The textile industry worldwide is moving towards sustainability, and recycled yarn is one of the fastest-growing trends. Our country, India, with its rich supply of raw materials, a skilled labor force, and a well-developed infrastructure, can easily benefit from this trend. Jindal Textile is most often referred to as the leading recycled yarn manufacturer in India. Here we are going to trace the path of recycled yarn exports in India, rules, markets, and how companies, such as Jindal Textiles, are becoming wholesale yarn suppliers of India.
What Makes India a Powerhouse among Recycled Yarn and Key Manufacturers?
India has traditionally been a hub of textile production, starting with yarn production, up to finished products. In India, yarn manufacturers are both virgin-fiber manufacturers of cotton, wool, synthetic, and, more recently, recycled yarn manufacturers. Recycled yarn can be fabricated out of leftover textiles, used items, and recycled materials such as recycled wool or recycled cashmere.
Jindal Textile is a key recycled yarn manufacturer in India. Jindal began with yarn as the core business in 1990 and has since added acrylic, recycled wool, recycled cashmere, etc. They have units in recycling yarn and recycling acrylic, and they have 70 and 60 percent of the market share of this business domestically, and 50 percent of the business is exported in both categories.
Also, the recycled textiles market in India is expanding rapidly: IMARC reports that the market of recycled textiles in India in 2024 occupied around USD 328.3 million, and is projected to increase to approximately USD 427.2 million by 2033, with a CAGR of 2.82% during 2025-33.
What Is Recycled Yarn and Why Are Customers Interested in It?
Recycled yarn is the yarn made out of fibers that are not new or virgin materials.
This includes:
- Waste of post-industrial fabric offcuts.
- Post-consumer waste (used clothing, old blankets, etc.) textiles.
- Artificial garbage, such as acrylic or polyester remains.
- Blended: e.g., wool or cashmere mixed with synthetic.
Consumers, particularly the international ones (EU, North America, some parts of Asia), require recycled yarn due to the existence of more stringent environmental standards, consumer inclination towards using green or circular fashion/place-textiles, and/or regulatory enforcement (e.g., environmental standards).
Export Rules and Regulations to be known in India
There are several regulatory, documentation, and compliance procedures involved in the process of exporting recycled yarn in India. Below are key ones:
Code of Import-Exporter(IEC): Every exporter has to possess a valid IEC issued by DGFT(Directorate General of Foreign Trade). In the absence of this, exports are prohibited.
Export Promotion Councils / Foreign Trade Policy: In the case of synthetic yarns (acrylic, blended synthetics), rayon, etc., there are tax addition centers such as SRTEPC (Synthetic and Rayon Textiles Export Promotion Council) that assist in the promotion of exports, provision of advice to manufacturers/exporters on international laws, trade incentives, etc.
Quality, Standards, and Certifications: Destination markets shall be of the standard of the products. This may involve laboratory tests on fiber content, detrimental components (e.g., restricted dyes), flammability, etc. Packaging and labeling have to comply, too.
Documentation: Documents are of great importance and are known as Certificate of Origin, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading or Airway Bill, and occasionally Certificate of Conformity, based on the country where the importation is made. In the case of recycled textiles, further documents or declarations may be necessary, e.g., evidence of recycled material, environmental / sustainability certifications.
Customs Duties / Trade Policy: The policies of India under the DGFT indicate that some items and products are freely exportable, while others are limited/licensed. In case there are special conditions with tariff lines of synthetic yarns, the exporter should make sure that there is compliance. There are also schemes such as RoDTEP (Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products), which assist in the cost competitiveness. It has Quality Control Orders (QCOs) for some textiles, importation rules for inputs, etc.
Environmental / Waste Regulations: As the recycled yarns are based on waste textiles, it is relevant to meet the environmental regulations, such as waste handling, chemical treatment, and dye disposal. Depending on the destination, exporters may have to meet environmental certifications.
Trends in the market: What is and where is the demand?
Increased global demand for sustainable fabrics: European brands and retailers are seeking fabrics/yarn that have high recycled components. This incorporates recycled wool, recycled cashmere, and recycled synthetics.
Policy push and consumer awareness: There is a growing pressure (and even regulation) both domestically and internationally towards green sourcing. Product lifecycle is a bigger concern to consumers. Environmental standards are being enforced by governments.
Competitiveness in price and sourcing of raw material: Since recycled yarn involves the use of waste material, the cost of raw input might be less than that of virgin fibers; however, quality control and processing cost might negate this.
Advances in technology: This has involved improved processing machinery, superior cleaning, fiber separation, blending, and spinning technology that has enabled better recycled yarns of high quality and standards.
Export market diversification: Jindal already sells to many locations: Africa (Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, etc.), Europe (France, Italy, Spain), North and South America.
