ALEXANDRIA, U.S.: The Secondary Materials and Recycled Textiles Association (SMART) is urging policymakers to avoid classifying synthetic textiles as plastic waste, warning that such measures could undermine circular fashion systems, disrupt global reuse markets, and create unintended environmental consequences.
Unlike single-use plastics, clothing is designed to be worn repeatedly, repaired, reused, and recycled over time. The global secondhand textile sector plays a critical role in extending garment life, reducing demand for virgin materials, and supporting millions of jobs across collection, sorting, resale, repair, and recycling networks worldwide.
Treating wearable clothing as plastic waste ignores the value textiles retain through reuse. Keeping garments in use longer is one of the most effective ways to reduce the environmental footprint of fashion and lower demand for newly produced synthetic fibers.
SMART emphasized that concerns surrounding microfiber shedding originate primarily from how textiles are designed and manufactured — not from reuse itself. The association argues that policymakers should focus on improving product design, material innovation, and producer accountability rather than restricting circular trade systems.
The association supports well-structured Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs that encourage responsible production practices, reward durability and recyclability, and discourage poor textile design. Effective EPR frameworks can help drive meaningful improvements across the textile lifecycle- The solution is better design and smarter production — not policies that weaken reuse and recycling systems.
SMART also warned that misclassifying textiles as plastic waste would impose unnecessary administrative burdens on the sector, disrupt legitimate international trade in used textiles, and ultimately worsen the environmental impact of fashion by shortening garment lifespans and increasing reliance on virgin petrochemical fibres.
In addition to the environmental implications, the association noted that millions of small and medium-sized enterprises around the world depend on textile reuse and recycling markets for their livelihoods.
“As governments develop future textile and waste policies, reuse must remain at the centre of the conversation,” said a spokesperson. “A thriving circular textile economy is essential to reducing waste, conserving resources, and supporting sustainable economic growth.”
ABOUT SMART: The Secondary Materials and Recycled Textiles Association (SMART) is an international trade association strengthening economic opportunities by promoting the interdependence of the for-profit textile recycling industry segments and providing a common forum for networking, education, and advocacy.
