Issues with Textile Recycling – Why fashion industry’s ‘recycling’ methods are not saving the planet

Source: The post issues with textile recycling has been created, based on the article “Why fashion industry’s ‘recycling’ methods are not saving the planet” published in “The Hindu” on 15th February 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper 3- Science and technology-developing new technology.

News: The article highlights the discrepancy between fashion brands’ claims of using recycled materials for environmental benefits and the reality that these practices are not as effective or sustainable as portrayed. It discusses the challenges in recycling textiles, particularly polyester, and how most recycled materials come from plastic bottles, not old clothes, leading to continued environmental issues. Issues with Textile Recycling

What is The Current Status of Textile Recycling?

According to the European Commission, less than 1% of fabric used to produce clothing is recycled into new clothing.

93% of all recycled textiles today comes from plastic bottles, not from old clothes.

According to the European Commission, less than 1% of fabric used to produce clothing is recycled into new clothing.

Nearly half of European textile waste ends up in African second-hand markets or landfills.

What are The Difficulties in Recycling Polyester Cloth Waste?

Recycling Process Complexity: Recycling polyester cloth is complex. Clothes with more than two types of fibers are currently unrecyclable.

Limited Recyclability: Recycled polyester can’t be recycled again, unlike a plastic bottle which can be recycled multiple times.

Contamination with Other Materials: Polyester often gets mixed with materials like elastane or Lycra, making recycling difficult, due to sorting challenges.

What are The Impacts of This Scenario?

High Dependence on Plastic Bottles: The recycling of textiles, primarily from plastic bottles (not old clothes). It doesn’t significantly reduce reliance on virgin polyester made from fossil fuels.

Environmental Pollution: Polyester’s entire lifecycle, from manufacture to recycling, pollutes water, air, and soil, contributing significantly to environmental degradation.

Waste Management Issues: In Europe, a large portion of textile waste (nearly 78%) is either dumped or incinerated, leading to increased landfill use and pollution.

Global Impact of Waste Export: A significant amount of Europe’s textile waste is exported to African and Asian countries, often ending up in open landfills or second-hand markets, impacting local environments and communities.

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Way forward

To advance textile recycling, the industry should focus on developing technologies that enable the recycling of mixed-fiber garments and improve the quality of recycled cotton.

Brands could shift towards more sustainable materials and reduce reliance on polyester.

Additionally, addressing the transportation and sorting processes to lower the carbon footprint and finding better uses for recycled textiles would be beneficial.

Question for practice:

Discuss the challenges and current status of textile recycling industries.