Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges and advancements in the recycling of waste textiles in China, highlighting the need for improved recovery rates and technological innovations in the industry [2][3][4]. Group 1: Current State of Waste Textile Recycling - China produces over 80 million tons of textiles annually, with more than 20 million tons of waste textiles generated each year, leading to a total waste textile stock of nearly 400 million tons [2]. - The recycling rate of waste textiles in China is less than 30%, with only about 5.15 million tons recycled compared to the over 20 million tons produced annually [2]. - Waste textiles are the least utilized category among five major recyclable solid wastes in urban garbage [2]. Group 2: Challenges in Recycling - **Difficulties in Sorting**: The variety of textile materials complicates sorting, especially for blended fabrics, leading to increased costs and inefficiencies [3]. - **Separation of Foreign Objects**: Buttons, zippers, and other non-fabric components pose significant challenges, requiring manual removal which adds to processing costs [4]. - **Technical Implementation Issues**: Chemical recycling technologies face regulatory hurdles, as local authorities often require operations to be conducted in chemical parks, which may not be feasible for smaller projects [5]. Group 3: Technological Innovations and Future Directions - The article emphasizes the importance of developing new technologies for recycling waste textiles, including chemical, physical, and biological methods [7]. - The shift towards using recycled fibers in clothing is driven by cost considerations and regulatory requirements in markets like the EU, which mandates the inclusion of recycled materials [5]. - Emerging players from upstream raw material industries are leading the charge in transforming waste textiles into new materials, a domain traditionally unexplored by conventional textile companies [5]. Group 4: Upcoming Conference - The 2025 Polymer Recycling Conference will be held in Ningbo from December 11-13, where experts will discuss the current state and future of waste textile recycling technologies [6][12]. - Key topics will include advancements in recycling technologies, regulatory frameworks, and case studies on the application of recycled materials in various industries [12][13].

Core Viewpoint - The textile industry in China is actively exploring and implementing circular economy practices, with significant achievements in energy efficiency and recycling of waste textiles, aiming to transform discarded materials into new products for the market [1][2][3]. Group 1: Industry Achievements - From 2005 to 2024, the energy consumption per unit of output in the textile industry has decreased by over 65%, and the annual growth rate of recycled textile waste has reached 12%, with the usage of regenerated fibers exceeding 3 million tons [1][2]. - In 2022, the recycling rate of waste textiles is targeted to reach 25%, with a regenerated fiber output of 2 million tons [3]. Group 2: Technological Innovations - A new chemical recycling technology has been developed to efficiently separate polyester and cotton from mixed fabrics, addressing the challenges of traditional recycling methods that are low in efficiency and high in pollution [2][5]. - Companies like Zhejiang Jiarun New Materials Co., Ltd. are focusing on chemical recycling technologies, with an annual capacity of 30,000 tons and the ability to process approximately 40,000 tons of waste textiles each year [3]. Group 3: Challenges and Opportunities - The textile industry faces challenges such as low recycling rates, with only about 2% of waste textiles being industrially recycled and 1% achieving closed-loop recycling [4][5]. - The global textile and leather industry contributes to 0.6% of total carbon emissions, highlighting the need for sustainable practices [4]. Group 4: Digital Transformation - The introduction of the "Digital Product Passport" aims to enhance transparency and traceability throughout the textile product lifecycle, facilitating better recycling and sustainability practices [7]. - Major brands and manufacturers are participating in the digital passport initiative, which is expected to transform the industry from a linear to a circular economy model [7][8]. Group 5: Future Directions - The textile industry is expected to continue deepening its circular innovation practices, contributing to global sustainable governance and potentially setting universal standards [8].