Market Overview

Recycled Fabric Market is projected to achieve a value of USD 11.67 Billion in 2023, with a linear behavior in the market growth it is forecasted to achieve a value of USD 26.35 Billion by 2033 with a CAGR of 4.1% during the forecast period 2024-2033.

Recycled fabric, also known as eco-friendly fabric or sustainable fabric, is textile material created by processing and reusing discarded or post-consumer textile products to reduce waste and minimize the environmental impact of the textile industry. Recycled fabric can be made from various sources, including old clothing, textile waste, and post-industrial textile scraps.

Consumers are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of the fashion industry. A 2023 survey by We Market Research found that 98% of Americans overestimate the actual amount of discarded textiles that are recycled. However, a majority of respondents (76%) believe it is very or extremely important that companies increase the amount of recycled materials they use to make clothing.

Consumers are willing to pay more for clothes made from recycled materials. A 2023 Accenture survey found that more than half of consumers said they would pay more for sustainable products designed to be reused or recycled. Nearly two-thirds (66%) of respondents said they would be willing to pay more for clothes made from recycled polyester, these perception is set to bring a positive trend for the overall growth of recycled fabric market.

Consumers are interested in the ethical and sustainability practices of fashion brands. A 2023 Fashion Revolution survey found that the majority of people think it is important that fashion brands have ethical (72%) and sustainability (80%) certifications.

Market Scope

Market Dynamics

Advancements in recycling technologies are expected to drive the recycled fabric market in a number of ways. First, new technologies are making it possible to recycle a wider range of textile materials. This is expanding the supply of recycled fabrics and making them more accessible to fashion brands.

New technologies are improving the quality of recycled fabrics. In the past, recycled fabrics were often seen as being inferior to virgin fabrics in terms of quality and durability. However, new technologies are making it possible to produce high-quality recycled fabrics that are comparable to virgin fabrics in terms of performance.

New technologies are reducing the cost of recycled fabrics. In the past, recycled fabrics were often more expensive than virgin fabrics. However, new technologies are making it more efficient and cost-effective to recycle textiles. This is helping to make recycled fabrics more competitive with virgin fabrics.

Environmental awareness is playing a pivotal role in shaping consumer preferences and driving demand for sustainable products, including recycled fabric. As the global community becomes more conscious of the environmental impact of various industries, including fashion and textiles, the demand for recycled fabric market is expected to see significant growth in the forecast period.

The fashion industry is known for its significant environmental impact, including water consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. It's estimated that the textile industry is responsible for 8-10% of global carbon emissions, which is more than international aviation and shipping combined.

The concept of the circular economy, where products and materials are designed for reuse and recycling, is gaining momentum. It's estimated that transitioning to a circular economy could save up to 99% of the materials used in the textile industry.

Eco-certifications, such as GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) and OEKO-TEX, provide assurance of the sustainability and safety of textile products, driving demand for certified recycled fabrics.

Hence, the demand for recycled fabric is expected to grow during the forecast period due to increasing environmental awareness and a shift in consumer preferences.

Market Product Type Analysis

Recycled polyester is the most popular type of recycled fabric, accounting for over 60% of the global recycled fabric market. Within the recycled polyester market, recycled polyester staple fiber (RPSF) and recycled polyester filament yarn (RPFY) are the two main product types.

Recycled polyester staple fiber is a versatile fiber that can be used to produce a wide range of textile products, including apparel, home furnishings, and industrial textiles. Recycled polyester staple fiber is a high-strength fiber that is often used to produce active wear, swimwear, and other performance apparel.

The market share of recycled polyester staple fiber is expected to remain higher than that of recycled polyester filament yarn in the coming years. This is because RPSF is more versatile and can be used to produce a wider range of textile products. Additionally, RPSF is typically more affordable than RPFY.

However, the market share of recycled polyester filament yarn is expected to grow in the coming years, as the demand for performance apparel made from recycled materials increases. Additionally, recycled polyester filament yarn is becoming increasingly popular in the home furnishings market, as consumers are looking for sustainable alternatives to traditional synthetic fibers.

