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The global textile waste management market is experiencing significant growth as environmental awareness and sustainability concerns rise globally. As per a report by Stats N Data, the textile waste management sector is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10.90 per cent from 2025-32. This growth can be attributed to several factors, including stricter regulations on waste disposal, a shift towards circular economy practices, and advancements in recycling technologies that allow for greater recovery of materials from discarded textiles.
The expansion of the textile waste management market is also fueled by rising consumer demand for eco-friendly products and practices. As awareness of the environmental impact of fast fashion and textile waste grows, consumers are seeking brands that prioritize sustainability. This shift in consumer behavior encourages businesses to adopt more responsible production and disposal methods, further driving the need for efficient waste management solutions.
The Textile Waste Management market encompasses a range of applications from fabric recycling to eco-friendly textiles, aiming to reduce waste and promote circular fashion. Recent developments in technology, including the integration of artificial intelligence and innovative recycling processes, have catalyzed growth and attracted attention from investors and industry leaders. Strategic partnerships among key players have further enhanced the capabilities of waste management solutions, positioning them to meet the increasing demand for sustainable textile practices.
Several key drivers are shaping the Textile Waste Management market. Sustainability is at the forefront, with increasing pressure from consumers for brands to adopt eco-friendly textile production methods. This shift in consumer expectations is prompting businesses to invest in waste management solutions that align with sustainable textile practices. Digitization plays a crucial role as well, with advanced technologies enabling better tracking of textile waste and enhancing recycling processes.
Transformative trends are evident, including the integration of artificial intelligence, which optimizes recycling processes and improves the efficiency of textile disposal methods. Customization of products is also gaining traction, allowing brands to create items that are not only appealing but also minimize waste. Emerging technologies such as blockchain provide transparency in textile recycling processes, fostering trust among consumers and stakeholders.
The market is witnessing a surge in innovative solutions for textile waste management, demonstrating the importance of creating a circular textile economy. By focusing on waste reduction and recycling, companies can promote sustainable practices while also addressing the impact of textile waste on the environment.
The Ministry of Textiles has launched the ‘Know Your Weaves Campaign 2025,’ a week-long celebration of India's rich handloom heritage. Being held from August 1-7, 2025 at the National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy, the event will culminate in the observance of National Handloom Day on August 7, 2025.
The campaign was inaugurated by Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, alongwith Amrit Raj, DC Handicrafts; Dr. M Beena, DC Handlooms; and students and faculty from various schools and colleges.
During the inauguration, Secretary Rao encouraged everyone, especially the younger generation, to visit the exhibition and experience India's vibrant weaving traditions firsthand. The campaign aims to raise awareness and foster pride in the country's diverse handloom heritage, showcasing exquisite weaves from across the nation.
The event features a wide variety of iconic handlooms, including Banarasi, Chanderi, Pochampally, Ikat, Kanjeevaram, and Bhujodi. It brings together master artisans, designers, and students to celebrate this traditional craft.
Key highlights of the campaign include the Weave Exhibition Pavilion with live displays of various iconic Indian weaves; Interactive Workshops with daily sessions on natural loom techniques, knowledge sessions, and quiz competitions; Storytelling Installations with the history of Indian handlooms being is told through films, archives, and personal narratives; and Youth Engagement Programs comprising guided tours, school and college outreach, and competitions designed to connect young people with textile heritage.
This annual campaign serves as a precursor to the main National Handloom Day celebrations. Last year's event saw participation from 7,900 students from 58 schools, underscoring the growing engagement with India's textile traditions.
On August 1, 2025, the Government of India approved the establishment of seven PM Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel (PM MITRA) Parks across the country. The ambitious scheme will involve an investment of Rs 4,445 crore over the next seven years.
The government projects that the parks will attract a total investment of Rs 70,000 crore and generate nearly 2 million direct and indirect jobs. They will be located in the states like Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Gujarat, Karnatka, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra.
