Globally, over 92 million tons of textile waste are generated annually, with less than 1% being closed-loop recycled. Against this backdrop, Turkey has chosen an uncommon path: embedding its state-owned logistics system directly into the textile recycling chain.
Background
In July 2026, Turkey's 'Zero Waste' initiative launched a dedicated textile recycling campaign, placing clothing collection bins at all branches of the state-owned postal operator PTT. From Istanbul to small towns in Anatolia, residents can now donate old clothes while mailing letters or picking up packages.
Samed Ağılbash, chairman of the Zero Waste Foundation, stated that collected garments follow two routes: wearable items are disinfected and distributed through social aid channels; unwearable textiles enter a recycling process, where partner companies transform them into new products. In return, these companies donate new clothes to the foundation for continued charitable support.
The 'Zero Waste' initiative itself is not new. Launched in 2017 by First Lady Emine Erdoğan, its core goals are waste reduction, resource efficiency, and source separation. This textile-specific move marks a key expansion from municipal waste management to sector-specific circular economy.
Industry Impact
From a textile industry perspective, this move signals at least three things.
First, scaled and standardized collection channels. Previously, used-clothing collection relied on scattered pickup points by charities or commercial recyclers, with inconsistent coverage and credibility. By using the state postal system as collection infrastructure, every branch becomes a standardized 'recycling terminal' with uniform registration, sorting, and disinfection procedures. For downstream recycling textile companies, a stable raw material supply is the biggest pain point—state channels can provide predictable volumes.
Second, a public-private charity closed-loop model. Partner companies donate new clothes in exchange for the right to process recycled old clothes—essentially a 'new-for-old' carbon credit logic. Companies avoid direct operational involvement but gain brand charity image and potential priority access to recycled raw materials. If sustainable, this model will attract more textile firms, creating a positive cycle.
Third, implications for global textile supply chains. The EU is advancing the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation and waste framework directive amendments, requiring member states to establish separate textile collection systems. Although Turkey is not an EU member, as a major textile and apparel producer and exporter (exports exceeded $13 billion in 2025), the maturity of its domestic recycling system will directly affect its compliance costs for future exports to Europe. A nationwide state collection network means Turkish textile companies may meet 'extended producer responsibility' requirements earlier than other emerging producers.
Practical Advice
For Buyers - Monitor Turkey's recycling system progress: if the model works well, Turkish suppliers may offer certified recycled-content fabrics by 2027-2028; buyers should engage early on certification standards. - Assess supply chain carbon footprint: reduced incineration or landfill from old-clothes recycling can generate carbon reduction data; buyers can incorporate this into Scope 3 emissions accounting in ESG reports. - Watch for quality fluctuations: recycled fibers may have lower strength and colorfastness than virgin fibers; buyers should request third-party test reports before ordering and set acceptable performance thresholds.
For Foreign Trade Companies - Study Turkey's export policy on recycled textiles: it is unclear whether recycled textiles can be exported or require special permits; companies should track changes in customs tariff codes. - Explore technology cooperation opportunities: Turkish recycling textile companies may need upgrades in sorting, washing, and opening equipment; Chinese textile machinery makers should watch this potential market. - Build a sample library: collect samples of Turkish recycled fabrics in advance to show European and American brand clients as alternatives meeting circular economy standards.
Conclusion
Turkey's practice shows that textile recycling does not have to rely solely on commercial profit motives. When national infrastructure—the postal system—is converted into a recycling network, old-clothes circulation upgrades from a 'charity project' to a 'public service.' For China, which generates over 26 million tons of textile waste annually, the transferability of this model to county-level logistics networks is worth in-depth study.