Global Textile Recycling Market size was valued at USD 4.9 Billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 6.8 Billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 3.8% during the forecast period 2023 – 2032.
Textile Recycling Market – Overview
Textile recycling involves reusing or repurposing textile materials to prevent them from ending up in landfills, contributing to waste reduction and environmental conservation. Textiles encompass a wide range of materials, including clothing, bedding, towels, curtains, and other fabric-based items.
The global textile recycling market is driven by increasing awareness and concern for environmental sustainability. The textile industry generates significant waste, and consumers are becoming more conscious of the environmental impact of production and disposal.
Initiatives and regulations favoring textile recycling, driven by the realization that textiles contribute to about 8% of all municipal solid waste in the United States, are propelling the market forward.
Advances in recycling technologies, including mechanical and chemical methods, play a crucial role in market growth. Mechanical recycling techniques, such as shredding and carding, extract fibers from used textiles without significant quality loss.
Chemical recycling methods are evolving, regenerating textile fibers with characteristics comparable to virgin materials. The continuous evolution of these technologies enhances the feasibility and efficiency of textile recycling, attracting investments.
Inadequate collection infrastructure poses a significant challenge to the textile recycling market. Despite growing demand, the lack of proper collection systems results in a substantial portion of textiles ending up in landfills.
Only about 1% of textiles are currently recycled into new garments globally, according to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, highlighting the need for convenient and widespread collection mechanisms.
Quality degradation during the recycling process and the prevalence of downcycling hinder the development of a closed-loop system. Mechanical recycling may result in fibers with reduced strength, leading to downcycling into lower-value products.
Overcoming these challenges requires ongoing research to improve the quality of recycled fibers and explore alternative recycling methods.
The increasing consumer demand for sustainable and eco-friendly fashion presents a significant opportunity for the textile recycling market. With over 60% of global consumers considering sustainability an important factor in purchasing decisions, there is a growing preference for clothing made from recycled materials, creating a market opportunity for textile recyclers to collaborate with fashion brands.
Government initiatives and regulations promoting sustainable practices and reducing textile waste create a favorable environment for market growth.
The European Union’s Circular Economy Action Plan, targeting recycling rates for textiles, aligns with the textile recycling industry, providing opportunities for businesses to participate in government-supported sustainability initiatives.
The global textile recycling market is segmented by material, source, and process. In terms of material, cotton holds the highest market share due to its dominance in the textile industry, driven by consumer awareness and demand for sustainable fashion.
Polyester is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR, fueled by its popularity for durability and affordability, coupled with increasing concerns about environmental impact and recycled polyester demand.
In the process segment, mechanical recycling has the highest market share, preferred for its simplicity and lower environmental impact. Chemical recycling is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR, thanks to advancements in handling a wider range of materials, including blended fabrics.
The source segment includes apparel waste, home furnishing waste, automotive waste, and others. Apparel waste dominates due to the large volume of discarded clothing globally, driven by consumer awareness campaigns. Automotive waste is expected to experience rapid growth due to increased focus on recycling materials from end-of-life vehicles.
Regionally, Asia Pacific will lead the textile industry in 2022 and is likely to lead in textile recycling due to its large manufacturing base, growing environmental awareness, and regulatory support for sustainability.
Europe is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period, driven by stringent environmental regulations and a strong emphasis on sustainability, aligning with circular economy principles and eco-friendly practices.
Notable developments include partnerships, innovations, and initiatives by key players. For example, Circ partnered with Zara to launch a womenswear collection from recycled textile waste, and Lenzing Group introduced LENZINGTM ECOVERO with REFIBRATM technology, contributing to a circular economy in the textile and fashion industry.
These developments showcase the industry’s commitment to sustainability and technological advancements.
Report Scope
| Feature of the Report | Details |
| Market Size in 2023 | USD 4.9 Billion |
| Projected Market Size in 2032 | USD 6.8 Billion |
| Market Size in 2022 | USD 4.7 Billion |
| CAGR Growth Rate | 3.8% CAGR |
| Base Year | 2023 |
| Forecast Period | 2024-2033 |
| Key Segment | By Material, Process, Source and Region |
| Report Coverage | Revenue Estimation and Forecast, Company Profile, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors and Recent Trends |
| Regional Scope | North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South & Central America |
| Buying Options | Request tailored purchasing options to fulfil your requirements for research. |
Custom Market Insights has comprehensively analyzed Textile Recycling market. The driving forces, restraints, challenges, opportunities, and key trends have been explained in depth to depict the in-depth scenario of the market. Segment wise market size and market share during the forecast period are duly addressed to portray the probable picture of this Textile Recycling industry.
The competitive landscape includes key innovators, after market service providers, market giants as well and niche players which were studied and analyzed extensively concerning their strengths, weaknesses as well and value addition prospects. In addition, Report covers key players profiling, market shares, mergers and acquisitions, consequent market fragmentation, new trends and dynamics in partnerships, emerging business models.
List of the prominent players in the Textile Recycling Market:
- Lenzing Group
- Birla Cellulose
- BLS Ecotech
- The Woolmark Company
- iinouiio Litd.
- Ecotex Group
- The Boer Group
- Unifi Inc.
- Textile Recycling International
- Hyosung Group
- Martex Fiber
- RenewCell
- Pistoni S.r.l
- RE TEXTIL Deutschland GmbH
- Worn again technologies
- Others
These key players are adopting various organic and inorganic growth strategies such as M&A, joint ventures, collaborations, strategic alliances, expansion, new product launches among others to increase their revenues and business operations
The Textile Recycling Market is segmented as follows:
By Material
- Cotton
- Polyester
- Wool
- Polyamide
- Others
By Process
- Mechanical
- Chemical
By Source
- Apparel Waste
- Home Furnishing Waste
- Automotive Waste
- Others
Regional Coverage:
North America
- U.S.
- Canada
- Mexico
- Rest of North America
Europe
- Germany
- France
- U.K.
- Russia
- Italy
- Spain
- Netherlands
- Rest of Europe
Asia Pacific
- China
- Japan
- India
- New Zealand
- Australia
- South Korea
- Taiwan
- Rest of Asia Pacific
The Middle East & Africa
- Saudi Arabia
- UAE
- Egypt
- Kuwait
- South Africa
- Rest of the Middle East & Africa
Latin America
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Rest of Latin America