Currently, the majority of industry-scale recycling processes exist solely for the mechanical recycling of cotton pre and post-consumer waste. However, mechanical and chemical innovations are coming up for blended compositions and for assuring the quality of recycled fiber.

Over-population and over-consumption have reached a level that demands a new system of fiber production. The current fiber system is not really sustainable. Noble fibers such as cashmere, mohair, and wool are natural and renewable resources with low impact on the environment. The challenge to recyclers is segregation of different types of fiber.

Almost 150 million metric tons of clothes and shoes are sold every year worldwide. This huge consumption is negatively impacting the environment. More than 70 per cent of the world’s clothing eventually ends in a landfill, of which less than 15 per cent is collected to recycle. Less than one per cent of this is regenerated into new clothing.

Circular economy is a hot topic at the moment. As the world needs more food and urbanization, it’s necessary to reuse and recycle on a larger scale, which is basically circular economy. A fully closed-loop fashion industry is still a long way off. Brands have to commit to the increased collection and recycling of garments, plus an increase in recycling post-consumer textile fibers.