The global textile recycling market was valued at USD 4,632.4 million in 2022 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.2% from 2023 to 2030. This growth is largely driven by increasing environmental concerns about the growing volume of textile waste and rising social awareness surrounding the need for more sustainable solutions. As the global population becomes more conscious of the environmental impact of textile waste, the demand for textile recycling is expected to surge over the forecast period.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), textile waste occupies approximately 5% of landfill space in the U.S. Textile waste is generated at an alarming rate, with the U.S. alone producing around 25 billion pounds of textiles each year, equivalent to roughly 82 pounds per citizen. These statistics underscore the urgent need for effective recycling solutions in the textile industry. As more attention is focused on the consequences of textile waste, from landfill disposal to incineration, it is expected that textile recycling will play an increasingly important role in reducing environmental harm.

Textile waste recycling offers significant environmental benefits, particularly in terms of resource conservation and reducing carbon emissions. Upcycling—a key approach in textile recycling—maximizes the conservation of water, raw materials, and energy, while minimizing the negative environmental impact. By reusing and repurposing old textiles, upcycling prevents the need for virgin resources and helps reduce the demand for raw materials. The impact of textile recycling is notably less harmful compared to the alternative methods of textile incineration and landfill disposal, which are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.

Gather more insights about the market drivers, restrains and growth of the Textile Recycling Market

Regional Insights

Europe’s Dominance in Textile Recycling

In 2022, the Europe region led the global textile recycling market, accounting for 29.6% of the global revenue share. This dominance is expected to continue, with significant growth anticipated in the coming years. Several factors contribute to Europe’s leadership in textile recycling, including strong governmental support, active recycling initiatives, and a growing commitment to sustainability.

One of the key drivers in Europe is the Waste and Resources Action Program (WRAP), which operates across the UK and the broader European region with the support of local governments and private companies. WRAP promotes the recycling of various waste streams, including textile waste, and works towards reducing the environmental impact of discarded garments. The program’s initiatives have helped foster a recycling-friendly culture, and its collaborative approach with local and international entities is expected to sustain market growth in the region.

In addition to these governmental efforts, countries such as Germany, Italy, France, Belgium, the Czech Republic, and Poland are major markets for recycled apparel. Among these, Italy is particularly renowned for its role in textile recycling. Italy is home to the Italian Textile and Recycling Association, based in Prato, a city that has long been considered the capital of textile recycling. Over a hundred companies are part of this association, which specializes in the collection and recycling of old textiles, including clothes and rugs, which are then converted into yarn. This historic focus on textile recycling has made Italy a prominent hub for the global recycling industry.

Asia Pacific: Growing Demand for Textile Recycling

The Asia Pacific region is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.8% over the forecast period, driven by rising concerns over the environmental impact of textile waste and the increasing number of government-led initiatives for textile waste management. The rapid industrialization and urbanization across countries like China, India, and Japan are contributing to the surge in textile waste generation, which is creating a significant demand for more effective recycling solutions.

Governments in the region are increasingly focusing on sustainable practices and implementing policies aimed at reducing textile waste, promoting recycling, and encouraging the use of recycled materials in manufacturing processes. In addition to governmental efforts, innovations in textile recycling technologies are driving market expansion in Asia Pacific. The development of advanced recycling technologies, including chemical recycling and mechanical recycling processes, is helping to improve the efficiency and scalability of textile recycling operations in the region.

Central and South America: Rising Demand for Textile Recycling Solutions

In Central and South America, textile consumption and waste generation are on the rise due to the growth in consumer spending and the increasing popularity of fast fashion. This surge in textile consumption has led to a corresponding rise in the need for sustainable waste management solutions, including textile recycling. As the environmental consequences of textile waste become more apparent, there is an increasing demand for solutions that promote the recycling and reuse of textiles in these regions.

Countries in Latin America are now seeking to implement better waste management systems and are investing in the development of more efficient recycling methods to address the growing issue of textile waste. This shift is expected to drive the demand for textile recycling technologies and services, particularly as more consumers in the region become aware of the environmental impact of their purchasing and disposal habits.

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Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The global textile recycling market remains in a developing stage, with the industry still being relatively niche. The market is highly fragmented, with several small- and medium-sized players contributing to its growth. Key strategies employed by these players include technological development, market expansion, and mergers and acquisitions. These approaches help companies strengthen their position in the market and increase their revenue generation potential.

Key Textile Recycling Companies

Other significant players in the global textile recycling market include:

• Worn Again Technologies

• Lenzing Group

• Birla Cellulose

• BLS Ecotech

• The Woolmark Company

• iinouiio Ltd

• Ecotex Group

• The Boer Group

• Unifi, Inc.

• Textile Recycling International

• Hyosung Group

• Martex Fiber

• RenewCell

• Pistoni S.r.l.

• RE TEXTIL Deutschland GmbH

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