On Tuesday 1 June, Year 12 Design students were delighted to hear from the Co-founder and Managing Director of Seljak Brand, Ms Samantha Seljak, as part of their Sustainable Design unit. Ms Seljak, a social entrepreneur advocating for a world without waste, presented her company’s textile recycling process and how they make products that are regenerative by design.
The Seljak Brand believes that ‘waste is a design flaw’ and educates and advocates for the circular economy and climate action. The company’s award-winning, closed-loop blankets are made from recycled merino wool offcuts from the factory floor of Australia’s oldest mill in Tasmania.
The blankets are 70 per cent-recycled Australian merino wool, combined with a 30 per cent blend of recycled alpaca, mohair and polyester for strength. Unwanted or damaged blankets can be shredded and spun into new yarn to make future blankets. Ms Seljak discussed how the company minimises waste and makes the most of resources with its circular economy approach. Seljak Brand’s closed-loop model allows the company to divert waste from landfill and create a luxurious blanket.
Ms Seljak explained how they are making a social impact as well. Seljak Brand donates $5 to the Asylum Seeker Resources Centre for every blanket sold, an organisation that helps people seeking asylum and new migrants feel welcome, safe and supported in Australia.
Through Ms Seljak’s presentation, students gained a deeper understanding of entrepreneurship, the circular economy, and systems innovation.
Ms Thea Darnell
Technologies Teacher
Ms Samantha Seljak, Co-founder of Seljak Brand
