Pilot projects under the Morocco Textile Circularity programme, led by the International Finance Corporation, have demonstrated that textile waste recycling in Morocco is both technically viable and commercially feasible. According to the initiative, scaling the circular textile model could attract US$1.9 billion in private investment while creating more than 30,000 new jobs, positioning Morocco as a regional leader in sustainable textile manufacturing.
Pilot Results Show Commercial and Environmental Benefits
The pilot programme surpassed its original objectives by recycling 427 metric tons of textile offcuts into new manufacturing inputs. In addition, another 2,400 metric tons of textile waste have already been committed for future recycling. According to the programme, fabrics produced with recycled content achieved commercial quality standards across all performance tests, matching the durability and functionality of conventionally produced textiles.
A life-cycle assessment also revealed significant environmental advantages. Compared with traditional manufacturing methods, recycled textile inputs can reduce carbon emissions by approximately 18% while cutting water consumption by more than 60%.
Read more : Morocco’s Textile Recycling Industry Could Create 30,000 Jobs and Attract $1.9 Billion in Investment
Formalizing Textile Waste Collection Could Create Thousands of Jobs
The programme identifies Morocco’s informal textile waste collection network as one of the country’s greatest opportunities for economic growth. Currently, more than 80% of textile waste collectors operate within the informal economy.
Research conducted through the initiative suggests that with appropriate policy support and institutional reforms, up to 75% of these workers could transition into formal employment within the next five years. Formalization would improve income security for workers while strengthening the country’s circular textile value chain.
“Scaling textile circularity in Morocco will create tens of thousands of jobs and build a globally competitive industry. The proof is in place. Scaling now establishes Morocco at the forefront of sustainable manufacturing for global markets,” said David Tinel, Regional Manager for the Maghreb (Morocco, Tunisia and Libya), IFC – World Bank Group.
Policy Reforms Needed to Accelerate Circular Textile Growth
The programme outlines several policy recommendations to support large-scale adoption of textile circularity in Morocco. These include recognizing factory textile offcuts as industrial by-products rather than waste, updating customs regulations to facilitate the transfer of recyclable materials between brands and local manufacturers, and establishing a national traceability system aligned with international sustainability standards.
The report also recommends expanding Morocco’s domestic spinning capacity to reduce dependence on exporting recycled fibres for processing before they return to local manufacturers.
Read more : Morocco Textile Industry: How It Became Africa’s Nearshoring Hub for Europe
EU Sustainability Regulations Increase Market Opportunities
Growing sustainability requirements from international buyers are expected to accelerate Morocco’s transition toward circular textile production. Approximately 93% of Morocco’s textile exports are destined for European markets, where new regulations—including the Digital Product Passport scheduled for implementation in 2027—will require greater transparency, traceability, and verified recycled content throughout textile supply chains.
For broader context on manufacturing, trade and sustainability, explore the Morocco textile industry landscape.
The Morocco Textile Circularity programme brings together government ministries, customs authorities, manufacturers, recyclers, collectors, industry associations, and international brands to develop a collaborative ecosystem capable of meeting future global sustainability requirements.
For the capital projects and foreign investment shaping Morocco’s textile sector, see Kohan Textile Journal’s Morocco Textile Investment Hub. For more on circularity, recycling and resource efficiency in Morocco’s textile sector, see Kohan Textile Journal’s Morocco Textile Sustainability Hub.
