A Deep Dive into China’s Waste Textile Recycling Market: Policy, Technology, and Economic Impact
Section I: Overview of the Waste Textile Recycling Industry
The “Classification and Codes for Waste Textiles” (GB/T38923–2020) categorizes waste textiles into waste textiles and used textiles.
- Waste textiles, also referred to as production process waste, are discarded textile raw materials or semi-finished products generated during the various production stages of spinning, weaving, and manufacturing finished products (such as garments, apparel, and home textiles). Examples include waste materials from spinning cleaning, cotton carding processes (e.g., fluff, floor scraps, or combed waste), and discarded yarns, fabrics, or scraps during the processing of finished products.
- Used textiles generally refer to textile products that have lost part or all of their utility or fashionability, such as worn-out clothing, unused home textile products, or outdated inventory. These constitute the primary sources of used textiles.
Further categorization can be made based on the basic composition of waste textiles, such as cotton, wool, polyester, nylon, acrylic, other materials, or blends, dividing them into multiple subcategories.
Currently, China is the world’s largest producer and consumer of textiles and apparel.
- Annual textile fiber processing amounts to approximately 58 million tons, accounting for more than 50% of the global total.
- Annual fiber consumption is about 30 million tons, with a per capita consumption of 22.4 kg, reaching levels comparable to moderately developed countries.
With the rapid development of the textile industry and rising living standards, clothing replacement cycles are becoming shorter, resulting in massive amounts of waste textiles each year. In 2020, waste textiles amounted to approximately 20.2 million tons, with a cumulative total reaching 140 million tons, most of which remain underutilized. Future projections suggest an annual increase of over 20.2 million tons. According to research conducted by BIR at the University of Copenhagen in 2008:
- Recycling 1 kg of waste textiles can reduce 3.6 kg of carbon dioxide emissions, save 6,000 liters of water, and reduce the use of 0.3 kg of fertilizers and 0.2 kg of pesticides.
Thus, recycling waste textiles is vital for supplementing raw material supplies in the textile industry, alleviating resource and environmental pressures, and establishing a green, low-carbon circular economy. It plays a significant role in conserving resources and reducing pollution and carbon emissions.
(A) Historical Development and Current Status of Waste Textile Recycling in China
In the 1990s, China established the China Recycling Resources Association and the China Resources Comprehensive Utilization Association, initiating research and practice in waste textile recycling.
- By 2002, China had over 5,000 recycling enterprises, 560,000 collection points, and more than 3,000 recycling and processing plants.
- While recycling systems for paper, glass, and polymers were already well-developed, waste textile recycling lagged behind international standards, and public awareness of its significance remained limited.
With the promotion of sustainable development strategies, the government has emphasized standardized and large-scale recycling of waste textiles. Authorities have integrated textile recycling as a key focus for the secondary development of the textile industry, aiming to achieve green and sustainable development through improved reuse systems.
This initiative, supported by the government, industries, and enterprises, has transformed waste textile recycling into a significant sector in China, achieving notable milestones:
- In cities such as Shanghai, Guangzhou, Wuhan, and Shenzhen, companies engage in the collection, donation, or sale of used clothing. By the end of 2012, Shanghai alone had 1,500 collection boxes, recovering 729,700 items and donating 629,700 items of clothing.
- Wuhan’s recycling supermarkets offered old clothing collection at 0.88 yuan per kg, creating a new model for waste textile recycling.
- DoDoBird Used Clothing in Guangzhou has deployed 30,000+ collection boxes nationwide, covering premium residential areas in South China with online and offline services through smart recycling systems.
According to the China Resources Comprehensive Utilization Association, by 2011, many regions in China had organically developed waste textile recycling organizations. Key hubs like Cangnan, Zhejiang, and Jiangyin, Wuxi specialize in recycling specific types of waste textiles.
Recycled products come in diverse forms, including:
- Yarns and raw textile materials,
- Non-woven fabrics,
- Construction materials,
- Agricultural insulation materials for greenhouses,
- Additives for oil drilling,
- Automotive interior materials,
- Waterproof materials,
- Plastic alloys, and handicrafts.
Sustainable Development Efforts by Companies:
Numerous brands are actively exploring sustainable practices, such as adopting recyclable and circular materials, green design, renewable energy, energy-saving production methods, and low-carbon manufacturing. Additionally, they promote waste textile recycling across the supply chain.
