Textile Waste Recycling Machine Market

Textile Waste Recycling Machine Market Size

The textile waste recycling machine market was valued at USD 4.2 billion in 2025. The market is expected to grow from USD 4.4 billion in 2026 to USD 6.5 billion in 2035, at a CAGR of 4.6%, according to latest report published by Global Market Insights Inc.

The growth of the global textile waste recycling machine industry has resulted from heightened awareness about ecological issues associated with the garments we wear, as well as government regulations supporting sustainable practices. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) states that the fashion industry is a significant contributor to global warming while also imposing a heavy burden on landfills with 92 million tons of textile waste produced per year.

With these challenges, recycling machines that take textile products back into fiber format after use are becoming more prevalent to assist with environmental effects and increased resource efficiency. Governments have begun to implement programs that encourage the use of recycling machines for textiles, such as the EU's Waste Framework Directive that mandates member states create collection systems for recycling textiles by 2025.

Another significant contributor to this growth is the focus on textile recycling by the US EPA in furtherance of its “Sustainable Materials Management Program.” The major players in the market are developing new and better ways of recycling products to improve production efficiencies while aligning themselves with sustainability principles.

For example, Lenzing Group and Renewcell are currently developing their own versions of a closed-loop textile fiber recycling system, which will allow them to produce a high-quality product from used textiles instead of having to continue to purchase virgin materials from third-party sources.

The increasing focus on sustainability will drive continued growth in the global textile waste recycling machine markets through 2023, driven by a combination of technological developments, legislation, and consumer consciousness.

Textile Waste Recycling Machine Market Trends

Changing innovation and technology transformation are important for the growth of the textile waste recycling machine market.

• The rise of technology and governing policy has developed the marketplace. This takes end-of-life products and convert them back into reusable high-quality fibres, one of the latest trends is the adoption of closed-loop recycling system. An example, Renewcell has developed a patented process of recycling textiles into a new product called Circulose that is sold to large textile brands like H&M, LEVI’s, and more.
  
• The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation in recycling machines is another significant trend. An example of this is TOMRA's AI sorting machines that have improved processing speeds, accuracy, and reduced labour dependency. Using AI sorting has allowed TOMRA to reduce energy use, labour costs, and employee risk while increasing production, reliability, and speed of the recycling process.
  
• Global governments are creating and passing stricter regulations regarding textile waste, for example in Europe, the Waste Framework Directive mandates the separate collection of textiles by 2025. This will result in a significant investment in advanced recycling technology. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has estimated that in 2021, only 15% of all textiles produced were recycled in the U.S. and reforms are needed within the industry to improve the amount of reusable waste generated.
  
• Chemical recycling technology is becoming increasingly popular. This type of technology breaks down synthetic and blended fabrics into their raw material forms so that we can recycle items that would have never been able to be recycled. Companies like Worn Again Technologies are already doing this with their chemical recycling technology.
  
• Traceable recycling systems are also gaining popularity amongst consumers who want to know where their products come from, and the processes used to create them. The use of blockchain technology in tracking the life cycle of recycled materials will give consumers a greater level of confidence in purchasing products made from recycled materials, as well as support the goal of sustainability for companies, such as Patagonia.
  

Textile Waste Recycling Machine Market Analysis

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Based on type, the industry is segmented into mechanical recycling machines, chemical recycling machines and thermal recycling machines. The mechanical recycling machine segment accounts for revenue of around USD 2.3 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 3.5 billion by 2035.

• The key segment in the mechanical textile waste recycling machine industry is the mechanical recycling machines. Mechanical recycling offers a cost-efficient, efficient way to recycle textiles. According to the European Environment Agency (EEA), more than 90% of recycled textiles in Europe come from mechanical recycling because mechanical recycling allows the recycling of natural fibers and allows for very low environmental impacts.
  
