Globally, about 92 million tons of textile waste are generated annually, with less than 1% recycled. Turkey's new textile recycling campaign, embedding collection boxes into the state postal system, marks a first-of-its-kind model worldwide.
Background
Launched in 2017 by First Lady Emine Erdogan, Turkey's 'Zero Waste' initiative aims to reduce waste at source and improve resource efficiency. The latest action places clothing collection boxes at all PTT (state postal) outlets, creating a nationwide network.
Zero Waste Foundation Chairman Samet Agirbas stated that collected garments will be sorted by category, fabric, condition, and reuse value, then disinfected. Wearable items go to social assistance channels; unwearable textiles enter recycling. Partner companies donate new clothes, forming a 'collection-donation-remanufacturing' loop.
This model integrates charity with circular economy. Placing bins at post offices ensures traceable logistics from drop-off to processing, reducing contamination risks compared to scattered community bins.
Industry Impact
For the textile industry, this move signals multiple shifts. On the supply side, large volumes of old clothes entering recycling will boost regenerated fiber supply. Brands like H&M and Zara have pledged 100% sustainable materials by 2030. Turkey, as a key European supplier, can shorten logistics for recycled raw materials, lowering buyers' carbon footprint costs.
Technically, sorting precision determines regenerated fiber quality. Turkey's four-tier classification could set a new industry standard. Current global recycling standards lack specific guidelines for post-consumer textiles; Turkey's practice may inform ISO or other bodies.
Trade-wise, Turkey's location may reshape regional flows. Europe's used clothing exports to Africa and South Asia face restrictions. If Turkey builds stable regenerated fiber capacity, it could become a 'local recycling-to-local consumption' model, reducing reliance on Asian recycled fabric suppliers.