Current Technological Landscape:
Recycling efforts span over 300 cities nationwide, with sorting transitioning from manual to automated processes aligned with international technologies. Domestically developed sorting equipment with independent intellectual property rights is under development. Recycling primarily employs mechanical methods like tearing and melting, while chemical recycling focuses on producing short fibers, chips, and filaments. Exploration of new uses for waste textiles is ongoing.
In recent years, with the growing awareness of environmental protection, China’s volume of recycled waste textiles has steadily increased.
With improvements in capacity and the increasing efficiency and effectiveness of resource utilization, both the generation and recycling of waste textiles have shown an upward trend from 2019 to 2023. According to preliminary estimates from the Waste Textile Specialized Committee of our association, the recycling volume of waste textiles in 2023 exceeded 5.5 million tons, with a recycling rate of approximately 23%. Additionally, based on methodologies developed by relevant research institutions, we have estimated the corresponding reductions in carbon dioxide emissions, water savings, reductions in the use of fertilizers and pesticides, as well as the amount of land and crude oil conserved.
Since the 2017 policy banning imports of waste cotton, yarn, and recycled fibers, domestic prices for recycled waste textiles have risen steadily. Concurrently, efforts to promote the recycling of waste textiles have intensified nationwide. Collection boxes for used clothing are becoming increasingly visible, and the value of waste textiles has risen significantly.
- From 2015 to 2021, the annual growth rate of the recycling value of waste textiles exceeded 10% each year.
- By 2021, the recycling value reached 2.61 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 21.4%, approximately three times the value in 2015.
- However, in 2022, the recycling value dropped to 1.66 billion yuan, marking the lowest level since the “14th Five-Year Plan” period began.
Currently, waste textile recycling in China primarily operates through two major models:
- Government-Led Recycling:
This involves multiple agencies, including:
- The Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development (for municipal solid waste recycling),
- The Ministry of Commerce (for resource recycling), and
- The Ministry of Civil Affairs (for charity-driven recycling initiatives).
Government departments establish specific requirements for waste textile recycling across various dimensions.
2. Enterprise-Led Commercial Models:
Numerous brands have initiated their own recycling programs:
- Uniqlo has been recycling its brand’s used textiles since 2006.
- H&M began collecting used clothing from both its brand and others in 2011.
- Emerging collection models such as offline collection boxes and internet-based recycling are gaining traction. For example, brands like Flying Ant, White Whale, and OOUYAN collaborate with platforms such as Alipay, WeChat, and SF Express to facilitate online recycling.
Additionally, traditional grassroots recycling models remain prevalent in China.
To alleviate resource scarcity, China previously relied on substantial imports of waste textiles as raw materials:
- In 2016, imports reached 291,000 tons, decreasing to 273,000 tons in 2017.
- Following the implementation of the “Prohibition of Foreign Waste and Reform of Solid Waste Import Management” policies in 2018, waste textile imports dropped precipitously.
- By 2018, only small quantities of waste wool were imported (approximately 9,200 tons, a 96.63% year-on-year decline).
- Import volumes continued to decline, with 8,300 tons in 2019, 8,200 tons in 2020, and 11,000 tons in 2021.
(B) Current Status of Waste Textile Recycling and Utilization Abroad
Germany
Germany is a global leader in waste textile resource utilization technology. In 1972, Germany enacted the Waste Management Act, followed by the Circular Economy and Waste Management Act in 1996, which clarified the responsibilities of citizens, businesses, and the government in the recycling of waste textiles.
- In 1992, Hoechst-Celanese developed a method for producing polyester fibers from recycled PET bottles and photographic and projection films, enabling the production of leisurewear and sportswear, significantly advancing related industries in Germany.
- Germany generates approximately 1.9 million tons of waste textiles annually, of which about 42% (800,000 tons) are recycled:
- 40% are recovered through charitable second-hand clothing initiatives.
- 50% are reprocessed into new materials.
- Only 10% are incinerated or sent to landfills.
- The country has advanced fully automated machinery for processing waste textiles into regenerated fibers. The waste management industry generates annual revenue of about €41 billion, creating over 200,000 jobs.
United States
The United States enacted the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (1976) and the Pollution Prevention Act (1990) to incorporate waste textile recycling into national policy. The federal government requires municipalities, charities, and relevant enterprises to participate in recycling efforts.
