Having risen by 7 per cent from 116 million tons in 2022 to 124 million tons in 2023, the global fiber production is slated to grow to 160 million tons by 2030, according to the Materials Market Report by Textile Exchange.
The report indicates a continued reliance on new virgin fossil-based synthetic materials, as their market share grew in 2023, while the shares of cotton and recycled fibers saw a slight decline. It highlights the current limitations of textile-to-textile recycling, emphasising an urgent need for innovative solutions, given that most recycled polyester still originates from PET bottles.
On a positive note, the report reveals a growing demand for responsible animal fibers, supported by initiatives like the Responsible Mohair Standard (RMS) and Responsible Alpaca Standard (RAS). These programs aim to improve animal welfare and environmental management, showcasing the potential of such farm-level standards to enhance market recognition of sustainable practices.