Market Fabric Type Analysis

Recycled polyester fleece is the most popular type of recycled fabric, accounting for over 40% of the global recycled fabric market. This is because recycled polyester fleece is a soft, comfortable, and insulating fabric that is well-suited for a variety of applications, including apparel, home furnishings, and industrial textiles.

Recycled polyester knits are the second most popular type of recycled fabric, accounting for over 30% of the global recycled fabric market. Recycled polyester knits are used to produce a wide range of apparel products, including active wear, swimwear, and everyday clothing.

Recycled polyester woven fabrics are used to produce a variety of apparel products, including shirts, pants, and dresses. Recycled polyester nonwovens are used to produce a variety of products, including wipes, filters, and insulation.

The market shares of recycled polyester fleece and recycled polyester knits is expected to remain higher than that of recycled polyester woven fabrics and recycled polyester nonwovens in the coming years. This is because recycled polyester fleece and recycled polyester knits are more versatile and can be used to produce a wider range of products. Additionally, recycled polyester fleece and recycled polyester knits are typically more affordable than recycled polyester woven fabrics and recycled polyester nonwovens.

However, the market shares of recycled polyester woven fabrics and recycled polyester nonwovens is expected to grow in the coming years, as the demand for sustainable products from consumers increases and fashion brands adopt more recycled polyester fabrics.

Market End-Use

The apparel sector is the largest end-use segment for recycled fabrics, accounting for over 60% of the global recycled fabric market. This is because the apparel industry is a major generator of textile waste, and recycled fabrics offer a sustainable way to reduce this waste.

The home textiles sector is the second largest end-use segment for recycled fabrics, accounting for over 20% of the global recycled fabric market. Recycled fabrics are used to produce a variety of home textiles products, including carpets, curtains, and upholstery.

The automotive and industrial sectors are also growing markets for recycled fabric market. Recycled fabrics are used to produce a variety of automotive components, such as headliners, seat fabric, and airbags. Recycled fabrics are also used to produce a variety of industrial products, such as insulation, filters, and packaging materials.

Market Regional Analysis

Asia Pacific is the largest market for recycled fabrics, accounting for over 45% of the global market share. This is due to a number of factors, including the large textile and garment industry in the region, the growing environmental awareness among consumers, and the government initiatives to promote the use of recycled materials.

North America is the second largest market for recycled fabrics, accounting for over 30% of the global market share. The growth of the recycled fabric market in North America is attributed to the increasing demand for sustainable products from consumers, the growing adoption of recycled fabrics by fashion brands, and the government regulations to reduce textile waste.

Europe is the third largest market for recycled fabrics, accounting for over 20% of the global market share. The growth of the recycled fabric market in Europe is attributed to the strong environmental awareness among consumers, the supportive government policies, and the presence of a number of key players in the market.

South America and the Middle East and Africa are relatively smaller markets for recycled fabrics, accounting for over 5% of the global market share. However, the recycled fabric market in these regions is expected to grow in the coming years, driven by the increasing demand for sustainable products from consumers and the growing adoption of recycled fabrics by fashion brands.

Competitive Analysis

The recycled fabric market is highly fragmented, with a number of key players competing for market share. The top 5 companies account for around 40% of the global market share. Lenzing Group, Birla Cellulose, Hyosung TNC, Unifi, Inc. and Patagonia, Inc. are the top five companies operating in the recycles fiber market.

These companies are leading the way in the development and production of recycled fabrics. They are investing in new technologies and processes to improve the quality and affordability of recycled fabrics. They are also working to increase the awareness and demand for recycled fabrics among consumers.

Research Report Following Segments:      

Market, By Product Type

·         Recycled Polyester Staple Fiber

·         Recycled Polyester Filament Yarn

Market, By Fabric Type

·         Recycled Polyester Fleece

·         Recycled Polyester Knits

·         Recycled Polyester Woven

·         Recycled Polyester Nonwovens

Market, By Recycling Process

·         Mechanical Recycling

·         Chemical Recycling

·         Blended Fabrics

Market, By End-Use

·         Apparel

·         Home Textiles

·         Automotive

·         Industrial