How can next-gen materials support a sustainable future for fashion?
The bulk of next-gen material growth is expected to come from textile-to-textile recycling solutions, which are poised to gain significant market share in man-made cellulosic, natural and synthetic fibres. This momentum is driven by industry prioritisation of recycling technologies and the increasing focus of legislation on waste management and circularity.
Next-gen recycling, particularly chemical recycling, utilises diverse waste feedstocks. The ability of solution providers to handle these materials depends not only on the underlying technology but also on the sophistication of preprocessing steps integrated into their systems.
Solutions that demonstrate the capacity to process a broader range of waste feedstocks effectively can be considered more innovative than standard recycling methods. It is expected to dominate next-gen material growth by producing high-quality outputs and reducing reliance on virgin resources.
Partly biosynthetics are already available, but 100% biosynthetic options face challenges, including issues such as limited performance, supply chain compatibility and dyeing constraints. Fully bio-based PET is still expensive and complex to produce.
By 2030, there is the potential for nearly 13 million tonnes of next-gen materials to enter the market, representing around 8% of the total fibre market. The BCG report emphasises that access to these materials will remain limited to some brands without a strong, coordinated effort.
The report defines next-generation fibres and materials as novel and innovative fibres and materials with desired improved environmental or social outcomes when compared with conventional options.
They are currently in early stages of commercialisation or development and require further technological advancement and cost optimisation for widespread adoption. Preferred existing fibres and materials deliver consistently reduced impacts and increased benefits for climate, nature, and people compared to conventional equivalents through a holistic approach to transforming production systems.
These solutions are commercially established and can be seamlessly integrated into existing supply chains from a technological perspective, but potential systemic challenges (such as price or supply chain integrity) to drive scale still need to be addressed.
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