HOW THE 2025 RECYCLED POLYESTER CHALLENGE IS STITCHING TOGETHER A GREENER FUTURE
By: Prachi Khatri
The climate crisis is one of the most urgent environmental issues linked to the fashion industry. The average temperature of the earth has increased by about two degrees Fahrenheit since the 19th century. Data suggests that the fashion industry is responsible for approximately 10% of global emissions, which shockingly exceeds the emissions from international flights and maritime shipping combined.
Most consumers likely have no idea that the material that their clothing is made from has such a large effect on the environment. It is amazing to realize that an unassuming sweater or shirt can be the culprit of such incredible harm to our environment.
In an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Textile Exchange, in collaboration with the United Nation’s Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action, has launched the 2025 Recycled Polyester Challenge.
The program aims to reduce reliance on fossil-based polyester and encourages the fashion industry to find its recycled alternatives. Polyester is one of the most popular materials used in the textile industry; however, it is damaging to our environment due to the large amount of greenhouse gases released during the production cycle.
Source: Textile Exchange website
According to the Textile Exchange’s website, they are challenging the fashion and textile industry to increase the market share of polyester that comes from recycled sources from 14% in 2019 to 45% in 2025.
What makes polyester so popular in fabrics? The answer is performance attributes like moisture resistance, durability, and stretchability. In 2023, 71 million tonnes of polyester were produced globally, nearing double that of 2022. Other synthetic fibers, such as nylon, acrylic and elastane, are used in fabrics, however polyester alone has a market share of 57% globally. It is the most widespread synthetic fiber produced across the globe.
Polyester production requires the use of fossil fuel-derived chemicals. Every kilogram of polyester production generates 14.2kg of carbon dioxide, as per research conducted by Geopelie, making polyester a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions. The impact is not only staggering but also unsustainable.
Recycled polyester, or rPET, is made from recycled plastic, mainly plastic bottles or other post-consumer waste. It not only diverts the waste from landfills but also offers a much lower carbon footprint than virgin polyester.
The joint initiative by Textile Exchange with UN Climate Change aims to reduce the fashion industry’s reliance on fossil-based resources. The 2025 Polyester Challenge is designed for the fashion industry to commit to sourcing 100% polyester from recycled sources by this year. Reducing the reliance on fossil-based synthetic fibers will help lower the industry’s contribution to chemical pollutants and hence, the environment.
The program has a clear objective and the challenge is gaining momentum since its launch. As of 2025, 124 fashion leaders, including the H&M group, Reformation, Adidas, Gap, lululemon, etc. have signed on to the Polyester cChallenge and 58% are committed to replacing their virgin fossil-based polyester with recycled alternatives by 2025.
Source: Textile Exchange website
It is worth mentioning that 11% of its signatories have already reached their goal of replacing polyester with a recycled source. The initiative not just emphasizes recycled polyester and cotton but also the need for advanced recycling technology like chemical and textile-to-textile recycling.
With the long-term goal of achieving 90% recycled polyester market share by 2030, Textile Exchange encourages companies to transition to sustainable sourcing sooner rather than later. Scalability of recycling technology or quality of recycled fabrics can be challenging in a recycled material, but collective action through 2025 The recycled polyester challenge signifies a prominent step towards fashion for the future.
This initiative is a powerful example for companies to take meaningful action and truly demonstrates how collective efforts can bring us one step closer to the goal of saving our planet. It is not just about bigger brands but every action taken by designers, small businesses and individual consumers can help make a difference!