Recycled Textile Market Size, Trends and Growth Analysis by 2027

In 2019, the global recycled textile market was valued at approximately US$ 5,855.39 million and is anticipated to grow to around US$ 9,365.04 million by 2027, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2% from 2020 to 2027.

Recycled textiles are produced by transforming old and unused clothing into new garments or various products, including bags and carpets, through chemical processes. Textiles can be created through various methods such as knitting, weaving, tatting, felting, or braiding. The increasing demand for recycled textiles is largely driven by growing environmental concerns regarding the harmful effects of waste incineration, significant industrial discharges from textile manufacturing, and the depletion of raw materials like silk and wool. The textile and apparel retail sectors are among the fastest-growing industries, playing a crucial role in economic development. The shift towards global retailing and online shopping has further fueled the growth of the fashion, textile, and apparel sectors, leading to a heightened consumer demand for recycled textile products. Additionally, the automotive industry is expanding, with a greater emphasis on the aesthetics of passenger vehicles and increased consumer spending on vehicle appearance, which is driving the demand for recycled textile products in automotive applications such as seat belts, nylon tire cords, upholstery, car seats, body covers, automotive carpets, sun visors, and airbags.

The recycled textile market is categorized by type into recycled cotton, recycled wool, recycled polyester, recycled nylon, and other materials. In 2019, recycled polyester dominated the market, holding the largest share. This material is produced from recycled substances such as PET and polyester fabrics, which are commonly found in clear plastic bottles. Recycling these materials into fabrics helps prevent them from ending up in landfills. The process involves collecting PET bottles, sterilizing, drying, and crushing them into small chips. These chips are then heated and extruded through a spinneret to create yarn, which is wound onto spools. The yarn undergoes crimping to achieve a woolly texture before being baled, dyed, and knitted into polyester fabric. Notably, the energy required to convert PET into recycled polyester is significantly lower than that needed for conventional polyester production. Utilizing recycled polyester reduces reliance on petroleum as a raw material for fabric production. Garments made from recycled polyester can be reprocessed multiple times without losing quality, thereby minimizing waste. Currently, many manufacturers are adopting closed-loop manufacturing processes to refine old polyester into raw materials for new garments.

Geographically, the recycled textile market is divided into regions including North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific (APAC), South America, and the Middle East and Africa (MEA). In 2019, the Asia-Pacific region held the largest share of the global recycled textile market, followed by North America and Europe. The adoption of Western culture in developing countries within the Asia-Pacific region is expected to drive market growth during the forecast period. Furthermore, increasing awareness of the comfort and advantages of stylish home textiles will also support market expansion. China's large population and rising per capita consumption of textiles and clothing present significant opportunities for the recycled textile market. The primary goods exported to China include yarns and fibers. Major industrial clusters in China, such as Shanghai, Guangdong Province, Zhejiang Province, Nantong in Jiangsu Province, and Shandong Province, focus on the manufacturing and recycling of textile materials. Additionally, other sectors such as automotive, healthcare, and sports are generating substantial demand for recycled textile materials.

The COVID-19 pandemic, which originated in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, has rapidly spread worldwide. As of August 24, 2020, countries such as the US, Brazil, India, Russia, South Africa, Mexico, Spain, and the UK have been significantly affected by the virus. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were approximately 23,586,641 confirmed cases and 812,537 deaths globally. The pandemic has disrupted economies and industries due to lockdowns, travel restrictions, and business closures. The global chemicals and materials sector has faced severe challenges as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, which has profoundly impacted the recycled textile market.

Key players in the global recycled textile market include Anandi Enterprises, Chindi, Khaloom Textile India Pvt. Ltd., Kishco Group, Usha Yarns Limited, Hyosung Corporation, Leigh Fibers Inc., Martex Fiber Southern Corporation, Renewcell AB, and Boer Group.

The overall size of the global recycled textile market has been determined through both primary and secondary research methods. The research process began with extensive secondary research utilizing both internal and external sources to gather qualitative and quantitative data related to the market. Additionally, numerous primary interviews were conducted with industry participants and experts to validate the information and gain deeper analytical insights. Participants in this process included industry professionals such as VPs, business development managers, market intelligence managers, and national sales managers, as well as external consultants like valuation experts, research analysts, and key opinion leaders specializing in the global recycled textile market.