Textile Recycling Market Outlook (2023 to 2033)

The textile recycling market size is projected to be worth USD 4.8 billion in 2023. The market is likely to reach USD 6.6 billion by 2033. The market is further expected to surge at a CAGR of 3.2% during the forecast period 2023 to 2033.

Key Market Trends and Highlights

  • Growing environmental concerns over textile waste generation and rising social awareness about textile recycling are projected to drive the growth of the market.
  • Several government agencies and private companies consider textile recycling as the solution to solve problems associated with textile waste management.
  • The National Council of the American Textile and Garment Foundation establishes that waste generated by discarded textiles accounts for a significant share of trash in the United States.
  • The United States government has set a goal to raise consumer awareness about textile recycling. For instance, the government has propelled an initiative to attain zero waste by the year 2037 under the leadership of the (CTR) Council for Textile Recycling.
Attributes Key Insights
Textile Recycling Market Estimated Size in 2023 USD 4.8 billion
Projected Market Value in 2033 USD 6.6 billion
Value-based CAGR from 2023 to 2033 3.2%

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2018 to 2022 Historical Analysis vs. 2023 to 2033 Market Forecast Projections

The scope for textile recycling rose at a 4.4% CAGR between 2018 and 2022. The global market for textile recycling is anticipated to grow at a moderate CAGR of 3.2% over the forecast period 2023 to 2033.

Report Attribute Details
Market Value in 2018 USD 3.9 billion
Market Value in 2022 USD 4.6 billion
CAGR from 2018 to 2022 4.4%

The 20th century saw the industrialization of textile production, resulting in augmented consumption and waste. The 2020s also marked the development of fast fashion, which was characterized by a rapid change in clothing styles and a shorter lifespan for clothing.

In the late 20th century, textile recycling began to grow beyond charitable efforts. Companies have begun to focus on recycling and reusing textiles for both ecological and economic reasons. This industry is still relatively narrow compared to other recycling industries.

The early 2010s saw an increasing focus on sustainability and corporate social responsibility. Brands and customers have become more interested in environmentally friendly practices, including textile recycling.

The development of fast fashion brands has raised concerns about clothing waste and its influence on the environment. Media coverage has highlighted the large amount of discarded clothing.

The 2020s have brought advances in textile recycling technology, allowing for more efficient handling of a wide variety of textiles. This decade also saw growing collaboration between fashion brands and recycling companies.

Several countries and regions have introduced regulations and policies to combat textile waste, encouraging recycling efforts. Customer awareness campaigns have raised awareness about the influence of textile waste on the environment.

Textile Recycling Market Key Drivers

  • Innovative recycling technologies are being advanced to process several textile materials more efficiently. Developments in mechanical, chemical, and enzymatic processes allow for better fiber separation, dye removal, and higher-quality recycled textiles.
  • The idea of a circular economy is gaining attention in the textile sector. Brands and manufacturers are looking to incorporate circular economy principles into their business models, driving demand for recycled yarn.
  • The emphasis is on textile-to-textile recycling, where textiles are turned into fibers that can be used to create new fabrics. AI-based automation and grading technologies are also being used to advance the efficiency and accuracy of grading processes.
  • The rise of startups that have focused on textile recycling reflects the growing interest and investment in the sector. These startups often bring new ideas and cutting-edge technology to solve long-term challenges.
  • Industry groups are launching campaigns to educate customers and businesses about the benefits of textile recycling, influence behavior, and promote a culture of sustainability.
Nikhil Kaitwade
Nikhil Kaitwade

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Challenges in the Textile Recycling Market

  • Textiles comprise fibers, blends, dyes, and finished products, making the recycling process complicated. Diverse materials require specific handling methods. The dearth of standard identification or labeling systems for textiles may stymie growth in the coming decade.
  • Textile recycling faces challenges associated with the quality of the material collected. Contamination with non-recyclable items, such as buttons, zippers, and other accessories, can reduce the quality and value of recycled materials.
  • The expansion of advanced recycling technologies capable of efficiently processing a wide range of textile materials is still evolving. Several existing techniques have limitations in terms of scalability and efficiency, which can hinder the overall recycling process.

