Clothing industry to wear ethical hearts on sleeves

A GREEN kangaroo or koala could be the symbol of a new campaign by Australia's textile, clothing and footwear industry to sell itself to ethical consumers.

It is exploring the development of an ''ethical quality'' marque to denote that a garment has been made without the use of sweatshop labour, is free of chemicals harmful to humans or the environment, and has taken animal welfare into consideration.

The idea of promoting a clean, green fashion industry is one of a number of recommendations made by a Government-backed inquiry into how Australia's $4.4 billion clothing and footwear industry can remain competitive in the face of cheap imports from India and China.

If developed, the marque would be the first of its kind in the world.
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