Global Recycled Yarn Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, Regional Outlook, and Forecast 2023-2030

The global recycled yarn market is poised for substantial growth, with a projected valuation of US$6.5 billion by the end of 2023. A significant CAGR of 7% is expected to drive the market's expansion from 2023 to 2030. This growth is attributed to the increasing demand for eco-friendly products and growing public awareness of environmental issues, which has led to a surge in the use of recycled yarn.

Market Analysis in Brief

The global demand for eco-friendly and sustainable products has catalyzed the adoption of recycled yarn. With consumers becoming more conscious of their environmental impact, products that reduce waste and support circular economy principles are gaining popularity. Recycled yarn, derived from post-consumer or post-industrial waste, addresses these concerns by reducing the need for virgin resources and preventing textile waste from ending up in landfills.

As the fashion and textile industry acknowledges its environmental impact, sustainable supply chain strategies are becoming increasingly important to manufacturers and brands. Recycled yarn aligns with these sustainability goals, allowing businesses to offer products that appeal to environmentally conscious consumers and demonstrate their commitment to ethical production. Furthermore, the implementation of sustainable fashion practices and regulations has accelerated this trend, driving demand for recycled yarn as an essential component of sustainable product lines.

Key Report Findings

• The recycled yarn market is expected to experience significant revenue growth from 2023 to 2030.
• Recycled yarn enables companies to produce environmentally friendly products that resonate with eco-conscious consumers and showcase their dedication to ethical manufacturing.
• Cotton yarn dominates the market with over 50% market share, while polyester yarn, the largest sector, is poised to demonstrate the fastest growth by the end of the forecast period.
• Textile manufacturing holds a significant market share, accounting for approximately 28% of revenue.
• Asia Pacific leads the recycled yarn industry, representing over 50% of the market share and experiencing rapid growth. Europe follows as the second-largest market, with a sales share of about 25%.

Growth Drivers

Environmental Sustainability and Circular Economy: The global emphasis on environmental sustainability and the shift towards a circular economy are major drivers propelling the recycled yarn market. As awareness of environmental challenges grows, consumers, corporations, and governments are increasingly prioritizing sustainable practices that mitigate the impacts of industrial activities.

Recycled yarn, made from post-consumer or post-industrial textile waste, reduces the demand for virgin resources, conserves energy, and diverts textiles from landfills. This motivation is driven by the recognition that the textile industry significantly contributes to waste and pollution, making eco-friendly alternatives a crucial step in reducing its environmental footprint.

The evolution of consumer expectations and the rise of ethical consumption are significant factors influencing the recycled yarn market. Modern consumers highly value transparency, sustainability, and ethical sourcing when making purchasing decisions. Recycled yarn gains popularity due to its ability to address these preferences for textiles and clothing that reflect ethical manufacturing practices. As consumers become more aware of the social and environmental impacts of their choices, they actively seek products that reduce environmental harm and support ethical production.

The narrative of recycled yarn, where discarded fabrics are transformed into usable clothing items, resonates with consumers who appreciate products with a purpose. This emotional connection between the product and its origins fosters a strong bond between consumers and environmentally friendly products. The influence of millennials and Gen Z consumers, who prioritize sustainability and social responsibility, further amplifies the demand for recycled yarn. These generations compel companies to align their products with sustainability ideals.

Growth Challenges

One significant challenge affecting the recycled yarn market is the inherent variability in quality and performance resulting from the use of diverse recycled material sources. Recycled yarn is produced from various post-consumer or post-industrial waste materials, including used textiles, plastics, and clothing.

This variety in source materials can lead to differences in the physical and mechanical characteristics of recycled yarn, such as tensile strength, color consistency, and texture. While technological advancements have improved the processing of recycled materials, ensuring consistent quality and performance across multiple batches remains challenging. The quality and performance of recycled yarn can be affected by factors such as the composition of recycled clothing materials, wear and tear, and the dyeing processes used in the original textiles. Variations in quality and performance may limit the suitability of recycled yarn for certain applications that require specific performance characteristics. This variability poses challenges for manufacturers in producing products that meet customer and industry standards, potentially necessitating additional testing and quality control procedures, which can increase production complexity and costs.

Overview of Key Segments

• Cotton Yarn Dominates: Among the various types of recycled yarn, cotton yarn stands out as the largest segment. The popularity of recycled cotton yarn can be attributed to its ability to provide eco-friendly alternatives while preserving the natural properties of cotton, such as breathability, comfort, and versatility. In addition, the environmental impact of conventional cotton cultivation has driven increased interest in sustainable alternatives.
• Polyester Yarn Shows Rapid Growth: The PET yarn segment, derived from recycled plastic bottles, is the fastest-growing category in the recycled yarn market. The urgent need to reduce single-use plastics and address plastic pollution has propelled the growth of PET yarn as a sustainable solution.
• Applications: Within the recycled yarn market, textile manufacturing/clothing accounts for the largest share due to consumer preferences for sustainable fashion. The building and construction segment is experiencing the fastest growth, driven by the construction industry's focus on resource efficiency and environmental responsibility.

Growth Opportunities Across Regions

• Asia Pacific Leads with Rapid Growth: Asia Pacific is the largest and fastest-growing region in the recycled yarn market. The region's sizeable textile production and consumption, coupled with the increasing awareness of environmental issues, have driven the demand for recycled yarn. Rising disposable incomes and a growing middle class in Asia Pacific further boost consumer interest in eco-friendly products.
• Europe Shows Rapid Expansion: Europe stands out as the region experiencing the fastest growth in the recycled yarn market. The region's long-standing commitment to environmental awareness, coupled with stringent sustainability regulations and standards, has propelled the adoption of recycled yarn in various industries. European consumers prioritize ethical production and responsible consumption, driving the popularity of recycled yarn.

Recycled Yarn: Competitive Landscape

Leading players in the recycled yarn market include Amerex Ecological Textiles, Unifi Manufacturing, Inc., Hyosung TNC, APM Industries, LIBOLON, Martex Fiber, Patagonia, NILIT, Patrick Yarn Mill, Inc., and Haksa Tekstil.