Call to promote used textiles trade

Islamabad:Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Senator Musadik Masood Malik on Wednesday emphasised that the global fashion industry is one of the largest contributors to waste, with millions of tons of clothing ending up in landfills each year.

He, however, said promoting the used textiles trade is vital to mitigate this issue by diverting pre-owned clothing from landfills. “Through recycling, reusing, and upcycling, the life cycle of textiles is extended, significantly reducing the amount of waste that is ultimately discarded. This directly contributes to reducing the environmental footprint of the fashion industry,” he said while addressing a meeting on circularity and the used textiles trade in Pakistan.

The meeting was organised here by a non-governmental organisation in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the European Union. The discussions focused on the intersection of climate action, circular economy, and inclusive development.

Minister Malik emphasised the growing significance of Pakistan’s used textile trade, which has become more than just a commercial activity. It serves as a model for environmental stewardship, social equity, and economic resilience. In 2024, Pakistan’s used textile exports exceeded USD 283 million, a notable increase from $255 million in 2023. Pakistan remains one of the top three global re-exporters of second-hand clothing, contributing nearly 60% of the country’s total textile exports.

"The trade in used textiles is about people—especially those who rely on affordable clothing, and the thousands of informal workers in this sector, many of whom are women, who support their families and contribute to the circular economy," said Minister Malik. "This sector is critical for the millions of Pakistanis, particularly the 39% living below the poverty line, providing access to affordable clothing, especially in extreme weather conditions."

The Minister also highlighted Pakistan’s impressive circularity performance in the used textiles sector, as less than 1% of used textile imports end up in landfills. With Faisalabad processing over 85% of the country’s textile waste, Pakistan’s recyclers handle between 1,000 to 3,000 tons annually. Despite limited resources, Pakistan has demonstrated exceptional efficiency in turning waste into resources—making a substantial contribution to global climate action, he added.