세계의 섬유 재활용 시장 규모는 2024년 54억 달러에 달했습니다. IMARC Group은 향후 2033년까지는 67억 1,000만 달러에 이를 전망이며, 2025년부터 2033년까지 2.39%의 성장률(CAGR)을 나타낼 것으로 예측했습니다. 이 시장은 환경 문제에 대한 관심 증가와 지속 가능한 폐기물 관리에 대한 긴급한 요구, 고급 선별 시스템 및 화학 재활용과 같은 재활용 기술의 혁신, 섬유 재활용을 장려하거나 의무화하는 정부의 규제와 정책에 의해 꾸준한 성장을 이루고 있습니다.
섬유 재활용은 오래되거나 불필요한 섬유를 재사용하여 새로운 제품과 재료를 만드는 것을 의미합니다. 여기에는 섬유 제품의 회수, 분류, 세척 및 사용 가능한 형태로의 재가공이 포함됩니다. 섬유 제품의 재활용은 산업용 걸레, 의자 가방, 단열재, 카펫 깔개, 방음재, 새로운 섬유 제품 원료 등에 널리 사용됩니다. 또한 자동차 산업, 반려동물 케어 및 건설 분야에서도 유용합니다. 섬유 제품의 재활용은 폐기물 감소, 원재료 절약, 에너지 절약 등 수많은 장점을 가지고 있습니다.
재활용 기술의 최근 기술 혁신은 섬유 제품의 선별, 세척 및 재사용을 보다 효율적으로 수행할 수 있게 하여, 전체 공정을 보다 비용 효율적이고 확장성을 갖게 하고 시장 성장을 가속하고 있습니다. 이 외에도 급속한 세계화로 인해 국경을 넘어선 기술과 모범 사례의 이전이 용이해지고, 보다 많은 국가들이 섬유 제품 재활용에 효과적으로 참여할 수 있게 된 것도 시장 성장에 기여하고 있습니다. 이 외에도 미사용 재료보다 재활용 재료를 사용하여 얻은 비용 절감에 대한 섬유 생산자의 의식이 높아져 시장 성장에 긍정적인 영향을 미칩니다. 게다가 비정부기구(NGO) 및 기타 옹호 단체가 재활용 활동을 촉진하는데 기여하게 되는 것도 시장 성장에 긍정적인 영향을 미칩니다. 게다가 지속가능한 섬유제품의 연구개발에 교육 부문이 계속 참여하는 것은 시장 성장을 강화하고 있습니다.
환경의 지속가능성에 대한 관심 증가
환경의 지속가능성에 대한 의식과 관심 증가는 섬유 재활용 시장을 견인하는 유력한 요인입니다. 섬유 산업은 환경 악화의 최대 요인 중 하나이며, 물의 대량 사용에서 탄소의 대량 배출에 이르기까지 큰 영향을 미치고 있습니다. 또한, 종래의 섬유 제조 공정은 자원 집약적이며, 많은 양의 물, 에너지 및 원료를 필요로 하며 폐기물의 대량 발생으로 이어지고 있습니다. 또한 기후 변화와 자원 고갈에 대한 사람들의 의식이 높아지면 지속가능한 대체품에 대한 수요가 증가하고 성장을 가속하는 요인이 되고 있습니다. 이와 함께 섬유 제품의 재활용은 다양한 환경 문제를 완화하는 효과적인 방법을 제공합니다. 왜냐하면 많은 지역에서 이미 용량 한계에 도달하고 있는 매립지로 가는 폐기물을 크게 줄일 수 있기 때문입니다. 또한 섬유 제품을 재활용하면 미사용 자원의 필요성이 줄어들어 채굴 및 운송에 필요한 환경 비용도 줄일 수 있습니다.
정부 정책 강요
섬유 재활용 시장의 형성과 조타에서 정부 기관의 역할은 시장 성장을 가속하는 매우 중요한 요소입니다. 각국 정부는 폐기물의 삭감과 재활용 재료의 이용 촉진을 목적으로 한 정책이나 법률을 제정하고 있습니다. 게다가 매립지 사용에 대한 규제가 강화되어 더 높은 수수료와 더 엄격한 지침이 부과되어 섬유 제품의 재활용이 경제적으로 실행 가능한 옵션이 되었습니다. 이 외에도 재활용 및 기타 환경 친화적인 방법을 채택하는 기업은 보조금 및 세제 우대 조치를 제공합니다. 또한 파리협정과 같은 기후 변화에 관한 국제협정과 합의도 지속가능한 산업 관행을 채택하도록 각국에 압력을 가하고 있습니다. 그 결과 규제 정책과 우대 조치가 기업에 섬유 재활용 투자를 촉구하고 시장 성장에 기여하고 있습니다.
