independently reviewed for its environmental impact, ethical sourcing, and social responsibility.

FabPatch was praised for its:

• Ease of use — no sewing, no ironing, no fuss
  
• Durability — patches that stay put through washes, wear, and adventure
  
• Impact — reducing textile waste and extending garment life

To win GOLD + EDITOR’S CHOICE means our product didn’t just meet the criteria — it exceeded them. It stood out for innovation, accessibility, and its ability to empower everyday people to make sustainable choices.

The Sustainability Story Behind FabPatch

FabPatch is more than a patch. It’s a circular design solution built from the ground up to reduce waste and increase textile longevity.

Here’s how we do it:

• Global Recycle Standard-certified polyester: Our patches are made from verified recycled materials, giving new life to old textiles.
  
• Plastic-free packaging: Every FabPatch is shipped in compostable, recyclable packaging — because sustainability shouldn’t stop at the product.
  
• OEKO-TEX certified adhesives: Safe for skin, safe for the planet.
  
• Ethical sourcing: We work with trusted partners in Finland, China, and Türkiye, and we’re actively exploring local manufacturing in Australia to reduce transport emissions and support domestic industry.

But sustainability isn’t just about materials — it’s about mindset.

Repair Culture Is Rising

FabPatch is part of a growing global movement to make repair visible, accessible, and celebrated. We’ve seen firsthand how a simple patch can spark a powerful shift in thinking — from “this is broken” to “this is fixable.”

Our impact goes beyond the product:

• Sophie’s work in the Seamless Taxonomy Working Group is helping shape Australia’s national clothing repair and recycling framework.
  
• We support Global Mend in Public Day, encouraging people to repair garments in public spaces and normalize visible mending.
  
• We partner with local councils to run community mending events, bringing neighbors together to share skills and stories.
  
• We collaborate with universities to research garment longevity and the behavioral science behind repair adoption.
  
• We advocate for repair culture across social media, industry panels, and sustainability conferences, challenging brands and consumers to rethink their relationship with clothing.

Every patch tells a story. A child’s favorite hoodie saved. A hiking jacket repaired after a big adventure. A pair of jeans made new again. These stories matter — and they’re changing the way we think about fashion.

A Win for Everyone

This award belongs to every person who’s ever patched a hole, saved a sleeve, or told a friend “you can fix that.” It belongs to the parents teaching kids to mend, the outdoor lovers who repair gear instead of tossing it, and the fashion rebels who wear their patches with pride.

It also belongs to our incredible community of retailers, partners, and supporters who’ve helped us grow from a small idea into a national movement.

Thank you for believing in repair. Thank you for choosing circular. Thank you for being part of this story.

What’s Next for FabPatch?

We’re not stopping here.

• We’re expanding our product range to include new shapes, colors, and materials
  
• We’re deepening our partnerships with schools, councils, and sustainability educators
  
• We’re continuing to push for policy change and industry accountability
  
• And we’re listening — to you, our community — to make FabPatch even better

This win is a milestone, but the real victory is in every patched garment, every landfill diversion, and every person who chooses repair.

Let’s keep fixing the system — one patch at a time.

With gratitude, Sophie & Megan Co-founders, FabPatch