Country-wise Insights

The below table showcases revenues in terms of the top 5 leading countries, spearheaded by the United States and China. These two countries are expected to lead the market through 2033, with sizes of USD 1.2 billion and USD 1.4 billion.

Expected Market Values in 2033

Countries Market value 2033
The United States USD 1.2 billion
China USD 1.4 billion
The United Kingdom USD 247 million
Japan USD 1.2 billion
South Korea USD 342.5 million

Forecast CAGRs from 2023 to 2033

Countries CAGR 2023 to 2033
The United States 3.1%
China 3.1%
The United Kingdom 2.9%
Japan 3.1%
South Korea 2.7%

Sustainable Practices among Manufacturers Driving United States Market

The United States is expected to reach USD 1.2 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 3.1%. The textile recycling market in the United States is mounting due to increasing awareness of the environmental influence of textile waste and the importance of recycling. Customers, businesses, and government agencies progressively recognize the need to move textiles out of landfills.

The United States is the world's leading consumer of clothing and textiles. This high level of consumption contributes to the generation of an important amount of textile waste, making textile recycling a significant part of waste reduction efforts.

The market is seeing rapid advancements in recycling technology. These include enhanced sorting methods, chemical recycling processes, and the expansion of new recycled textile materials.

Several nonprofit organizations have actively worked to promote textile recycling and raise awareness of the benefits of moving textiles out of landfills. These organizations often work with businesses and communities to facilitate recycling efforts.

Public awareness campaigns are becoming highly popular. They are used to educate consumers about the environmental impact of textile waste and encourage them to recycle or donate unused clothing.

The United Kingdom spearheads the Circular Fashion in Europe

Textile recycling trends in the United Kingdom are taking a turn for the better. A 2.9% CAGR is forecast for the country from 2023 to 2033. By the end of this forecast period, the United Kingdom textile recycling market is likely to total USD 247 million.

The global fashion industry contributes to 4% of global carbon emissions. Textile production causes GHGs equivalent to the emissions in France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. The government, therefore, has been promoting measures to reduce this footprint.

The United Kingdom government has announced its Extended Producer Responsibility scheme. This would ensure that the fashion industry contributes to recycling costs. This is supported by measures encouraging better design and labeling.

The United Kingdom textile industry has already made progress in this, led by the Sustainable Clothing Action Plan, a voluntary agreement coordinated by WRAP. The government has additionally introduced its Textile 2030 initiative. As part of this initiative, the country aims to reduce the environmental footprint of the textiles sector through science-based targets.

Advancements in Recycling Technologies and Sorting Techniques Fueling Sales in China

The textile recycling market in China is expected to reach a value of USD 1.4 billion. The market in China is poised to expand at a CAGR of 3.1% through 2033.

The Chinese government has launched strategies and initiatives to promote sustainability, including measures to boost recycling of textiles. These initiatives include regulations on waste reduction, circular economy expansion, and environmental protection. All of these have a direct influence on the dynamics regulating the textile recycling industry.

China has developed a robust textile recycling infrastructure with a network of collection points, sorting facilities, and recycling centers. China’s vast textile manufacturing base has provided the basis for recycling efforts.

China has invested in advanced recycling technologies, counting & sorting techniques, chemical recycling processes, and the growth of new fibers from recycled materials. These technologies aim to improve the productivity and quality of recycled textiles.

The Chinese government's emphasis on the transition to a circular economy has played a significant role in promoting textile recycling. This approach aims to reduce waste, maximize resource use, and promote sustainable production and consumption.

Rising public awareness of environmental and sustainability issues has led several consumers to actively participate in textile recycling and adopt environmentally friendly behaviors in China.

