Why Textile Recycling Matters?

Every year, millions of tonnes of textiles end up in landfills or incinerators - most of it still perfectly recyclable. With the rise of fast fashion and declining garment quality, textile waste is growing faster than our ability to manage it.

Globally, less than 1% of textiles are recycled back into new textiles. The rest are downcycled into lower-value products, exported, or simply discarded. New EU policies, such as mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes and upcoming Ecodesign rules, aim to reverse this trend by requiring better design, longer product lifespans, and improved waste management. (We explored these regulations in more detail in our earlier post on the EU policy landscape).

But why does textile recycling matter so much, and why should we care?

It reduces environmental impact
Producing textiles is highly resource-intensive. Cotton farming consumes vast amounts of water and pesticides, while polyester and other synthetics are derived from fossil fuels. Recycling reduces the demand for new raw materials, cutting greenhouse gas emissions, water use, and pollution.

It addresses global imbalances
Textile production is concentrated in a few countries, but consumption is much higher in Europe and North America. When garments are discarded, the environmental and social burdens are rarely shared equally. Recycling and reuse can ease this imbalance by extending product lifecycles and reducing pressure on production regions.

It keeps waste out of landfills and incinerators
When textiles are landfilled, natural fibres can release methane as they decompose, while synthetic fibres shed microplastics into soil and water. Incineration recovers some energy, but it comes at the cost of carbon emissions. Recycling and reuse allow us to recover material value while avoiding these harmful outcomes.

It supports local economies
Recycling is not just about waste reduction - it also creates jobs. Collection, sorting, and processing all generate employment, while feeding recovered materials into new manufacturing streams strengthens local industries and reduces dependence on virgin imports..

At RMP, we see these developments as both a challenge and an opportunity. Building effective recycling systems requires investment, innovation, and collaboration - but the benefits are clear. By rethinking how we manage textiles, we can protect the environment, rebalance global supply chains, and unlock new economic value.

In our next textile post, we will explore how textile recycling works in practice - from mechanical to chemical processes, and why a well-coordinated infrastructure is essential to make them succeed.