Morocco’s shift toward a circular textile economy could attract $1.9 billion in private investment and generate more than 30,000 jobs, according to a new study. The analysis highlights the kingdom’s potential to become a regional hub for sustainable garment production, driven by waste recycling, lower environmental impact, and growing European demand for traceable clothing.
A pilot program implemented with international support exceeded its original targets by more than double, with 2,400 tonnes of textile scraps collected for recycling and 427 tonnes already converted into new materials. This result gives industrial weight to a sector that has long been fragmented among small workshops, informal collectors, and low-value outlets.
The study estimates that using recycled fibres could cut carbon emissions by 18% and reduce water consumption by over 60% compared to conventional processes. Such gains are significant for an industry facing pressure from European buyers, local water constraints, and rising consumer expectations about garment composition.
European traceability and customs framework
The report also ties this potential to a major social shift: more than 80% of Morocco’s textile waste collectors still work without official recognition. Yet up to three-quarters of these workers could enter the formal sector within five years if appropriate public policies are implemented, leading to improvements in declared income, social protection, and professional organisation.
Morocco’s proximity to Europe, its manufacturing experience, and international demand for low-impact products give it a strong position to become a regional centre for sustainable textiles. But the study calls for specific adjustments, including recognising textile scraps as reusable materials, updating customs rules, and creating traceability systems compatible with European Union standards.
This requirement carries strategic weight for Moroccan exporters because the EU absorbs 93% of the kingdom’s textile sales. Starting in 2027, the EU will enforce a digital product passport that requires suppliers to attach a QR code or NFC chip to garments, containing verifiable data on environmental footprint, traceability, and actual composition. This change could turn compliance into a condition for accessing the most lucrative markets.
