The global textile recycling market size reached US$ 5.02 Billion in 2021. Bangladesh is looking to capture more of this market as local textile mills upgrade and extend current production. As consumers are more conscious of the environmental impacts of clothes, demand for garments made for recycled material such as plastic is growing. International buyers are now asking suppliers to add 20%-30% recycled plastic yarn to cotton yarn. Globally recycle yarn is mainly used in high-value garment items such as activewear, outerwear, padding, and quilting.
To capture more of the market seven local mills have already set up plants, collectively investing $194.86 million. Another factor in such investment is the growing cost of production in China. One such group is Debonair Group; they collect 30 tonnes to 40 tonnes of plastic bottles from local vendors daily. Their new plant will start production this year. They also import $20 million worth of yarn and fabric from China to make quilts, jackets, padding and outerwear for its international buyers in Europe and in the US.
Furthermore, by utilizing throw away plastics garment factories are helping the environment heal from plastic pollution. Another factory, Mumanu Polyester Industries Ltd has a daily production capacity of 120 tonnes of yarn from plastic chips and fibres.
The BTMA urged the National Board of Revenue to waive the duty on the imported recycled plastic fibre and yarn so that local producers can grab more share of the global recycled garment market.
Source: Market size from IMARC Group