소비자 행동의 변화
소비자 행동은 섬유 재활용 시장의 중요한 원동력이 되었습니다. 지속가능성 문제에 대한 세계 의식의 고조에 따라 소비자의 선택안을 길러내고 환경책임에 대한 자신의 가치관을 반영한 브랜드와 제품의 채용을 촉진하고 있습니다. 게다가, 의식이 증가함에 따라 윤리적 소비주의로의 동향 변화는 섬유 산업에 큰 영향을 미칩니다. 게다가 지속가능한 방식으로 생산된 상품에 프리미엄을 지불하고자 하는 소비자층이 증가하고 있으며, 브랜드가 제조 공정 및 재료 조달 전략을 재평가하는 것을 뒷받침하는 것도 시장 성장의 기폭제가 되고 있습니다. 또한 소비자 수요가 증가함에 따라 많은 유명 브랜드가 재활용 재료를 사용한 의류 라인을 출시하고 있습니다. 이 밖에 소셜 미디어 및 기타 플랫폼을 통해 정보가 확산되어 소비자가 지속 가능한 선택을 조사 및 선택하기 쉬워진 것도 시장 성장에 긍정적인 영향을 미치고 있습니다.
The global textile recycling market size reached USD 5.40 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 6.71 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 2.39% during 2025-2033. The market is experiencing steady growth driven by increasing environmental concerns and the urgent need for sustainable waste management, innovations in recycling technologies, such as advanced sorting systems and chemical recycling, and government policies and regulations that encourage or mandate textile recycling.
Textile recycling refers to the practice of repurposing or reusing old or unwanted textiles to create new products or materials. It involves collecting, sorting, cleaning, and reprocessing the textiles into usable forms. Textile recycling is widely used for the creation of industrial rags, upholstery stuffing, insulation material, carpet underlays, soundproofing, and raw materials for new textiles. Additionally, it finds utility in the automotive industries, pet care, and the construction sector. Textile recycling offers numerous benefits, such as waste reduction, conservation of raw materials, and energy savings.
The recent innovations in recycling technology, which allow more efficient sorting, cleaning, and repurposing of textiles, thus making the entire process more cost-effective and scalable, are propelling the market growth. Along with this, the easier transfer of technology and best practices across borders due to rapid globalization, which enables more countries to participate effectively in textile recycling, is contributing to the market growth. Besides this, the heightened awareness among textile producers regarding the cost savings earned through using recycled over virgin materials is favoring the market growth. Furthermore, the increasing contribution of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and other advocacy groups in promoting recycling efforts is positively impacting the market growth. Additionally, the ongoing participation of the education sector in researching and developing sustainable textile practices is strengthening the market growth.
The growing focus on environmental sustainability
The growing awareness and concern regarding environmental sustainability is a compelling factor driving the textile recycling market. The textile industry is one of the largest contributors to environmental degradation, with significant impacts ranging from high water usage to extensive carbon emissions. Furthermore, conventional textile manufacturing processes are resource-intensive, requiring large amounts of water, energy, and raw materials, which leads to extensive waste generation. Additionally, the growing public consciousness about climate change and resource depletion, resulting in heightened demand for sustainable alternatives, is acting as a growth-inducing factor. In line with this, textile recycling offers an effective way to mitigate various environmental issues, as it significantly reduces the waste that ends up in landfills, which are already reaching their capacity limits in many regions. Moreover, recycling textiles lessens the need for virgin resources, thereby reducing the associated environmental costs of extraction and transportation.
The imposition of government policies
The role of governmental bodies in shaping and steering the textile recycling market is a pivotal factor driving the market growth. Governments are enacting policies and legislation aimed at reducing waste and encouraging the use of recycled materials. Furthermore, regulations are being tightened around landfill use, imposing higher fees and stricter guidelines, which, in turn, makes textile recycling a more economically viable option. Besides this, subsidies or tax incentives are being offered to companies that adopt recycling or other eco-friendly practices. Moreover, international accords and agreements on climate change, like the Paris Agreement, are also pressuring countries to adopt sustainable industrial practices. As a result, regulatory policies and incentives are prompting companies to invest in textile recycling, thereby contributing to the market growth.
The changing consumer behavior
Consumer behavior serves as a critical driving force in the textile recycling market. The rising global awareness about sustainability issues has made consumers more discerning in their choices, thus prompting the adoption of brands and products that reflect their own values toward environmental responsibility. Furthermore, the shifting trend towards ethical consumerism due to heightened awareness is profoundly influencing the textile industry. Moreover, the growing segment of consumers willing to pay a premium for sustainably produced goods, pushing brands to reevaluate their manufacturing processes and material sourcing strategies, is catalyzing the market growth. Additionally, numerous high-profile brands have launched clothing lines featuring recycled materials in response to the growing consumer demand. Besides this, the proliferation of information through social media and other platforms, which has made it easier for consumers to research and choose sustainable options, is positively impacting the market growth
Cotton Recycling
Wool Recycling
Polyester & Polyester Fiber Recycling
Nylon & Nylon Fiber Recycling
Others
Cotton recycling dominates the market
Cotton recycling is dominating the market as cotton is one of the most widely used natural fibers in the textile industry. Its ubiquity means that there is a substantial volume of cotton waste generated, providing a large base of material for recycling efforts. Additionally, the properties of cotton, such as its natural biodegradability and relatively simple molecular structure, make it easier to recycle compared to synthetic fibers like polyester. It can be more readily broken down and reprocessed into new fibers or other cotton-based products, which simplifies the recycling process. Furthermore, the rising consumer demand for sustainable and natural fibers is acting as another growth-inducing factor. Besides this, cotton recycling has a lower environmental impact compared to producing virgin cotton. As a result, by recycling cotton, manufacturers can significantly reduce their water consumption and chemical use, aligning with current sustainable development goals.
