Global Recycled Textile Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032

Global Recycled Textile Market Size

The global recycled textile market value reached nearly USD 5.36 billion in 2023. The market is further estimated to grow in the forecast period of 2024-2032 at a CAGR of 2.8% to reach about USD 6.87 billion by 2032.

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Global Recycled Textile Market Growth

Textile recycling is the process by which old clothing and other textiles are recovered for reuse or material recovery. Recycled textile is used for clothing, as well as furniture and mattress material, linens, draperies, leisure equipment, cleaning materials, and many other items. The recycled textile market demand is increasing because the production process requires no additional water or dyes.

Global Recycled Textile Market Analysis

The rising awareness among consumers about waste collection and recycling is anticipated to propel the market demand for recycled textiles across the globe during the forecast period. The growth of the recycled textile market is driven by rising consumer disposable income and heightened environmental awareness. Textile recycling reduces reliance on virgin fibres, lowers land and water pollution, minimises the use of chemical dyes, and optimises energy and water consumption.

Going further, the continuous technological advancement in recycled textiles such as mechanical recycling, chemical recycling for synthetics, chemical recycling for blended fibre, and chemical recycling for natural fibre is expected to support the growth of the recycled textile industry.

Global Recycled Textile Industry Outlook

In 2023 U.S. textile imports, measured in raw-fibre equivalent pounds, amounted to significant volumes across various fibre types. Cotton imports were recorded at 7,243,298,937 pounds, while linen imports reached 88,993,8968 pounds. Wool imports were 40,750,8286 pounds, and silk imports were 26,182,3942 pounds. The imports of synthetic fibres were notably high, totalling 8,419,930,052 pounds. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported a total of 17,222,500,185 pounds in textile imports for the year, which drives the recycled textile industry revenue. Using recycled textiles helps reduce waste and the need for new raw materials, thus minimizing environmental pollution and conserving natural resources.

According to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service, in 2023, the total Upland cotton production across the United States was estimated at 12,736,000 480-pound bales. Texas led the production with 3,600,000 bales, followed by Georgia with 2,350,000 bales.

As per the National Development and Reform Commission, in 2020, China generated approximately 22 million tons of textile waste and achieved a recycling rate of about 20%. This resulted in the production of around 1.5 million tons of recycled fibre from the textile waste.

The textile industry is crucial for both the EU and the global economy. In 2022, the EU textile and clothing sector generated a turnover of USD 175.98 billion, marking a 14% increase from 2021. Furthermore, EU households allocated around USD 297.17 billion on clothing, averaging USD 663.89 per person, representing a 15% increase in current prices from the previous year, according to the European Environment Agency. This surge contributes to the growth of the recycled textile market, as recycled materials can be more cost-effective than new ones, potentially lowering import costs and enhancing profit margins for businesses.

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water reported that In Australia during 2020-21, the textiles, leather, and rubber (excluding tyres) category generated 0.9 million tonnes (Mt) of waste. In the same period, the recycling of textiles, leather, and rubber (excluding tyres) amounted to 0.04 million tonnes (Mt).

Recycled textiles reduce waste, minimise pollution, and conserve resources, aligning with growing sustainability trends.

• Recycled materials often cost less than virgin fibres, offering potential savings and better profit margins for manufacturers.

• Increasing regulations and incentives for sustainability boost recycled textile industry growth and attract investment.

Recycled textiles may be perceived as lower quality compared to new materials, affecting consumer acceptance.

• Availability of high-quality recycled fibres can be inconsistent, impacting production reliability.

• The recycling process can be expensive and complex, potentially affecting overall cost-effectiveness.

Rising consumer demand for sustainable products offers significant growth potential for recycled textiles.

• Innovations in recycling technology can improve the quality and efficiency of recycled materials.

• Emerging markets with increasing environmental awareness present new growth opportunities for the recycled textile market.

Economic downturns can reduce consumer spending on sustainable products, impacting market growth.

• The market faces competition from alternative sustainable materials and synthetic fibres.

• Variations in environmental regulations across regions can complicate global market expansion and compliance.

Key Players in the Global Recycled Textile Market and Their Key Initiatives

Leigh Fibers Inc.

• Leigh Fibers and Revive Fiber will jointly manage as sister companies.

• Invested in advanced recycling technologies to improve efficiency.

Evrnu Technologies

• Developed NuCycl, a proprietary fibre regeneration technology.

• Collaborated with major brands like Levi's and Adidas to capture the recycled textile market opportunities. 

Martex Fiber

• Implemented cutting-edge machinery to improve textile recycling efficiency.

• Launched eco-friendly recycled textile products to meet the growing demand of the recycled textile market.

Re:NewCell

• Increased production capacity for their Circulose® recycled fibre.

• Collaborated with H&M and Levi’s for sustainable collections.

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Global Recycled Textile Industry Segmentation

“Global Recycled Textile Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Type

• Recycled Cotton

• Recycled Wool

• Recycled Polyester

• Recycled Nylon

• Others

Market Breakup by End Use

• Automotive

• Retail

• Mining

• Building and Construction

• Others

Market Breakup by Region

• North America

• Europe

• Asia Pacific

• Latin America

• Middle East and Africa

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Recycled Textile Market Share

The market growth of recycled textiles across the Asia Pacific is holding a substantial share on account of the rising recycled textile demand from economies like India, China, and Australia in the region. This emergence of the used clothes processing market in India has largely helped charities, especially in Africa, which is driving the recycled textile market across the region. Moreover, the growing textile and clothing industry coupled with the surging population in the region and expansion strategies by various market players in the region is further propelling the growth of the recycled textile market in the Asia Pacific.

Leading Companies in the Recycled Textile Market

The companies specialise in fibre recycling and producing high-quality recycled textile fibres. It is dedicated to sustainable practices, converting post-consumer and post-industrial textiles into new, reusable materials.

• Leigh Fibers Inc. 

• Evrnu Technologies 

• Martex Fiber 

• Re:NewCell AB 

• Boer Group 

• Khaloom Textiles India Pvt. Ltd.

Key Highlights of the Report

Recycled Textile Market Report Snapshots

Recycled Textile Market Size

Recycled Textile Market Growth

Recycled Textile Market Analysis

Recycled Textile Market Share

Recycled Textile Companies