• Mechanical recycling machines are popular because they use significantly less energy compared to chemical recycling machines. For example, the company Recover uses mechanical recycling techniques to make high-quality recycled fibers that are being used increasingly by some of the largest brands in the world such as Primark, C&A. This technique of recycling textiles is also environmentally friendly, as it contributes to both decreased energy use and decreased carbon emissions.
  
• An additional reason for the popularity of mechanical recycling machines is affordability. Due to lower capital and operating costs of mechanical recycling machines, these machines are accessible for many small and mid-size companies, especially in textile manufacturing countries for instance, India, Vietnam and Bangladesh. The many textile-manufacturing countries have become large customers for mechanical recycling of post-industrial and post-consumer textile waste.
  
• Mechanical recycling machine technology is flexible to accommodate a variety of textile waste types, such as pre-consumer cuttings to post-consumer clothing. Therefore, manufacturers seeking to recycle their materials in an effective manner will choose this form of recycling over others.
  
• In addition, mechanical recycling technology is now being promoted through government policy to encourage the recycling of materials through mechanical methods. The European Union’s Waste Framework Directive has provided a framework for promoting and developing efficient recycling technologies, which will continue to increase worldwide demand for mechanical recycling machinery.         
  

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Based on operation, the textile waste recycling machine market is bifurcated into manual, semi-automatic and automation. The semi-automatic segment held about 45.5% of the market share in 2025.

• The semi-automatic segment dominated the global textile waste recycling machine industry due to its cost-effectiveness and operational efficiency. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that approximately 17 million tons of textile waste was generated in the United States in 2021. Semi-automated machines provide an economical means of dealing with this waste in a manner that is efficient and without incurring the high capital expenditures associated with fully automated re-cycling systems.
  
• Semi-automated machines enable operators to control critical re-cycling processes while automating repetitive and labor-intensive tasks. Small and medium sized textile manufacturers located in countries such as India and Bangladesh that account for a large portion of the world’s textile production currently depend on semi-automated systems as a way to operate their textile re-cycling procedures within their limited budgets.
  
• In addition, semi-automated systems are relatively easy to maintain and do not require highly developed technical skills in order to be used effectively, making them particularly well suited for use in emerging economies. The International Labour Organization (ILO) has reported that many textile manufacturers in developing economies face skill shortages, and semi-automated machines allow these firms to overcome this deficiency.
  
• The advantages of the semi-automatic textile recycling machine include cost and scalability. This means smaller businesses can grow their business as required. A prime example of this is a Vietnam textile processor, which increased textile recycling by integrating semi-automated machinery into operations, reducing their textile waste by 30% within two years.
  
• Therefore, semi-automatic segment dominates the market because it offers manufacturers a balanced approach to cost, efficiency, and accessibility. This will continue to be the case throughout the forecast period due to increasing government initiatives promoting recycling.  
  

Based on application, the textile waste recycling machine market is segmented into fiber-to-fiber recycling, non-fiber applications, apparel manufacturing, home textiles and technical textiles. The non fiber segment generating a revenue of USD 1.2 billion in 2025.

• Textiles made from recycled materials are rapidly being adopted within several industries, and there is substantial growth within industries that use recycled textiles in non-fibrous applications such as geotextiles and insulation. Recycled textile waste is increasingly used as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional materials to meet global sustainability goals. In construction, geotextiles produced from recycled textile waste are being used in infrastructure projects to enhance durability while minimizing negative environmental impacts.
  
• Advances in recycling technologies are essential for expanding the range of non-fiber applications available to manufacturers. Improvements in the performance and quality of recycled materials due to the advancement of recycling technologies will result in greater acceptability and higher volume of recycled textiles in a wide variety of industrial applications. Thus, the insulation industry has begun using recycled textiles for thermal and acoustic insulation products, which are attracting attention for their environmental advantages and effectiveness.
  
• Government regulations and incentives designed to promote sustainable practices will also help drive the development of non-fiber uses of textile. Continued investment in technologies and infrastructures for recycling is being created specifically by policies which require the use of recycled materials in construction and manufacturing.. This will support the adoption of recycled textiles in ways other than being fashioned into clothing.
  
