New Report Makes Case for Expanding Textile Recycling in Pakistan
The Comprehensive Overview of the Pakistan Textile Waste Industry, produced in conjunction with the Sustainable Manufacturing and Environmental Pollution Program and Reverse Resources, looks at Pakistan's textile waste landscape and offers suggestions on how the country can boost its recycling potential, particularly through scaling textile-to-textile recycling.
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According to Pakistan's Board of Investment, the country is the 8th-largest exporter of textile products in Asia and ranks as the 4th-largest producer and 3rd-largest consumer of cotton. Most of Pakistan's textile waste is cotton-based (68 percent), and the country was in the top third of those exporting cotton waste, with an estimated value of $59.29 million.
The country also produces around 887 kilotons of pre-consumer textile waste each year, while also processing 809 kilotons of imported secondhand clothing that is either re-exported or sold locally. The United States is the largest exporter of used clothing to Pakistan, sending around $189 million worth of second-hand garments to the country each year.
Pakistan has a long history of recycling, reusing and repurposing textiles. Areas such as Sindh are known for reuse of textiles in a mix of practical and cultural traditions, such as patchwork quilts called Rilli, made by stitching together old clothes into colorful patterns. And reusable clothing items and home textiles often end up in flea markets or charity distribution centers.
That said, the report noted that only a small portion of post-consumer textile waste is recycled, primarily through down-cycling, leading to approximately 270 kilotons of post-consumer waste generated locally each year.
'Pakistan's textile sector already has a strong foundation for recycling, but there is immense potential to move beyond conventional methods,' said Yasir Nawab, professor at National Textile University. 'This report helps us identify key gaps and opportunities to transition towards high-value recycling solutions.'
While the report acknowledges Pakistan's history of textile recycling with Faisalabad serving as the primary hub for processing waste, limited technological advances and an informal approach to recycling have led to inefficiencies and lower-quality recycled materials. For instance, the majority of Pakistan's textile waste is processed through mechanical recycling, which is best suited for mono-fiber materials and poses significant challenges when dealing with blended materials.
'Strengthening the policy environment remains crucial, as the existing national regulations do not set firm recycling targets or adequately address traceability,' the report said. 'Aligning domestic rules with international requirements, such as Extended Producer Responsibility, can help manufacturers manage end-of-life products more responsibly.'
The report suggests implementing public-private partnerships to provide funding for improved infrastructure and technological advancements such as digital tracking for waste flows, as well as ongoing worker training. Improving transparency and establishing a waste collection and material sorting system also will help Pakistan improve the circularity of its textile industry.
'Pakistan has all the ingredients to become a global hub for recycled textiles—a well-established textile industry, major manufacturing groups and increasing amounts of post-consumer waste entering the country,' said Nin Castle, representative, Reverse Resources. 'By improving waste management and supply chain structures, we can unlock vast opportunities for circular solutions.'
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