Textile Exchange Unveils Landmark Report on the Future of Synthetics

Textile Exchange, with the support of external contractors, has released a comprehensive report, The Future of Synthetics, charting a transformative roadmap toward a more sustainable future for synthetic fibers in the textile industry. Here’s a closer look at the key takeaways and actions.

Key Findings:

1. Textile-to-Textile Recycling

Current Landscape: Recycled polyester usage rose to 14% in 2022, primarily from PET bottles. However, there is an urgent need to scale up textile-to-textile recycling solutions.

Challenges: The report identifies a lack of access to quality feedstocks, complex material blends, and insufficient impact data as primary challenges.

Actions:

Set public targets for converting from virgin fossil fuel-based polyester to textile feedstocks.

Improve sorting and separation technologies.

Scale innovative recycling technologies and infrastructure.

2. Biosynthetics

Current Innovations: Biosynthetics, such as biobased polyester and nylon, represent an alternative to fossil-based synthetics. However, most biosynthetics are only partially biobased, and fully biobased solutions need further development.

Challenges: Impact data gaps, blended composition complexities, and limited commercial scale hinder growth.

Actions:

Collaborate to develop fully biobased solutions.

Improve traceability and impact data for biosynthetics.

Educate stakeholders on the benefits and performance of biosynthetic materials.

3. Carbon Capture

Emerging Solutions: Carbon capture technologies, including gas fermentation, electrochemical conversion, and direct air capture, have the potential to replace virgin fossil fuels in textile production.

Challenges: High energy intensity, a lack of impact data, and policy uncertainty are significant barriers.

Actions:

Innovate to replace fossil-based components in PET production.

Prioritize standards and certifications for CO2 removal.

Explore retrofitting carbon capture technologies in existing facilities.

Overall Recommendations:

Create Material Strategies: Commit to reducing reliance on virgin fossil fuels by transitioning to recycled or sustainably sourced renewable synthetics.

Offtake Agreements: Support innovations by committing to offtake agreements with supply chain partners.

Policy Engagement: Taking an active role in policy making and sharing information with policy makers.

Conclusion:

Textile Exchange’s The Future of Synthetics provides an actionable blueprint for the textile industry to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030. The report encourages brands and stakeholders to actively contribute to developing a more circular, sustainable future by participating in Textile Exchange’s 2025 Recycled Polyester Challenge and joining its Round Tables.

For more information, download the full report Here