Egypt Unveils Major Textile Recycling Projects To Boost Green Industrial Growth
Egypt is advancing its sustainability agenda with the launch of two large-scale textile recycling projects, aiming to reinforce green industrial growth and support Egypt Vision 2030. Backed by EGP 1.7 billion in foreign investment, the projects will be developed at Misrayon in Kafr El-Dawwar, Beheira Governorate, and focus on producing recycled polyester fibre and synthetic felt using advanced European technology. These initiatives are expected to reduce carbon emissions, generate employment and increase local production and exports.
The first project, worth EGP 1.1 billion, will produce 30,000 tonnes of polyester fibre annually from recycled plastic waste. The second project, with an investment of EGP 600 million, will yield 30,000 tonnes of synthetic felt per year from recycled textile waste. Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly witnessed the signing of the shareholders’ agreement, marking a major step in Egypt’s drive toward a green economy.
The polyester fibre project is expected to export 80% of its production, generating estimated annual sales of EGP 800 million. The synthetic felt project will export 52% of its output, with annual sales projected at EGP 230 million. Economic researcher Mustafa Gaber emphasized the sector’s strong return potential, citing the abundance of low-cost raw materials such as plastic and textile waste. He added that Egypt’s strategic location and trade partnerships offer a competitive edge in international markets, especially compared to countries in Southeast Asia.
Eman Taher Sakr, Assistant Lecturer at BUC’s Textile Engineering Department, highlighted the role of technology and regulation in positioning Egypt as a regional leader in sustainable recycling. She pointed to chemical recycling techniques such as depolymerization, which can produce high-grade recycled polyester, enabling Egyptian manufacturers to compete in premium segments like activewear and luxury textiles. Sakr also noted that automated recycling systems can reduce production costs by up to 30%, improving profitability and resilience against petrochemical price fluctuations.
With global textile consumption projected to hit 102 million tonnes by 2030, Egypt’s investment in recycling is both timely and strategic. According to Sakr, the fashion industry accounts for 4% of global waste, underlining the urgency for circular solutions. Recycling not only reduces landfill use and resource depletion but also enhances industrial efficiency and sustainability.
The projects represent a significant opportunity for Egypt to establish itself as a hub for eco-friendly textile and plastic recycling in the region. Leveraging its geographic advantage, skilled workforce and growing consumer base, Egypt is poised to lead in the emerging green economy and support the global shift toward circular manufacturing practices.