Regulatory / certification trends: Environmental labels, disclosure (traceability of recycled content), adherence to regulations in the country of importation (e.g., EU REACH, limited chemicals) are emerging as valuable selling points.
Difficulties and What Exporters Should Be Wary of
Consistency of quality: Recycling brings about variation- various waste materials, colors, length of fibers, and contaminants. It is more difficult to have the same yarn strength, appearance, and color.
Certification fees and compliance: The cost and time may be increased by obtaining environmental certifications or meeting the standards of the importing country.
Logistics and supply chain: Gathering textile waste, transportation, sorting, processing, followed by shipping the products throughout the world, all of which demand infrastructure and investment.
Competition: Bangladesh, Vietnam, and China are also gaining ground in terms of sustainable textile/yarn production and maintaining prices.
Availability of raw materials and prices: As there is much waste, usable waste (acceptable quality of fibre, colour, level of contaminant) may not always be readily available. Moreover, there is an influence of energy, transport, and labor costs on the final cost.
Jindal Textile: Recycled Yarn Export Case Study
Jindal Textile demonstrates the proper way of doing it. Their journey indicates:
- Launched early in recycled yarn (since the 90s) and product diversification (recycled wool, recycled cashmere, acrylic yarn, etc.).
- In recycled yarn/woollen segments, export contributes approximately 50 percent of the revenues.
- Domestically, market shares in those segments are good (around 70 percent and above in recycled yarn and woollen), which provides them with a good foundational strength.
- Export to expansive geographies: Africa, Europe, North and South America. This is diversification to provide cushioning against the fluctuation of demand in a single region.
Conclusion: What Exporters and Buyers need to remember
For all yarn manufacturers in India, recycled yarn manufacturers in India, wholesale yarn suppliers, acrylic yarn suppliers, and cashmere yarn manufacturers, the following are the conclusions:
- Focus on quality + consistency: recycling does not imply wastage quality. Virginity is demanded where buyers are concerned.
- Invest in certifications and traceability: the possibility to demonstrate that the yarn is indeed recycled, safe (no harmful chemicals), and corresponds to the standards of the importing country will become an uncompromising aspect.
- Take advantage of government investment incentives ( scheme to export goods and services, remission of taxes) and stay informed (DGFT / Trade Council regulations).
- In the supply chain issues: waste sourcing, processing, spinning infrastructure, and textile finishing- all require investment.
- Smart market: focus on sustainability, ethical production, and environmental goodness. They are effective selling points in the contemporary markets.
India has a great base from which it can become among the leaders of the recycled yarn supplier worldwide. As companies such as Jindal Textile demonstrate that it is possible, and since the policy and consumer demand trends are favorable, the moment has come. In case exporters match activities with regulations, quality, and react to market cycles, Indian recycled yarn can be a big growth story.
FAQs
Q1: What is recycled yarn and why is it in demand internationally?
A: Recycled yarn is made from reused textile fibers, reducing environmental impact. Its global demand is rising due to eco-conscious fashion trends and sustainable manufacturing practices.
Q2: What are the key regulations for exporting recycled yarn from India?
A: Exporters must comply with Indian customs regulations, GST requirements, quality certifications, and international textile standards to ensure smooth shipments.
Q3: Which Indian government approvals are required to export recycled yarn?
A: Exporters need Importer Exporter Code (IEC) from DGFT, and sometimes quality certifications like ISO or OEKO-TEX depending on the buyer country.
Q4: What are the major export markets for recycled yarn from India?
A: Key markets include Europe, USA, Japan, and Middle East, where sustainable fashion and textile manufacturing are growing rapidly.
Q5: How can Indian exporters ensure recycled yarn meets international quality standards?
A: By testing for fiber strength, color consistency, and purity, and obtaining certifications such as OEKO-TEX, GRS, or ISO.
Q6: What are the current market trends in recycled yarn exports from India?
A: The market is shifting toward organic blends, eco-friendly fabrics, and circular economy initiatives, with increased demand for recycled polyester and cotton yarn.
Q7: What challenges do exporters face when shipping recycled yarn from India?
A: Common challenges include custom clearance delays, quality compliance issues, logistics costs, and fluctuating international prices.
Q8: How does pricing of recycled yarn from India compare globally?
A: Indian recycled yarn is competitive in price due to lower production costs and high-quality manufacturing, making it attractive to international buyers.
Q9: Can small businesses export recycled yarn from India?
A: Yes, with proper IEC registration, compliance with export regulations, and adherence to international quality standards, small and medium enterprises can participate in the export market.
Q10: How can exporters use AI and digital tools to boost recycled yarn exports?
A: AI and analytics tools help identify high-demand markets, forecast prices, optimize logistics, and maintain compliance, making exports more profitable and efficient.