- Initiatives such as Recycling Day, the establishment of environmental organizations, online resources, and awareness campaigns encourage public attention and support for waste textile recycling.
- The U.S. produces approximately 9 million tons of waste textiles annually:
- 15% are recycled.
- 50% are utilized by charitable organizations.
- 20% are repurposed by factories.
- 15% are used as fuel.
United Kingdom
To promote the recycling and reuse of waste textiles, the UK has introduced numerous policies and regulations, including:
- The Control of Pollution Regulations (1992),
- The Waste Minimization Act (1998), and
- The Pollution Prevention and Control Act (1999).
The UK has implemented a comprehensive waste management system to ensure the effective handling and reuse of industrial waste. The country produces approximately 1.1 million tons of waste textiles annually: - About 1/3 is repurposed into new products.
- 2/3 are used for secondary production and resale.
Innovative research in the UK explores using waste textiles for urban greening, such as incorporating them into landscaping projects, which reduces the costs of green infrastructure.
Japan
Since the 1980s, Japan has actively promoted a circular economy and established some of the most comprehensive legal frameworks in the world.
- In 2000, Japan passed the Waste Management Act, among ten other laws, which detail the responsibilities and obligations of local governments, national agencies, social enterprises, and citizens in waste textile recycling.
- The approach combines:
- Government policies,
- Corporate cost-sharing, and
- Public and corporate efforts to minimize waste generation.
According to the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry, Japan generated 1.713 million tons of waste textiles in 2009, with a recycling rate of 22%. The main methods include secondary utilization and circular reuse. Many clothing stores in Japan now feature collection points for waste textiles, ensuring they are processed and recycled effectively.
Section II: Structural Analysis of the Waste Textile Recycling Industry
The waste textile recycling industry is composed of various channels spanning upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors, forming a complete industrial structure. These channels include upstream products and services (i.e., raw material and service producers), midstream service integrators (i.e., product and service integrators), product and service design (i.e., design planners), industry agents (i.e., product and service agents), industry distributors, and consumers.
- Raw Material and Service Producers:
Representing the upstream segment, this category primarily includes manufacturers responsible for products and services, as well as various raw material suppliers. - Product and Service Integrators:
Representing midstream service integration, they are primarily responsible for reprocessing upstream services, serving as a bridge to consolidate upstream resources into usable forms. - Design Planners:
Representing the design of products and services, this segment provides professional design and standard planning to support the smooth operation of the entire business. - Industry Product and Service Agents:
This group primarily undertakes service provision and agency roles within the industry. - Industry Distributors and Consumers:
Representing the downstream segment, industry distributors are characterized by wide sales coverage, dispersed sales points, small batch sizes, and higher unit prices. Consumers within the market primarily connect with distributors at the end of the supply chain, where negotiating power is limited.
Section III: PEST Analysis of the Waste Textile Recycling Industry
(A) Policy Factors
- “The 14th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development and Long-Range Objectives for 2035”
On March 12, 2021, the General Office of the State Council released the “14th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development and Long-Range Objectives for 2035”. Under the section “Accelerating the Green Transformation of Development Models”, the plan calls for:
- Fully implementing the concept of a circular economy and building a multi-level system for efficient resource recycling.
- Advancing the circular transformation of industrial parks, improving and extending industrial chains, promoting tiered energy utilization, waste recycling, and centralized pollution treatment.
- Enhancing the comprehensive utilization of bulk solid waste and standardizing the development of the remanufacturing industry.
- Strengthening the planning and construction of recycling facilities for waste items and improving urban sorting systems for recyclable materials.
- Encouraging “reverse recycling” models in manufacturing and establishing an integrated online-offline, controlled-flow recycling system.
- Expanding the coverage of the extended producer responsibility system and promoting standardized, reusable, and recyclable packaging for e-commerce and logistics.
2. “Implementation Opinions on Accelerating the Recycling of Waste Textiles”
In March 2022, the National Development and Reform Commission, Ministry of Commerce, and Ministry of Industry and Information Technology jointly issued the “Implementation Opinions on Accelerating the Recycling of Waste Textiles” (Fagaihuanzi [2022] №526). The document states:
- “China is the world’s largest textile producer, accounting for over 50% of global textile fiber processing. With increasing per capita fiber consumption, a substantial amount of waste textiles is generated annually.”