Prospects for Textile Recycling in Japan

Expected to reach USD 1.2 billion by 2033, the textile recycling market in Japan is set to experience positive growth. From 2023 to 2033, the country is likely to register a 3.1% CAGR.

Every year in Japan, nearly two million metric tons, or 4.4 billion pounds, of used textile goods, are discharged from homes and factories as waste and clothing represent about half of the total. Roughly, 260,000 tons, or 13% of the total, are being recycled.

Japan’s interest in becoming a sustainable society has grown in recent years, prompting textile and apparel manufacturers, as well as retailers, to focus more effort on product recycling. Initiatives are anticipated from major fiber producers here such as Teijin Ltd., Toray Industries Inc., Kuraray, Toyobo, Asahi Kasei, Unitika, and Mitsubishi Rayon.

South Korea Shows Substantial Promise in the Textile Recycling Domain

Various textile recycling initiatives are being undertaken in South Korea. Prominent textile recycling giants are foraying into the local ecosystem. Fiber manufacturer Hyosung illustrated this in May 2021. The company collaborated with municipal governments to manufacture nylon fabrics made from recycled fishing nets.

The agreement was signed with the Busan metropolitan government, and Netspa, a social venture. The collaboration was initiated with the knowledge about marine ecosystem pollution caused by used fishing nets.

Several Korean fashion companies are joining the textile recycling endeavor. Vegan Tiger, for instance, a fashion brand seeking to create clothes using sustainable materials not made from slaughtered animals, came up with various textiles made from used materials, such as paper, gift wrap, and stickers.

From 2023 to 2033, the textile recycling market in South Korea is anticipated to rise at a 2.7% CAGR. By the end of the said forecast period, a valuation of USD 342.5 million is expected.

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Category-wise Insights

The below table highlights how cotton is projected to lead the market in terms of materials, growing at 3.1% CAGR through 2033. It had registered a CAGR of 4.3% from 2018 to 2022.

The apparel waste segment is likely to spearhead sales based on source, and is anticipated to witness a CAGR of 3.0% through 2033.

Category CAGR from 2023 to 2033
Cotton 3.1%
Apparel Waste 3.0%

Improving Living Standards Globally Contribute to the Apparel Waste Segment

Based on source, the apparel waste segment is expected to continue dominating the textile recycling industry with a CAGR of 3.0% from 2023 to 2033.

Apparel waste includes waste generated by excess fabric during production. It also pertains to rejected/damaged clothing, pants clothing, and footwear that are discarded after consumption, along with other waste.

Over the past two decades, the average lifespan of a new garment has decreased significantly, resulting in more waste from the textile sector. The aforementioned factors are projected to boost the demand for recycled textiles through 2033.

Cotton Textile Recycling to be Highly Prominent

By material, cotton textile recycling is expected to emerge as a prominent segment. A CAGR of 3.1% is projected from 2023 to 2033. Recycled cotton reduces textile waste and uses considerably fewer resources than conventional or organic cotton, making it a sustainable option.

Due to its considerable demand and utilization in clothing and other textiles, cotton is one of the biggest contributors to textile waste. In the textile sector, wool apparel has better intrinsic durability and longer shelf life.

Competitive Landscape

The global market is a niche industry and is in a growing phase. The market is uneven and is branded by the occurrence of several large and small-scale players.

The key strategies chosen by large companies include several growth strategies such as technology development, expansion as well and mergers and acquisitions to surge market share, reach and revenue.

  • In April 2023, Circ collaborated with Zara to launch its womenswear collection made of recycled lyocell and polyester separated from mixed textile waste.
  • Lenzing Group announced in 2023 the introduction of the LENZINGTM ECOVERO equipped with the REFIBRATM technology. This will help Lenzing’s ongoing stride towards the transition to a circular economy in textile and fashion with its innovative, future-proof solutions.
  • In May 2023, Birla Cellulose collaborated with TextileGenesisTM to provide traceability and transparency solutions in the fibers and garments industry. Birla Cellulose is actively collaborating with brands and supply chain partners, innovators, and orchestrators such as Canopy, Fashion for Good, and Circular Fashion Partnership to scale its circular business model.

