Epson Australia has announced its intention to extend its partnership with the not-for-profit organisation, First Nations Fashion + Design (FNFD), following the successful launch of the inaugural FNFD x THE ICONIC incubator training program. The collaboration between Epson Australia and FNFD, which commenced in May 2023, is focused on advancing the Indigenous fashion sector through the integration of technology and sustainability.
The partnership between Epson and FNFD was initiated with the introduction of Epson’s Monna Lisa ML-8000 direct-to-fabric printer, a product that FNFD had been seeking. The training program included workshops, events, and experiences organised by various industry experts and educators, including Epson, The Hanes Group, and Bonds, with ongoing input from the Indigenous creative community. Epson’s applications and training specialist, Derek Mobbs, worked with the incubator program participants to facilitate the digitalization and printing of their designs.
Priscilla Dickason, senior marketing manager ANZ at Epson, highlighted that the collaboration between Epson and the Australian Fashion Council (AFC) is aimed at supporting the AFC in achieving its objectives. This includes revitalising onshore manufacturing capability, fostering future skills and career pathways, enhancing economic stability for the industry, and transitioning to a sustainable, circular economy by 2030.
As part of its broader environmental vision to contribute to a circular economy, Epson has publicly committed to achieving carbon negativity and underground resource freedom in its Environmental Vision 2050. The use of renewable electricity is a key strategy for Epson in its pursuit of decarbonization. Notably, in December 2023, all Epson sites globally, including offices in Australia and New Zealand, transitioned to 100 per cent renewable electricity, amounting to approximately 876 GWh annually.
