FAISALABAD (Khyber Mail): A groundbreaking new report has provided the most detailed analysis to date of Pakistan’s textile waste landscape, highlighting the country’s immense potential to scale up textile-to-textile (T2T) recycling and position itself as a global hub for sustainable manufacturing.
Titled Market Analysis and Country-Level Mapping of Recycling Potential in Pakistan, the study was conducted by Reverse Resources (RR) in collaboration with the National Textile University (NTU) Faisalabad and KnowTex. It is part of the Sustainable Manufacturing and Environmental Pollution (SMEP) programme, funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in partnership with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
- A Strong Foundation for Growth
With a vertically integrated textile industry and decades of recycling experience, Pakistan already has the groundwork in place. The report reveals that the country generated approximately 887 kilotons of pre-consumer textile waste in 2023—mostly from spinning, weaving, and garment production—offering a significant resource base for advanced recycling initiatives.
Faisalabad, Pakistan’s textile powerhouse, continues to be the central hub for waste processing. In addition, Pakistan imported 809 kilotons of second-hand clothing last year, much of which is reused domestically or re-exported. Some of this waste is already being recycled, further signaling the country’s readiness to adopt circular textile solutions.
- Industry Insight and Opportunity
“Pakistan’s textile sector already has a strong foundation for recycling, but there is immense potential to move beyond conventional methods,” said Prof. Dr. Yasir Nawab of NTU Faisalabad. “This report helps us identify key gaps and opportunities to transition towards high-value recycling solutions.”
The study notes that while much of the recycling sector remains informal, leading manufacturers like Alkaram and Artistic Milliners are beginning to explore investment in modern, sustainable recycling processes.
- Challenges and the Road Ahead
Despite the promise, the sector faces hurdles such as inefficient waste collection systems, contamination issues, limited waste traceability, and outdated technology. The report urges policymakers to introduce clear recycling targets, strengthen Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) frameworks, and promote digital tracking of textile waste.
“Pakistan has all the ingredients to become a global hub for recycled textiles—a robust manufacturing base, increasing post-consumer waste, and industrial expertise,” said a representative from Reverse Resources. “By improving supply chain structures and investing in modern infrastructure, we can unlock a new era of circularity in the textile industry.”
- A Blueprint for Industry Transformation
The SMEP programme aims to support this transformation through data-driven insights and stakeholder collaboration. The project not only promotes waste reduction but also encourages the creation of circular supply chains that can deliver long-term sustainability and economic resilience.
The full report is available online at: https://reverseresources.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Comprehensive-Overview-of-the-Pakistan-Textile-Waste-Industry_March-2025.pdf
For more information or interviews, contact:
- Dr. Muzzamal Hussain
- Email: muzzamal.hussain@ntu.edu.pk