While the global textile industry struggles with inventory surplus and waste disposal, Turkey has offered a new solution through its 'Zero Waste' model. In July 2025, the country launched a textile recycling initiative, placing collection bins at all branches of the state-owned postal service PTT. This is not an isolated charity effort but a closed-loop circular economy linking old clothing collection, charitable donation, and industrial reprocessing.
Background
The 'Zero Waste' project, initiated by First Lady Emine Erdogan in 2017, aims to reduce waste and increase resource efficiency. The textile recycling program is its latest sector-specific application. Samet Agirbas, chairman of the Zero Waste Foundation, stated that collected clothes are sorted by type, fabric, and condition. Wearable items are disinfected and distributed to the needy through social assistance channels; unwearable textiles enter the recycling process. As a counterpart, partner companies donate new garments to the foundation for charitable purposes.
The key lies in the exchange model: companies give new clothes in return for recycled textile raw materials. For textile factories, this means a stable source of recycled feedstock; for brands, it is a low-cost CSR practice. PTT's nationwide network effectively creates a collection pipeline from households to factories.
Industry Impact
From an industry perspective, Turkey's move signals three things. First, the value of recycled textiles is being systematically recognized by official systems. Previously, old clothing collection relied on informal groups or small workshops lacking standardization. Government-led involvement and postal network coverage significantly improve efficiency and reach.
Second, the charity-for-raw-materials model may alter factory procurement logic. Recycled fibers traditionally come from waste dealers or imported recycled materials, with volatile costs and inconsistent quality. If Turkey's system can stably supply sorted textile waste, downstream spinners and nonwoven mills gain a cost-controllable raw material channel.
Third, for export-oriented textile regions like Keqiao, Shenze, or Nantong, Turkey's program could have two impacts: increased competition for recycled fiber raw materials—if Turkey's old clothes are converted into recycled polyester or cotton, it will divert part of the market; and heightened compliance pressure—as EU markets tighten recycled content requirements, Turkey's circular model, if recognized by the EU, may force other regions to establish similar traceability systems.
Practical Recommendations
For Buyers - Evaluate the quality and types of recycled raw materials from Turkey's system for potential substitution. - Check if Turkish business partners participate in the 'Zero Waste' program as a CSR supply chain bonus. - Monitor EU regulations on recycled textile content and pre-qualify recycled material suppliers.
For Exporters - Research Turkish market acceptance of recycled textiles and explore exporting recycled fabrics or yarns to Turkey. - Contact the Zero Waste Foundation or PTT to understand policy restrictions and logistics costs for exporting Turkish textile waste to China. - Use Turkey's circular model as a case study to demonstrate sustainable supply chain management to European buyers.
Turkey's 'Zero Waste' plan is not unique, but it provides a tripartite collaboration model among government, state-owned enterprises, and private companies. For Chinese textile clusters, the takeaway is to replicate the logic—such as partnering with postal systems for collection networks or launching 'new-for-old' raw material swap programs with charities. Circular economy is not charity; it is a recalculation of resource efficiency.