Asia’s upcycled clothing: Dawn of a recreating era
29 Jan 20244 min read
Summary
- The Asian up‑cycled clothing sector is growing rapidly, with SMEs estimated to generate around US$17 billion annually and projected to expand by more than 50 % over the next five years.
- The supply chain is being reshaped by ethical sourcing, sustainable manufacturing technologies (including 3D‑printing) and circular‑economy practices where used garments are repurposed into new items like quilts and apparel.
- Up‑cycling offers both cost and environmental benefits—for example producing a recycled polyester garment uses 59 % less energy and 70 % less water—and aligns well with the preferences of increasingly eco‑aware consumers.
From trash to new, upcycling clothes has ushered the dawn of stringent profitable ventures in Asia. With people leaning toward sustainable solutions to reduce fashion waste, the traditional fashion supply chain was reimagined. Now, repurposing trash offers a unique business opportunity to entrepreneurs.
According to The State of Fashion 2022, over 80% of upcycled fashion brands in Asia are owned and managed by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with an estimated annual reach of $17 billion. This figure is expected to surge in the next five years, with growth that can exceed 50%.
Mainly, the supply chain for Asian clothing focuses on ethical sourcing, sustainable manufacturing, eco-friendly delivery, and circularity. Ethical sourcing includes strict supplier vetting and transparency through technology. Sustainable manufacturing adopts green practices like 3D printing.
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“As retailers learn to leverage consumers’ wants and needs for environmentally sound products it looks like the sustainability trend and creation of upcycled products will be here to stay in the retail industry,” said Greg Petro, Forbes contributor and writer who focuses on investments.
The trend of upcycled clothing industry
In 2021, the OEC, an online data visualization and distribution platform, estimated that 7 million tons of used clothes were imported into Asia, with the majority going to China, India, and Pakistan. These clothes are sorted, repaired, and upcycled into new products, such as quilts, blankets, and clothing.
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