What are the most common textile recycling challenges and how can you overcome them?

2 Technology and innovation

Another challenge of textile recycling is the technology and innovation required to transform the materials into new products. Textiles are made of different fibers, colors, and finishes that can be difficult to separate and process. Some recycling methods can also degrade the quality and performance of the fibers, or generate more waste and emissions. To overcome this challenge, you can support research and development of new technologies and innovations that can improve the efficiency and sustainability of textile recycling, such as chemical or biological methods, digital tools, or circular design.

3 Demand and market

A third challenge of textile recycling is the demand and market for the recycled products. Textiles are often recycled into lower-value products, such as insulation, stuffing, or rags, that have limited applications and profitability. Moreover, consumers may not be aware of or interested in buying recycled products, or may not have access to them. To overcome this challenge, you can create and promote demand and market for recycled products, by educating consumers about the benefits and quality of recycled textiles, or by collaborating with brands, retailers, and policymakers to increase the availability and affordability of recycled products.

4 Policy and regulation

A fourth challenge of textile recycling is the policy and regulation that can affect the incentives and barriers for textile recycling. Textiles are subject to different laws and standards in different countries and regions, that can influence the collection, sorting, transportation, and processing of textile waste. Some policies and regulations can also favor other waste management options, such as landfilling or incineration, over recycling. To overcome this challenge, you can advocate and comply with policy and regulation that can support and encourage textile recycling, such as extended producer responsibility, waste reduction targets, or tax incentives.

6 Collaboration and coordination

A sixth challenge of textile recycling is the collaboration and coordination of the actors and sectors involved in the textile recycling system. Textile recycling requires a complex and dynamic network of relationships and interactions among different stakeholders, such as consumers, collectors, sorters, recyclers, manufacturers, brands, retailers, policymakers, and others. However, these stakeholders may have different interests, goals, and capacities, that can create conflicts or gaps in the textile recycling system. To overcome this challenge, you can foster and join collaboration and coordination among the stakeholders, by establishing common visions, standards, platforms, and partnerships, that can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of textile recycling.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?