Aje Aware | Planet
A Commitment to Planet
Our planet is our shared home, and it is our collective responsibility to take care of it. The fashion industry has been associated with significant negative environmental impacts, and we at Aje and AJE ATHLETICA are eager to play our part in changing this narrative. We recognise the urgent need for sustainable practices that minimise harm to the planet.
With a deep commitment to environmental stewardship, we strive to be agents of positive change within the fashion industry. We understand that our actions have consequences, and we are dedicated to reducing our environmental footprint. By implementing measures to eliminate hazardous chemicals, reduce our carbon emissions, and invest in the circular economy, we are actively working towards creating a more sustainable and responsible fashion ecosystem.
By fostering a culture of sustainability, innovation, and collaboration, we believe the fashion industry can transform its negative impact into a positive force for change.
Responsible Business Commitment 3:
Eliminate Harmful Chemicals
Target 3.1: Strengthen chemical management across our supply chain
Aje and AJE ATHLETICA recognise that chemicals are an essential part of product manufacturing but must be carefully managed to protect workers, consumers, and the environment.
Aje has implemented a Chemical Management Policy and Procedure, which sets clear requirements for chemical safety across all Aje products.
Under this policy, Aje adopts the AFIRM Group Restricted Substances List as the baseline standard for finished-product chemical compliance. In certain cases, recognised certifications such as OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 may be accepted as equivalent evidence for specific parameters, where appropriate.
Through this approach, we aim to support safer products and more responsible chemical management practices across our supply chain.
Responsible Business Commitment 4:
Reducing Our Carbon Footprint
Target 4.1: Reduce Our Carbon Footprint
In order to assess our carbon emissions for the fiscal year 2022, we enlisted the expertise of carbon mapping specialists Pangolin Associates.
In FY22, we assessed emissions from scope 1, 2, and 3 including both remote work and commuting by staff.
If you are interested, please see our FY22 results here and below.
FY22 SUMMARY:
Scope 1: 0 tCO2-e
Scope 2: 192.4 tCO2-e
Scope 3: 6,073.4 tCO2-e
A comparison of the individual sector contributions to GHG emissions revealed that Postage, Courier & Logistics was the largest contributor, at 3,989.5 tCO2-e (63.7% of total GHG Protocol emissions).
As a result, this area will be a key focus of our initial carbon reduction efforts.
Responsible Business Commitment 5:
Investing in the Circular Economy
Target 5.1: Address Garment End of Life
While Aje and AJE ATHLETICA are known for the exceptional quality of our garments, we are continually striving to enhance the longevity of our products and decrease return rates.
We acknowledge that quality is crucial in fashion from a sustainability standpoint, as it leads to longer-lasting garments, reduced waste, and lower environmental impact.
Aje and AJE ATHLETICA have partnered with Thread Together, allowing us to donate new garments to those in need.
If garments are faulty and cannot be repaired, we recycle them with Upparel.
FAQs
Yes. In FY22, we assessed emissions from scope 1, 2, and 3, which encompassed both remote work and commuting by staff.
Over the next 12 months, we will be focused on:
- Reducing our Airfreight 5% year on year
- Increasing sea freight and exploring carbon neutral shipping lines
- Moving to green energy for our standalone stores and head office
Aje and AJE ATHLETICA are actively working to exclude harmful chemicals from our textile supply chains. It starts with our Supplier Code of Conduct and onboarding process.
The suppliers we choose to work with share our values and respect both local and international environmental regulations and standards. We each care about protecting the environment and ensuring manufacturing processes are as clean and green as possible.
We outlaw harmful chemicals such as azo dyes and formaldehyde and have strict requirements as to the handling of chemicals that are used. We insist on proper waste management, with special attention to any hazardous waste and emissions, which may not be dumped or discharged in an unlawful manner, including water waste.
This is an area that we will keep managing and growing in, and we will be publishing our progress on our Aje Aware website.
We have developed a Care Guide, available below, to advise on how to take care of Aje garments to ensure their longevity.
Aje’s Guide to Conscious Wardrobe Care
At Aje, we believe true style endures. By caring thoughtfully for your garments, you not only extend their life but also minimise fashion’s environmental impact. This guide empowers you to care, repair and rewear — all while supporting a more sustainable fashion future.
1. Caring for Your Garments: Everyday Impact, Elevated
Every wear, wash, and storage choice you make contributes to your wardrobe’s longevity and
reduces its environmental footprint.
Washing Wisely
- Wash in cold water (30°C or below) — it conserves energy, reduces emissions, and is gentler
on fabric dyes and fibres.
- Use low-tox, biodegradable detergents — look for labels like Greywater Safe, EcoCert, or
Septic Safe. Trusted options include Abode, Koala Eco, and Ecostore.
- Avoid fabric softeners, which coat fibres and reduce biodegradability.
- Spot clean where possible to reduce unnecessary washing.
- Turn garments inside out before washing to minimise surface abrasion and fading.
- Use a microfibre-catching wash bag (e.g. Guppyfriend) when laundering synthetic items to
help prevent plastic pollution.
Drying & Storage
- Air dry whenever possible — it reduces energy use and helps maintain garment shape.
- Dry garments in the shade to protect colours and fibres from UV damage.
- Lay knitwear flat to prevent stretching.
- Avoid tumble drying synthetic fabrics, which can shed microplastics and weaken materials.
- Store garments in a cool, dry space, away from direct sunlight, to prevent discolouration
and degradation.
2. Repair, Reinvent, Rewear
Keeping garments in use is one of the most impactful choices you can make.
- Repair small holes, loose seams, or missing buttons early — before they worsen.
- Tailor pieces to adjust fit or refresh style.
- Get creative with embroidery, visible mending, or patchwork to add personal flair and
extend the life of much-loved pieces.
3. Thoughtful Disposal: Circular Over Landfill
When a garment has reached the end of its life with you, consider how it might be reused, re-loved,
or responsibly recycled.
Resell or Donate
- Sell quality pre-loved items via platforms like Depop, Vestiaire Collective, or The RealReal.
- Donate wearable garments to trusted charities or op shops (always check their acceptance
guidelines first).
- Host or attend clothing swaps to keep fashion in circulation.
Recycle Responsibly
- Use services like Upparel, which collect textiles from your doorstep and recycle or repurpose
them sustainably.
- Check with your local council for textile recycling drop-off points or community initiatives.
- Avoid placing textiles in general waste, where they may end up in landfill.
In regards to unsold garments, we first donate them to Thread Together. If they are faulty, we recycled them via Upparel.
