In a world where environmental sustainability is no longer optional but imperative, the city of Uşak in western Turkey has positioned itself as a global powerhouse in textile recycling. Responsible for recycling nearly 72% of Turkey’s textile waste, Uşak is not only transforming discarded fabrics into valuable resources but also setting a global example of industrial innovation, environmental responsibility, and inclusive economic development.
A Circular Economy in Action
According to data from the Uşak Chamber of Commerce and Industry, over 180 factories operate in the city, recycling approximately 1,700 tons of textile waste daily—amounting to 620,000 tons annually. This extensive recycling activity yields 485,000 tons of cotton fiber per year, contributing an estimated $97.5 million in foreign exchange to the Turkish economy. These efforts significantly reduce the country’s dependence on imported cotton and help conserve water and energy resources.
Beyond numbers, the city’s contribution to circular economy principles is profound. By turning textile waste into regenerated yarns and fabrics, Uşak not only diverts waste from landfills but also creates a sustainable loop of production and reuse, reinforcing Turkey’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
Women at the Heart of Uşak’s Recycling Industry
One of the most remarkable aspects of Uşak’s recycling ecosystem is its inclusive workforce. Women comprise 61% of the city’s 14,400-strong recycling workforce. These women are employed in various roles, particularly in sorting imported textile waste by color and fabric type—a process requiring precision, attention to detail, and a high level of perceptual awareness.
Their involvement not only boosts local economic participation but also reflects broader social progress. As women gain financial independence through sustainable employment, the benefits ripple through their families and communities, illustrating how green jobs can also be catalysts for gender equality.
From Waste to Wealth: The Manufacturing Process
The journey of a discarded fabric in Uşak begins with meticulous sorting. Imported and domestic textile scraps are cleaned of non-fabric materials and sorted by color and quality. Advanced machinery then processes the sorted fabric into fibers, which are spun into yarn.
A large portion of this regenerated yarn is exported, while the rest is used locally to produce items such as kilims (traditional Turkish rugs), blankets, socks, and felt. These products are not only sold domestically but also exported, expanding Uşak’s global footprint.
International Cooperation for a Green Future
Uşak’s leadership in textile recycling has not gone unnoticed. The city recently completed an EU-supported project titled “Accelerating the Green Transformation of the Textile Sector through Partnerships,” carried out in collaboration with Paimio, Finland. As part of the EU-Turkey Town Twinning Program, this initiative emphasized the need for cross-border cooperation to combat climate change and encourage sustainable urban development.
A Green Action Plan was created, combining environmental, social, and economic dimensions to map out Uşak’s long-term vision as a sustainable city. Activities included school education programs, site visits, and technology exchanges to further develop recycling methods.
A Green Industrial Zone in the Making
The Uşak Organized Industrial Zone (OSB) is central to the city’s textile recycling operations. Hosting over 323 firms and employing thousands, the OSB is evolving into a model green industrial zone.
The zone processes around 708,000 tons of textile waste annually and is also a leader in recycling plastics, rubber, leather, and aluminum. Its energy needs are increasingly met through renewable sources, with current solar capacity reaching 80 MW, expected to rise to 125 MW. Furthermore, a solid waste incineration facility converts non-reusable waste and sludge from treatment plants into 7 million kWh of energy annually.
Uşak’s Role in Turkey’s Export Strategy
Over the past 20 years, Uşak’s exports have surged tenfold—from $47 million in 2002 to $440 million in 2022. This growth underscores the city’s role as a net exporter and strategic contributor to the national economy. The integration of recycling into export strategies has positioned Uşak as a resilient and forward-looking city.
In particular, Turkey’s exporters are focusing on the EU Green Deal, which emphasizes circular economy practices. Uşak’s infrastructure, workforce, and industrial policies align well with these standards, offering a competitive advantage in global markets.
Vision for the Future: Re-HUB Centers and Innovation
To maintain its leadership, Uşak aims to establish a Re-HUB Center inspired by European models. These centers collect, classify, and repurpose textile waste, turning it into new raw materials or refurbished products. Uşak’s Re-HUB would feature digital inventory systems and closed-loop recycling to enhance supply chain efficiency and transparency.
The initiative also emphasizes R&D and value-added production, aiming to link textile recycling with high-tech industries such as automotive and defense. Through collaboration with Uşak University and leveraging Turkey’s regional development strategies, the project will develop technologies to transform regenerated fibers into advanced industrial inputs.
A Call for Strategic Planning and Investment
While Uşak leads the world in textile recycling, local industry leaders acknowledge the need for a national strategic action plan. Stakeholders emphasize the importance of certification, quality standards, and technological investments to retain global competitiveness and prevent market losses to international players.
By creating sector-specific consortia and public-private partnerships, Uşak aims to scale its ecosystem while fostering sustainable job creation and industrial resilience.
Conclusion
Uşak is more than just a recycling hub; it is a living example of how environmental, economic, and social goals can intersect to produce real-world benefits. With robust infrastructure, strong community participation—especially by women—and strategic vision, Uşak has become a model for cities worldwide seeking sustainable industrial transformation.
As global attention turns toward climate change and sustainable development, Uşak’s success story offers valuable insights into how recycling and circular economy principles can be embedded into local development models to create lasting change. The road ahead demands continued investment, innovation, and collaboration, but if Uşak’s track record is any indication, the future of textile recycling is already being woven in Turkey.