Pre-consumer Textile
Post-consumer Textile
Pre-consumer textile hold the largest share in the market
Pre-consumer textiles are dominating the market as these materials have not been exposed to wear and tear, stains, or laundering, which makes them easier to recycle. Furthermore, the recycled output often retains higher quality, thereby fetching a better market price and making it more appealing for applications that require durable material. Additionally, pre-consumer textile waste comes directly from manufacturers or suppliers, which is generated in bulk and is easier to collect, sort, and process, compared to post-consumer waste, which requires extensive sorting and cleaning. Besides this, pre-consumer textile waste is usually of the same type and grade of material, making it easier and more efficient to recycle. Moreover, governments and regulatory bodies are offering various incentives for reducing industrial waste, and businesses can qualify for these benefits by engaging in pre-consumer textile recycling.
Online Channel
Retail & Departmental Store
Retail & departmental store holds the largest share in the market
Retail and departmental stores are dominating the market as they benefit from high foot traffic, which enables them to serve as effective platforms for the collection and redistribution of recycled textiles, thereby facilitating a more extensive reach and higher adoption rates. Besides this, they have established brand reputations and customer trust, which is essential for the successful collection and sale of recycled textile products, as consumers often have reservations about the quality and usability of recycled goods. Moreover, retail and departmental stores have established supply chain management systems that are well-equipped to manage the collection, sorting, and distribution of recycled textiles efficiently. Along with this, the integration of textile recycling into their existing operations is often more seamless compared to smaller entities or specialized stores, which might lack such robust logistical frameworks.
Apparel
Industrial
Home Furnishings
Non-woven
Others
Apparel holds the largest share in the market
Apparel is dominating the market owing to its sheer volume, which provides a considerable amount of raw material for the textile recycling market. Additionally, the heightened consumer awareness about the environmental impact of fast fashion, making recycled textiles an attractive choice for apparel manufacturers, is contributing to the market growth. Furthermore, the relatively simpler supply chain for apparel production, as compared to other potential end-uses like industrial applications, makes it easier to incorporate recycled textiles. Along with this, the technology and expertise needed to recycle textiles into wearable clothing are more readily available, thereby lowering entry barriers for companies looking to venture into sustainable apparel. Moreover, fashion companies are bolstering their corporate social responsibility (CSR) profiles by using recycled materials, making apparel a lucrative sector for such initiatives.
North America
United States
Canada
Asia Pacific
China
Japan
India
South Korea
Australia
Indonesia
Others
Europe
Germany
France
United Kingdom
Italy
Spain
Russia
Others
Latin America
Brazil
Mexico
Others
Middle East and Africa
Turkey
Saudi Arabia
Others
Asia Pacific exhibits a clear dominance, accounting for the largest textile recycling market share
The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, Asia Pacific accounted for the largest market share.
Asia-Pacific hosts some of the world's largest textile-producing countries, creating a substantial feedstock for recycling operations. Furthermore, the labor costs in the region are relatively low, which facilitates various stages of the textile recycling process, from collection and sorting to reprocessing, thereby making the region a hub for textile recycling. Additionally, the increasing awareness and adoption of sustainable practices in the region supported by various government initiatives and policies is positively impacting the market growth. Moreover, Asia Pacific has a rapidly growing middle-class population, which is increasingly concerned with sustainability and environmentally friendly practices. Apart from this, the region has strong intra-regional and international trade relations that facilitate the easy export of recycled textile products to other markets.
Major firms are developing advanced recycling technologies, including methods for sorting and cleaning textiles more efficiently and techniques for breaking down fibers to their most basic form for high-quality recycling. Furthermore, they are forming alliances with governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and even competitors to improve the overall recycling infrastructure. Besides this, companies are leveraging marketing and public relations to build awareness about textile recycling. Additionally, they are increasingly adopting circular economy principles, where end-of-life textile waste is looped back into the production process, which not only promotes sustainability but also significantly reduces manufacturing costs. Moreover, several market players are focusing on making their supply chains transparent, allowing them to trace the origin of the materials used. In addition, they are looking to expand their operations internationally, particularly in emerging markets where consumer awareness about sustainability is on the rise.
The market research report has provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape. Detailed profiles of all major companies have also been provided. Some of the key players in the market include:
Anandi Enterprises
American Textile Recycling Service
Boer Group Recycling Solutions
I:Collect GmbH
Infinited Fiber Company
Patagonia
Prokotex
Pure Waste Textiles
Retex Textiles
Unifi, Inc.
(Please note that this is only a partial list of the key players, as the complete list is provided in the report.)