These parks are designed to create an integrated textile ecosystem, providing world-class infrastructure and logistics to support the entire value chain—from fiber to finished fashion.
In addition to the PM MITRA scheme, the government is also advancing other initiatives to strengthen the textile sector. These include the Samarth Scheme to prove job-oriented training across the textile value chain, the Rs 1,480 crore National Technical Textiles Mission to promote innovation and R&D in technical textiles.
The government is also offering financial assistance to Export Promotion Councils to help showcase Indian textiles at national and international trade fairs, strengthening the country's presence in the global market.
By integrating these initiatives, the government aims to boost textile exports, reinforce the ‘Make in India’ mission, and reduce the country's reliance on textile imports.
A Spanish company known for its sustainable denim finishing technologies, Jeanologia is launching a new initiative called ‘Denim Métiers.’ This project aims to bridge the gap between traditional denim workwear and the intricate artistry of haute couture.
For 30 years, Jeanologia has been a leader in transforming the denim industry by developing technologies that conserve water and eliminate harmful chemicals. The company's technology is used in 45 per cent of the world's denim production, but with ‘Denim Métiers,’ Jeanologia is shifting its focus from a workwear standard to a creative laboratory for fashion.
‘Denim Métiers’ redefines laser technology, which has typically been used for vintage and workwear effects, by applying it to create sophisticated, high-fashion looks. The company aims to move away from the traditional clichés of laser and show its true essence: a living, emotional tool with an artistic soul, says Carme Santacruz, Creative Director, Jeanologia.
The first collection, ‘Denim Métiers. Vol. 1. The Laser Atelier,’ showcases the dialogue between denim and couture. The pieces feature couture-inspired dresses in black and indigo denim with intricate, laser-carved floral patterns that mimic lace, revealing delicate layers of organza underneath; contemporary corsetry with effects that imitate wool and sun-faded gradients, achieved with unprecedented technical precision, and unique textures and transparencies created using complex digital files that transform the laser into a "needle of light."
This collection creates a new language for denim, blending its rugged, workwear roots with the refined techniques of haute couture.
Boosting India’s technical textile exports to the UK, the India-UK Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) will help increase them to $1 billion by 2030 from the current export value of $240 million.
CETA will grant India 100 per cent duty-free access for its exports, giving Indian manufacturers a crucial competitive edge over rivals like China. To help exporters capitalize on this opportunity, the Man-Made Textile Export Promotion Council (MATEXIL) will provide support and guidance.
This strategic partnership is expected to strengthen India’s position in the global technical textiles market and foster greater trade between the two nations.
The European textile industry is compelling European Union to accelerate free trade agreements (FTAs) with four key nations in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). These new agreements are crucial for expanding market access, reducing tariffs, and boosting the sector's global competitiveness, say industry leaders.
The push for these FTAs is driven by the need to diversify sourcing and strengthen supply chains. They will help European companies reduce costs and build resilience against ongoing global disruptions.
However, the industry's call for these new trade deals comes with a clear condition: any agreement must align with the EU's sustainability goals. This is intended to ensure that new trade relationships do not create unfair competitive advantages for companies that fail to meet European environmental and labor standards.
Cambodia's manufacturing sector experienced significant expansion in H1, FY25, with 116 new garment factories opening during this six-months period, bringing the total number ogarment factories in the country to 1,682 from 1,566 at 2024-end. driven by strong growth in both garment and non-garment industries.
According to a report by the Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training, this factory expansion coincided with a robust increase in exports. The General Department of Customs and Excise reported, Cambodia's exports of garments, footwear, and travel products (GFT) rose by 22 per cent Y-o-Y to reach $7.38 billion in the H1, FY25.
Garment products were a major contributor to this growth, with exports totaling $5.28 billion, also a 22 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. Imports of raw materials for the garment sector mirrored this trend, reaching $3.49 billion, a 21.43 per cent Y-o-Y increase.