- Recycling waste textiles is vital for conserving resources, reducing pollution and carbon emissions, and easing resource constraints. It also supports the establishment of a green, low-carbon circular economy.
The document sets clear goals:
- By 2025, China will have an initial recycling system for waste textiles, with a recycling rate of 25% and a recycled fiber production volume of 2 million tons.
- By 2030, a more comprehensive system will be established, with a recycling rate of 30% and a recycled fiber production volume of 3 million tons.
Specific measures include:
- Promoting green textile design and the use of green fibers.
- Strengthening the social responsibility of textile producers.
- Expanding recycling networks, broadening recycling channels, and enhancing recycling management.
- Encouraging the development of recycling industries and supporting policies to foster innovation and industry leadership.
3. “14th Five-Year Plan for the Textile Industry”
In June 2021, the China National Textile and Apparel Council released the “14th Five-Year Plan for the Textile Industry”, which includes specific goals:
- Optimizing the energy consumption structure and improving energy and water use efficiency.
- Reducing energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions per unit of industrial added value by 13.5% and 18%, respectively.
- Increasing the water recycling rate in the dyeing industry to 45%.
- Annual growth of 10% in the production of biodegradable and green fibers (including bio-based, recycled, and solution-dyed chemical fibers).
- Ensuring that recycled fibers account for 15% of total fiber processing by the end of the “14th Five-Year Plan” period.
(B) Economic Factors
As of the first half of 2023, preliminary calculations show the following economic indicators:
- GDP: China’s GDP reached 59.3 trillion yuan, growing by 5.5% year-on-year at constant prices.
- Primary industry value-added: 3.0416 trillion yuan, a growth of 3.7%.
- Secondary industry value-added: 23.0682 trillion yuan, a growth of 4.3%.
- Tertiary industry value-added: 33.1937 trillion yuan, a growth of 6.4%.
Consumer indicators:
- Disposable income: National per capita disposable income was 19,672 yuan, up 6.5% nominally and 5.8% in real terms. Urban and rural residents’ per capita disposable incomes were 26,357 yuan and 10,551 yuan, growing by 5.4% and 7.8%, respectively.
- Retail sales: Total retail sales of consumer goods reached 22.76 trillion yuan, an increase of 8.2%, with online retail sales contributing 7.16 trillion yuan, growing by 13.1%.
These indicators demonstrate steady economic growth, rising disposable income, and robust consumer market activity, creating a favorable economic environment for the waste textile recycling industry.
(C) Social Factors
On October 18, 2017, in his report to the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of harmony between humans and nature. He advocated for the principle “Lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets”, reinforcing the national policies of resource conservation and environmental protection. This principle, deeply rooted in China’s development realities, has increasingly resonated with the public.
The “14th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development and Long-Range Objectives for 2035” includes a dedicated section titled “Promoting Green Development and Harmony Between Humans and Nature”, which provides a comprehensive explanation of green development. Key directives include:
- Adhering to the concept of “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets.”
- Respecting, adapting to, and protecting nature.
- Prioritizing resource conservation, environmental protection, and natural restoration.
- Implementing sustainable development strategies.
- Improving coordination mechanisms in the ecological civilization domain.
- Establishing an ecological civilization framework to drive the green transformation of economic and social development and build a “Beautiful China.”
The comprehensive green transformation of economic and social development has significantly enhanced public environmental awareness. The waste textile recycling industry, by leveraging waste textiles for resource recovery, aligns perfectly with the principles of green and sustainable development. Under this context, the industry benefits from robust social momentum driving its growth.
(D) Technological Factors
1. Current Status of Waste Textile Decolorization Methods
Due to the wide variety of waste textiles and the diversity of their colors, decolorization is often required after sorting to enable their reuse. Currently, the primary methods for decolorizing waste textiles include physical separation, chemical separation, and biological separation techniques.
(1) Physical Decolorization
Physical decolorization involves the use of physical processes to remove dye from the surface or interior of waste textiles. Common methods include:
- Ozone decolorization
- Ultrasound decolorization
- Ion exchange decolorization
- High-pressure decolorization
Eren S. and colleagues studied the use of ozone treatment for cotton fabric decolorization and dye removal efficiency. Their experiments compared conventional reductive dye stripping to ozone treatment with application times of 15, 30, and 45 minutes. Results showed that 45 minutes of ozone treatment achieved the best decolorization, with color removal rates exceeding 90% for all samples.