• The growth of industries emphasizing sustainability and circular economy are leading to an increased demand for non-fiber applications for recycled textiles. The result is that non-fiber applications will provide diversity across the market for Textile waste recycling machines, while providing opportunities to decrease environmental impact across many sectors.
  

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• U.S. dominated 90.5% share of the North America textile waste recycling machine market in 2025.
  
• Growth in North America is driven primarily by the increasing emphasis of the U.S. government on reducing textile waste, as demonstrated in the GAO report to Congress in 2024 that stated that textile waste generated in the United States rose by 50% between 2000 and 2018. As a result, the federal government is working towards making national recycling action plans for textiles.
  
• Additionally, with the introduction of new legislation in the U.S., including the STEWARD Act and several emerging state-level textile disposal bans, there is an increased focus on improving the infrastructure and data systems relevant to textile recycling and leading to an increased investment in large-scale machinery for recycling textiles. Therefore, federal agencies such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and EPA continue to develop frameworks for achieving recycling of textiles and also strengthen cooperative efforts between their respective agencies.
  

Asia Pacific textile waste recycling machine market is expected to grow at 5.1% CAGR during the forecast period.

• Asia Pacific’s growth is driven by expanding sustainability initiatives, government waste?reduction programs, and rising textile consumption across China, India, and Southeast Asia. Countries in the region are adopting circular?economy strategies, supported by policy incentives and investments in fiber?recovery technologies. Additionally, fast fashion?driven waste volumes and increased demand for recycled polyester and cotton fuel machinery adoption.
  

Europe textile waste recycling machine market is expected to grow at 5.3% CAGR during the forecast period.

• Europe’s growth is underpinned by the EU Waste Framework Directive, which mandates separate textile waste collection by 2025 and introduces Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for textiles, requiring brands to fund collection, sorting, and recycling.  These regulations create guaranteed demand for advanced sorting, tearing, and fiber?to?fiber recycling machinery as member states scale infrastructure to handle the EU’s 6.95 million tonnes of annual textile waste .
  

Middle East and Africa textile waste recycling machine market is expected to grow at 3.1% CAGR during the forecast period.

• The region is driven by rising environmental regulations, national recycling goals, and large?scale sustainability visions such as UAE’s National Waste Management Strategy 2021–2031 and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, both emphasizing textile waste reduction and circularity. Urbanization and increasing textile consumption further intensify waste volumes, encouraging governments and private sectors to invest in modern recycling technologies and formalized recycling systems.
  

Textile Waste Recycling Machine Market Share

The top companies in the textile waste recycling machine industry include Andritz, Tomra, Rieter, Vecoplan and Saurer Group and collectively hold a share of 20% of the market in 2025. These prominent players are proactively involved in strategic endeavors, such as mergers & acquisitions, facility expansions & collaborations, to expand their product portfolios, extend their reach to a broad customer base, and strengthen their market position.

•  ANDRITZ delivers advanced textile recycling lines engineered for durability, high?capacity processing, and precision fiber recovery. Its systems integrate automated sorting, cutting, and tearing technologies to ensure consistent performance across industrial applications. ANDRITZ’s portfolio includes complete recycling lines, fiber preparation units, and digital platforms that support real?time monitoring and process optimization.
  
• TOMRA offers sensor?based sorting solutions designed for accuracy and high?throughput textile classification. Its optical and AI?driven systems detect material types and contaminants, ensuring clean feedstock for downstream recycling processes. TOMRA’s portfolio features sorting platforms, imaging technologies, and integrated analytics that enhance quality control and operational efficiency.
  
• RIETER provides recycling?optimized spinning systems engineered to convert reclaimed fibers into high?quality yarns with precision and consistency. Its technologies integrate pre?carding, combing, and spinning modules supported by automated controls to stabilize recycled fiber processing. RIETER’s portfolio includes complete spinning lines, fiber?handling solutions, and digital tools for quality management and predictive machine performance.
  

