As environmental standards in the fashion industry continue to rise, Tunisia is positioning itself as a key platform for sustainable and competitive sourcing of garments made from recycled cotton. With its industrial expertise, proximity to Europe, and evolving production models, Tunisia is becoming a preferred destination for responsible sourcing.
Recycled Cotton Market Trends in North Africa (2022–2024)
The shift toward sustainability in North African textile exports is increasingly evident:
- In 2022, only 1.1% of cotton apparel exports contained recycled cotton.
- By April 2024, this figure had risen sharply to 10.2%, signaling a major shift in supply chain priorities.
- Over 13,000 garment references containing recycled content were exported from the region, with 50% clearly labeled as made with recycled cotton.
- The European Union remains the primary export destination, accounting for 65% of recycled product shipments.
Tunisia’s Competitive Advantages
Tunisia is at the heart of this momentum. The country boasts:
- Over 1,400 textile companies
- Recognized industrial know-how
- A strategic location near major European markets
- Preferential trade agreements with the EU and other partners
Tunisian manufacturers are increasingly aligning with international standards by pursuing certifications such as GRS (Global Recycled Standard) and RCS (Recycled Claim Standard). These labels ensure traceability and compliance in the use of recycled raw materials, building trust with global buyers.
2025 Outlook and Growth Potential
While final figures for 2025 are still being consolidated, market projections for recycled yarn in Tunisia from 2021 to 2031 suggest sustained growth. This is largely driven by the global surge in demand for responsible, circular fibers.
Key Challenges Ahead
To sustain and scale this progress, several critical areas require attention:
- Increase the actual percentage of recycled cotton in fabric blends, which is often limited to 20–30%.
- Strengthen local infrastructure for waste collection, sorting, and fiber transformation.
- Invest in fiber quality and technological innovation to compete in premium and performance segments.
A New Era of Circular Fashion in Tunisia
Tunisia is laying the foundation for a more structured, sustainable, and globally competitive textile sourcing ecosystem. Now is the time for targeted investments, strategic partnerships, and a collective upskilling of the textile value chain.
As global fashion brands accelerate their transition to circular models, Tunisia offers an agile and reliable sourcing alternative for recycled cotton textiles—bridging ecological responsibility with industrial performance.