Ultrasound decolorization is particularly effective, utilizing ultrasonic energy to alter dye structures, achieving the desired decolorization of waste textiles. Physical methods are advantageous due to their simplicity and lack of secondary pollution. However, they suffer from lower efficiency and longer processing times. With technological advancements, the application prospects of physical methods are expected to improve.
(2) Chemical Decolorization
Chemical decolorization is one of the most widely used methods for textile decolorization. Common approaches include:
- Reduction
- Oxidation
- Acid-base treatments
Reduction is a simple and effective method that reduces dyes to colorless compounds.
- Zhou Changer et al. developed a highly efficient low-temperature stripping method for waste cotton textiles using sodium hypochlorite solutions, followed by air drying and washing with clean water to yield decolorized fabrics.
- Run Zhen’gang and colleagues simulated the effects of atmospheric CO₂ on sodium hypochlorite solutions for cotton fabric stripping. Results showed that CO₂ improved both the stripping efficiency and effect.
While chemical methods are efficient and fast, they require significant amounts of chemical reagents, posing environmental challenges. The wastewater produced contains harmful substances, contributing to environmental pollution.
(3) Biological Decolorization
Biological decolorization is an emerging technique that utilizes biological processes to degrade dyes. Common methods include:
- Microbial decolorization
- Enzymatic decolorization
- Biological adsorption
Microbial methods employ specific microorganisms capable of breaking down dyes in waste textiles.
- Yang Minyu and colleagues developed a composite bioenzyme decolorization agent for denim fabric scraps, which is low-temperature, rapid, and environmentally friendly. The process uses minimal water and operates continuously without producing solid, liquid, or gaseous waste.
Biological methods are highly compatible with sustainable development principles, offering green and energy-efficient solutions. However, challenges remain, such as:
- Microorganisms must demonstrate high adaptability and resistance to diverse conditions.
- Processes like fermentation and adsorption require longer times, making biological methods less efficient than chemical alternatives.
Despite these limitations, biological decolorization shows promising potential for future development.
Decolorization technologies for waste textiles are advancing rapidly within the industry, offering significant opportunities for expansion. As these technologies develop, costs are expected to decrease, enabling businesses to leverage innovative solutions to capture greater market share.
2. Current Methods for Recycling and Reusing Waste Textiles
Due to the wide variety of waste textiles, mixed fibers, and the presence of impurities, traditional recycling methods struggle to fully utilize these materials. Currently, the primary recycling and reuse methods for waste textiles include physical methods, chemical methods, and biological methods.
(1) Physical Recycling Technologies
Physical recycling primarily involves processes like heating, impact, or needle punching to mechanically process waste textiles for reuse.
- Hirai S. and colleagues used physical hot-pressing techniques to turn waste wool fabrics into high-strength wool resin, achieving a maximum impact strength of 457 J/m.
- Kacimi N. developed composite panels from waste wool materials, which not only reduced costs but also demonstrated mechanical properties similar to glass fiber composites, making them suitable for various applications in composite materials.
Physical recycling technologies are widely applied, encompassing both traditional mechanical processing methods and emerging techniques such as optical, laser, and ultrasonic technologies.
(2) Chemical Recycling Technologies
Chemical recycling involves using chemical reactions such as enzymatic hydrolysis, soaking, or dissolving to extract and reuse the chemical components of waste textiles.
- Zhang Xiaocheng utilized a new green solvent (1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ionic liquid) to recycle pure cotton and cotton/polyester textiles, producing regenerated cellulose films with a tensile strength of 149 MPa and visible light transmittance above 85%.
- Zhong et al. extracted cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and cellulose nanofibers (TOCN) from waste indigo-dyed denim using sulfuric acid. These were used to reinforce polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) films, offering higher crystallinity, thermal stability, and UV resistance compared to wood pulp-derived fibers.
- Lopatina A. utilized a binary solvent system (IL and dimethyl sulfoxide) to transform waste cotton textiles into cellulose films.
Although chemical recycling has high separation efficiency and is effective at removing pollutants, its adoption remains limited due to challenges such as low efficiency and high costs. Nonetheless, it holds promise as a future direction for waste textile recycling.
(3) Biological Recycling Technologies
Biological recycling uses bioactive molecules (e.g., bacteria or fungi) to degrade organic components in waste textiles for reuse.