Textile Waste Recycling Machine Market Companies

Major players operating in the textile waste recycling machine industry are:

• Andritz
• Autefa Solutions
• Balkan Textile Machinery
• Dell'Orco & Villani
• HSN Machinery
• Loptex
• Margasa Projects and Textile Engineering
• Masias Machinery
• Multipro
• Rieter
• SN Surgicare and Healthcare Science
• Starlinger
• Saurer Group
• TOMRA Systems
• Vecoplan
  

Vecoplan provides robust shredding, separation, and material?preparation systems designed for demanding textile?waste recycling applications. Its V?ECO and VIZ shredders use high?torque rotors and reinforced cutting tools to deliver homogeneous fiber output from post?consumer garments, nonwovens, and synthetic blends, even when contaminated with zippers, buttons, and trims.

Saurer delivers advanced fiber?processing and spinning technologies engineered to maximize the usability of mechanically recycled fibers in high?performance yarn production. Its Autocoro 11 Recycling Xtreme platform processes even the shortest pre? and post?consumer fibers with high raw?material efficiency, leveraging single?drive rotor technology, automated adjustments, and energy?optimized operations for stable, circular yarn manufacturing.

Textile Waste Recycling Machine Industry News

• In October 2025, ANDRITZ premiered the teXscan at ITMA Asia in Singapore, a revolutionary predictive analysis tool for the textile recycling market. This new technology uses AI-driven sensors to scan incoming waste and instantly determine its suitability for either high-value re-spinning or technical nonwoven applications.
  
• In 2025, Dell’Orco & Villani officially commercialized their patented Elastomer Removal System for mechanical recycling lines. This technological breakthrough addresses a major market barrier by using a specialized mechanical-chemical process to strip elastanes from stretch fabrics. This allows the market to finally achieve true Fiber-to-Fiber Recycling for the massive stretch-denim and athleisure segments.
  
• In October 2025, Loptex showcased its latest AI-driven contamination detection technologies at ITMA Asia + CITME in Singapore. The company highlighted advancements in its EXA Sorter systems, which now feature enhanced capabilities for identifying and removing "white-on-white" contaminants like polypropylene strings in recycled cotton.
  
• In March 2025, HSN Machinery officially launched the HSN918W Upgraded Series, featuring a new PLC-controlled inverter system that reduces energy consumption by 18%. This launch is a direct response to the global energy crisis affecting the 2021-2034 market forecast, offering recyclers a more "Eco-Smart" way to process heavy denim and poly-cotton waste.
  
• In early 2024, Loptex officially launched a dedicated suite of quality control solutions for the nonwovens and recycling industries, specifically targeting high-growth hubs in India and Turkey. This strategic expansion aimed to bridge the "competence gap" in the circular economy by providing turnkey sorting systems that integrate with major OEM lines like Rieter.
  

The textile waste recycling machine market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry, with estimates & forecasts in terms of revenue (USD Billion) and volume (Thousand Units) (from 2022 to 2035), for the following segments:

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Market, By Machine Type

• Mechanical recycling machines
• Chemical recycling machines
• Thermal recycling machines 

Market, By Fabric Type

• Cotton
• Polyester
• Nylon
• Wool
• Others

Market, By Operation

• Manual
• Semi-automatic
• Automatic

Market, By Capacity

• Up to 1,000 kg/h
• Up to 2,000 kg/h
• Up to 3000 kg/h
• Above 3000 kg/h

Market, By Application

• Fiber-to-fiber recycling
• Non-fiber applications
• Apparel manufacturing
• Home textiles
• Technical textiles

Market, By Sourcing Type

• Pre-consumer waste
• Post-consumer waste

Market, By Distribution Channel

• Direct
• Indirect

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • UK
  • Italy
  • Spain
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
• MEA
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • South Africa