Building on previous market analysis of the North African textile sector, Closed Loop Fashion is partnering with the German Development Agency (GIZ ) and the multi-specialist sports brand Decathlon to launch a new initiative focused on Morocco. According to a recent study conducted by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) SwitchMed initiative, Morocco’s textile industry is a key economic driver, employing over 200,000 individuals. However, the sector is heavily reliant on imported materials and generates approximately 83,200 tons of textile waste annually, of which 52,000 tons consist of high-potential cutting waste. The limited domestic recycling infrastructure, coupled with a lack of awareness, impedes efforts to recycle and reuse this waste, despite growing global demand for sustainable solutions. This project seeks to address these challenges by fostering collaboration among local stakeholders, enhancing Morocco’s recycling capacity, and creating employment opportunities within a sustainable framework that aligns with EU and global circularity standards.
The objective of this project is to promote the development of a circular supply chain within Morocco’s textile and apparel (T&A) sector by offering consulting, advisory, and capacity building to local brands, manufacturers, recyclers, and educational institutions. The initiative will establish a comprehensive textile waste management system, foster the development of local recycling ecosystems, and create the necessary infrastructure for reverse logistics, with an initial focus on post-industrial polyester waste.
Key project partners include the leading global sports brand Decathlon, multiple T1 and T2 textile and apparel manufacturers, Morocco’s largest polyester yarn producer Polyfil and the engineering institute ESITH and is conducted by Closed Loop Fashion on behalf of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). The project will commence with textile waste assessments at the partner factories. Based on these assessments, a strategic roadmap will be developed to guide participating factories in collaboratively establishing recycled product lines. Additionally, standardised systems for the collection, sorting, and management of polyester waste will be implemented, alongside optimised production processes and technologies, such as mechanical and thermofusion recycling, to produce high-quality recycled polyester products that meet global market demands.
Furthermore, the project will ensure that recycled product standards are aligned with buyer expectations, thereby making the recycled materials suitable for market entry. A comprehensive training program will be developed to educate employees, public stakeholders, and students on polyester waste recycling, incorporating practical insights drawn from the project. Ongoing dialogue with industry stakeholders will facilitate the broader adoption of circular economy practices throughout Morocco’s textile sector.
As North Africa is poised to become a significant supplier of textile waste for European recyclers, innovators, and brands committed to circular economy objectives, the establishment of polyester recycling systems in Morocco is essential. This initiative will enable local industries to meet growing demand, comply with EU sustainability standards, and drive job creation. By developing local recycling chains and ecosystems, Morocco can reduce its reliance on imported materials, enhance its competitiveness, and contribute to the advancement of a more sustainable fashion industry.
This project is conducted by Closed Loop Fashion on behalf of the German technical development corporation, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, on behalf of the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) in the framework of the Special Initiative “Decent Work for a Just Transition” (Invest for Jobs).