- Lu H. employed artificial intelligence to predict mutations in PET-degrading enzymes, enhancing their thermal stability and activity. Results showed the FAST-PETase enzyme could efficiently degrade crystalline and amorphous PET, making it suitable for recycling over 51 untreated PET products. This enzyme enables closed-loop recycling of plastics and the production of food-grade packaging materials.
- Jin Linfang utilized cotton, hemp, velvet, and cotton/polyester blends as experimental materials, transforming them into fillers for wastewater treatment systems. The study found that cotton and hemp were easily decomposed by microbes, while polyester textiles were more resistant. The treated water met reuse standards.
- Tournier et al. developed an enzyme capable of hydrolyzing 90% of PET within 10 hours. The resulting recycled plastic exhibited properties nearly identical to virgin PET produced from fossil resources.
Biological recycling aligns with sustainability principles, offering green, energy-efficient solutions. However, challenges such as the adaptability of microbes to complex environments and longer processing times compared to chemical methods remain. Despite this, biological recycling has excellent growth potential.
3. Impact of Other Industry Technologies on Waste Textile Recycling
Emerging technologies such as big data, cloud computing, VR, and 5G communication are gradually transitioning from Tier 1 cities to Tier 2, 3, and 4 cities. These advancements enhance the technological experience of the waste textile recycling industry.
- The integration of ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), OA (Office Automation), and EAP (Enterprise Application Platforms) has optimized management and production processes, significantly improving industry efficiency.
The recycling and reuse of waste textiles are advancing rapidly, integrating traditional methods with cutting-edge technologies to explore new directions in their respective fields. These developments enable breakthroughs in raw materials and product quality, expanding resource availability while producing higher-quality products.
Section IV: Development Trends in the Waste Textile Recycling Industry
Driven by green and sustainable development concepts, the waste textile recycling industry is gaining increased market attention.
- In 2019, the retail market size for waste textile recycling in China reached 65.5 billion yuan, growing 6.8% year-on-year.
- By 2020, the market size rose to 70.2 billion yuan, a 17.1% year-on-year increase.
- From 2022 to 2025, the market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.26%, reaching approximately 110 billion yuan by 2025.
However, challenges such as the wide variety of products, small batch sizes, and high value-added characteristics have led to widespread counterfeit and substandard products, significantly hindering the industry’s progress.
Future Trends
The future of the waste textile recycling industry will be shaped by enhanced regulatory oversight and technological advancements.
1. Government and Association Efforts
Governments are expected to gradually establish and refine industry standards:
- On March 9, 2021, the State Administration for Market Regulation and the Standardization Administration of China issued the “Technical Specifications for the Recycling of Waste Textiles”, which came into effect on October 1, 2021.
- By 2024, China has already adopted national standards for grading and classification of second-hand clothing, and efforts are underway to apply for and review national-level standards.
- Certification systems for enterprises and circulation standards in the second-hand clothing industry are also under research and design.
- On October 18, 2024, the state-backed China Resource Recycling Group Co., Ltd. was officially established in Tianjin, coinciding with the successful 2024 Waste Textile Recycling Industry Development Conference held in Guangzhou.
These developments indicate that government and industry organizations will increasingly monitor the research, production, and sales stages, forming a unified regulatory framework to ensure the long-term stability and growth of the sector.
2. Corporate Evolution
As regulatory oversight strengthens and market competition intensifies, companies in the industry are moving toward business specialization and scaling up.
- Domestic recycling enterprises are enhancing quality control, benchmarking against high-quality international products.
- Some companies, like DoDoBird, are already leading global competitors in standards and product competitiveness.
- Firms are also investing heavily in research and development (R&D), introducing innovative processes and products to increase their market share further.
Outlook
We believe that the goals of standardization, scalability, and professionalization in China’s waste textile recycling industry are firm and achievable. Transparent and traceable recycling and reuse methods will garner increasing consumer and societal support.
- Uniform textiles, such as those used for specific industries or professions, will attract more attention.
- Post-consumer waste textiles will also become a growing focus.
- Chemical fiber waste textiles will see heightened interest and scrutiny.
- The second-hand trading market in China will gradually rise, supported by improved physical recycling equipment and processes.
- The share of chemical recycling methods will continue to expand, with the petrochemical industry exploring chemical recycling for waste textiles.
Combining technology and quality will remain the industry’s clear direction for future development.
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