The apparel retail sector is facing significant challenges due to evolving tariff policies and shifting consumer preferences, forcing brands to adjust their strategies to stay competitive. According to a report by GlobalData, companies that can quickly adapt to trends and offer strong value are positioned to succeed, while those that can't may struggle.
GlobalData's analysis points to Adidas as a brand expected to gain market share, thanks to the continued success of its Originals line and performance footwear. The company recently reported a 2 per cent sales growth in the second quarter, demonstrating its strong position. In contrast, Nike is reportedly struggling due to a lack of innovation and the need to streamline its core product lines.
Other sportswear brands, New Balance and Skechers, are also expected to perform well. GlobalData credits their success to product versatility and a strategic focus on high-profile athlete partnerships. In particular, Skechers has been aggressively expanding into new categories like soccer and basketball while signing notable ambassadors, including Harry Kane and Julius Randle. The company also recently made headlines by agreeing to a $9.4 billion sale to 3G Capital.
Despite its continued growth, online fast-fashion giant Shein is seeing its rapid expansion slow down as it matures in the market. The brand's ability to offer low prices and quickly respond to trends still gives it an edge over competitors like H&M and Zara.
Steven Madden’s total revenues increased by 3.4 per cent Y-o-Y to $1.11 billion in H1, FY25 ending June 30, 2025. Despite a rise in gross profit to $452.3 million, the company's net income plummeted to just $2.5 million during the period. This could be attributed largely to a steep increase in operating expenses, which increased from $328.4 million to $441.1 million.
In Q2, FY25, the company's revenue increased by 6.8 per cent Y-o-Y to $559 million. However, its gross profit margin slightly declined to 40.4 per cent, while adjusted gross margin was 41.9 per cent. Operating expenses of the brand increased to 47.2 per cent of revenue, compared to 31.3 per cent a year ago.
This spike in expenses led to a reported operating loss of 7.2 per cent totaling $40.3 million, a sharp contrast to the operating income of $46.9 million reported in the same period last year. The company posted a net loss of $39.5 million during the quarter.
In Q2, revenue from the company’s wholesale business declined by 6.4 per cent Y-o-Y to $360.6 million. Excluding the newly acquired Kurt Geiger, wholesale revenue declined even further by 12.8 per cent. Revenues from the wholesale footwear and apparel business also declined by 7.1 per cent and 5.3 per cent, respectively.
In contrast, direct-to-consumer (DTC) revenue increased by 43.3 per cent to $195.5 million, primarily driven by the Kurt Geiger acquisition. Excluding this, DTC revenue decreased by 3 per cent across both brick-and-mortar and e-commerce channels.
By Q2-end, the company operated 392 retail stores and seven e-commerce websites, along with 130 international concessions. This includes 73 Kurt Geiger stores and two e-commerce sites. Edward Rosenfeld, Chairman and CEO, affirms, the quarter was challenging, largely due to new tariffs on imported goods into the United States. The company is acting with agility to mitigate near-term impacts while focusing on long-term growth, he notes.
The United States has confirmed it will terminate the De Minimis duty-free exemption for all imported goods, effective August 29, 2025. This means that shipments to the US valued under $800, regardless of their origin, will no longer be exempt from duties and customs processing fees. The policy change for goods manufactured in China was already implemented in April.
This change is expected to have a significant impact on international businesses and e-commerce, as it removes a key cost-saving measure for low-value shipments.
After August 29, packages valued under $800 will incur standard U.S. import duties, plus any additional ‘reciprocal tariff’ based on the country of manufacture. Carriers will also add their own customs clearance charges.
For a period of six months, companies have the option to use a temporary flat per-item tariff for postal shipments. The rate will vary from $80 to $200 depending on where the goods were manufactured.
After the six-month period, all shipments will be required to have a full customs declaration and pay the necessary duties, additional tariffs, and shipping fees.
Companies should be prepared to provide additional paperwork to US Customs and Border Protection to prove the origin of their goods.
These changes will require companies that ship to the US to adjust their pricing strategies and logistics to account for the new costs and compliance requirements.
