İstanbul, March 10, 2026

Press Release

Circular Textile Practices and Global Perspectives

The textile and apparel sector has become one of the key pillars of the global sustainability agenda. Rising production volumes, shorter product life cycles, and the expansion of second-hand markets are elevating textile waste management to a strategic priority. In this context, reuse, advanced recycling technologies, and circular economy models are becoming critical drivers of both environmental responsibility and long-term competitiveness for the sector.

The Recycling and Waste Minimization Conference, organized with the contributions of national and international stakeholders—led by ISWA (International Solid Waste Association), one of the world’s most established reference institutions in solid waste management and recycling—was held in May 2025 as part of IFAT Eurasia. The conference explored global textile recycling and digitalization in depth.

During the event, international experts assessed the impacts of rapidly evolving policy and regulatory frameworks on the sector, along with the role of the second-hand textile market within the global circular economy. Discussions also focused on international trade dynamics, sustainable business models, and advanced recycling technologies, offering a comprehensive overview of the sector’s transformation.

Developments since the conference indicate that regulatory and practical frameworks in the sector are evolving rapidly. While France has introduced restrictions on the export of low-quality used textiles, the Netherlands is focusing on investments in domestic recycling infrastructure. Belgium is taking an active role in EU initiatives aimed at reducing the export of non-reusable textiles, while Germany is strengthening local recycling and reuse systems.

Although the second-hand textile trade continues to grow rapidly, it is observed that a significant portion of these products ultimately turn into waste in their destination countries.

Namık Sarıgöl, Exhibitions Manager at EKO Fuarcılık, the organizer of IFAT Eurasia, the Leading Fair for Environmental Technologies in Eurasia, commented on the issue as follows:

“The textile sector is undergoing a structural transformation in terms of environmental sustainability and the circular economy. For Türkiye, this highly significant sector is already facing a challenging period due to the global economic slowdown and the declining competitiveness of exports. By taking advantage of the momentum and synergy that will emerge from COP31, which will be held in Antalya between November 9–20, 2026, the sector should focus on implementable solutions aimed at minimizing its environmental impact.”

Bringing together technologies, policy frameworks, and business models across water and wastewater systems, waste management, recycling, and renewable energy—under the broader umbrella of environmental technologies, including textile waste—IFAT Eurasia positions itself as a strategic platform that translates the global agenda into local and regional markets.

Held biennially and organized alternately with IFAT Munich, the 2025 edition of the exhibition welcomed 240 exhibitors from 14 countries. With a 41% international exhibitor ratio and nearly 10,000 qualified visitors from 74 countries, the event became a major international meeting point at TÜYAP Istanbul. The German edition, IFAT 2026, will take place in Munich from May 4–7.