Fast-fashion giant SHEIN has announced a significant technological breakthrough: a chemical recycling process that converts both pre-consumer and post-consumer polyester waste into new, high-quality fibers. Developed in partnership with China’s Donghua University, the process aims to address one of the most challenging waste streams in the fashion industry.
Polyester makes up over 54% of global fiber production, yet only a small fraction is recycled into equivalent-grade material. Traditional mechanical recycling significantly downgrades quality, while chemical recycling has remained expensive or inefficient—until now.
SHEIN’s new method claims to produce virgin-grade polyester using a lower-temperature chemical reaction, reducing energy consumption and improving yield quality. If scaled successfully, it could help bridge a major gap in circular fashion infrastructure.
The announcement is part of SHEIN’s goal to reach 31% recycled polyester usage by 2030. Critics argue that fast fashion’s core business model—high volume, low price, rapid turnover—undermines sustainability commitments. However, the company’s investment in textile-to-textile recycling shows increasing pressure to align with new global regulations and public scrutiny.
Industry experts say the process’s real impact depends on scalability. If SHEIN applies the technology across its massive supply chain, the ripple effect could influence global polyester markets, potentially lowering costs for recycled fibers and helping normalize circular processes.
Environmental organizations have reacted cautiously. While some welcome the technological innovation, others emphasize that recycling alone cannot offset overproduction. The next phase will determine whether SHEIN reduces dependency on virgin materials or continues rapid expansion.
The breakthrough reflects a broader trend: major players are racing to develop circular materials that satisfy regulators and eco-conscious consumers. As apparel waste continues to rise, textile recycling may become one of fashion’s defining battlegrounds—and SHEIN’s new process is likely to accelerate that race.