Report Scope

Attribute Details
Estimated Market Size in 2023 USD 4.8 billion
Projected Market Valuation in 2033 USD 6.6 billion
Value-based CAGR 2023 to 2033 3.2%
Forecast Period 2023 to 2033
Historical Data Available for 2018 to 2022
Market Analysis Value in USD billion
Key Regions Covered North America; Latin America; Western Europe; Eastern Europe; South Asia and Pacific; East Asia; The Middle East & Africa
Key Market Segments Covered Material, Source, Process, Region
Key Countries Profiled The United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Germany, The United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy, Russia, Poland, Czech Republic, Romania, India, Bangladesh, Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan, South Korea, GCC countries, South Africa, Israel
Key Companies Profiled Worn Again Technologies; 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

Segmentation Analysis of the Textile Recycling Market

By Material:

  • Cotton
  • Polyester
  • Wool
  • Polyamide
  • Others

By Source:

  • Apparel Waste
  • Home Furnishing Waste
  • Automotive Waste
  • Others

By Process:

  • Mechanical
  • Chemical

By Region:

  • North America
  • Latin America
  • Western Europe
  • Eastern Europe
  • South Asia & Pacific
  • East Asia
  • The Middle East & Africa

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the expected worth of the textile recycling market in 2023?

The textile recycling market is expected to reach USD 4.8 billion in 2023.

What is the expected CAGR for the textile recycling market until 2033?

The market for textile recycling is set to expand by a CAGR of 3.2% by 2033.

How much valuation is projected for the textile recycling market in 2033?

The textile recycling industry is forecast to reach USD 6.6 billion by 2033.

Which country is likely to be at the pinnacle of the textile recycling market?

China is likely to be the top performing market, accounting for USD 1.4 billion in 2033.

Which is the leading material in the textile recycling domain?

Cotton-based textile recycling is preferred, expected to rise at a 3.1% CAGR through 2033.

Table of Content
  • 1. Executive Summary
  • 2. Market Overview
  • 3. Market Background
  • 4. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast, 2023 to 2033
  • 5. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Material
    • 5.1. Cotton
    • 5.2. Polyester
    • 5.3. Wool
    • 5.4. Polyamide
    • 5.5. Others
  • 6. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Source
    • 6.1. Apparel Waste
    • 6.2. Home Furnishing Waste
    • 6.3. Automotive Waste
    • 6.4. Others
  • 7. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Process
    • 7.1. Mechanical
    • 7.2. Chemical
  • 8. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Region
    • 8.1. North America
    • 8.2. Latin America
    • 8.3. Western Europe
    • 8.4. Eastern Europe
    • 8.5. South Asia and Pacific
    • 8.6. East Asia
    • 8.7. Middle East and Africa
  • 9. North America Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
  • 10. Latin America Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
  • 11. Western Europe Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
  • 12. Eastern Europe Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
  • 13. South Asia and Pacific Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
  • 14. East Asia Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
  • 15. Middle East and Africa Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
  • 16. Key Countries Market Analysis
  • 17. Market Structure Analysis
  • 18. Competition Analysis
    • 18.1. Worn again technologies
    • 18.2. Lenzing Group
    • 18.3. Birla Cellulose
    • 18.4. BLS Ecotech
    • 18.5. The Woolmark Company
    • 18.6. iinouiio Ltd
    • 18.7. Ecotex Group
    • 18.8. The Boer Group
    • 18.9. Unifi, Inc.
    • 18.10. International
    • 18.11. Hyosung Group
    • 18.12. Martex Fiber
    • 18.13. RenewCell
    • 18.14. Pistoni S.r.l.
    • 18.15. RE TEXTIL Deutschland GmbH.
  • 19. Assumptions & Acronyms Used
  • 20. Research Methodology
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