Textile Exchange publishes market update, new directory
08/12/2023
Global fibre production achieved a record high of 116 million tonnes in 2022, the data suggests, an increase of four million tonnes compared to a year prior. Textile Exchange expects this figure to reach 147 million tonnes by 2030, if the trend continues.
Key highlights include the recognition that polyester took a 54% share of the total fibre market last year, up two million tonnes from the 61 million tonnes that were manufactured in 2021. Recycled polyester’s market share, meanwhile, declined by a single percentage point to 14% last year versus the comparative period.
The materials standards body attributed this reduction to increased demand for PET plastic bottle feedstocks worldwide, given that as much as 99% of recycled polyester is derived from plastic bottles, it said.
Pre- and post-consumer recycled textiles made up less than 1% of the global fibre market, whereas manmade cellulosic fibres or MMCFs bearing FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and/or PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement or Forest Certification) approval represented around 60-65% of that market last year.
In terms of natural fibres, Texas-based Textile Exchange reported that cottons cultivated under the conditions specified by its 2025 Sustainable Cotton Challenge returned to 27% of that harvested between 2021 and 2022.
The organisation also celebrated the launch of its new, filterable Materials Directory for textiles and fashion.
Find the full report here.
Image: Textile Exchange.
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