Sustainable textile segment expands as citrus waste-based fabrics gain global adoption
The global Orange Fiber Textile market is witnessing continued growth as sustainable fashion brands and textile manufacturers increase adoption of eco-friendly materials derived from citrus waste.
According to Marketintelo, the market reached approximately $980 million in 2025 and is projected to surpass $1.2 billion in 2026. The industry is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 9.8% between 2023 and 2030, reaching an estimated $1.8 billion by 2030.
Orange Fiber Textile is produced using citrus processing waste and is increasingly being incorporated into luxury and mid-tier apparel collections as part of broader circular economy initiatives.
Global citrus production exceeded 160 million tons in 2024, with approximately 30–35% of citrus waste now being evaluated for textile conversion.
Market Expansion Supported by Sustainability Demand
The market expanded from $410 million in 2018 to $980 million in 2025, reflecting 139% growth over seven years. Growth rates exceeded 17–18% annually between 2020 and 2022 before stabilising near 8% during 2024–2025.
According to the report, the market grew from $840 million in 2023 to $910 million in 2024, followed by an increase to $980 million in 2025. Market size is forecast to rise by 22.4% year-on-year in 2026.
Production capacity also increased significantly, rising from 45,000 tons in 2020 to 78,000 tons in 2025, representing a 73% increase. By 2028, annual production is projected to exceed 110,000 tons.
The report noted that citrus waste utilisation improved from 18% in 2018 to 32% in 2025.
Costs Decline as Production Scales Up
Technological developments have reduced production costs for Orange Fiber Textile over recent years. Average production cost per meter declined from $32 in 2020 to $20 in 2025 and is projected to fall to $18 in 2026.
The report estimates that production costs will decline by 44% between 2020 and 2026, improving competitiveness with conventional materials such as cotton and polyester.
Average market pricing for Orange Fiber Textile fabrics currently ranges between $18 and $25 per meter.
Europe Leads Market Demand
Europe accounted for 38% of global demand in 2025, representing approximately $372 million in market value. Asia-Pacific followed with 29% share, while North America accounted for 21%.
According to the report, Europe’s leadership is supported by environmental regulations and circular economy targets linked to textile recycling initiatives.
Asia-Pacific remains the fastest-growing regional market with an annual growth rate exceeding 11.2%, driven by manufacturing activity in India and China.
Global investment in sustainable textiles exceeded $6.5 billion in 2024, while venture funding for bio-based fabrics increased 28% year-on-year between 2023 and 2024.
The report stated that government funding for circular textiles in Europe surpassed $1.2 billion between 2023 and 2025.
Environmental Metrics and Future Outlook
Orange Fiber Textile production offers measurable environmental benefits compared with conventional textile materials. According to the analysis, water consumption is reduced by 70–80% compared with cotton, while carbon emissions are lowered by 35–45%.
Each ton of Orange Fiber Textile produced can recycle approximately three tons of citrus waste, reducing landfill waste within integrated production systems.
The market is projected to reach $1.35 billion in 2027, $1.5 billion in 2028, and $1.65 billion in 2029 before reaching $1.8 billion by 2030.
According to the forecast, adoption of Orange Fiber Textile within the broader sustainable textile market is expected to increase from 4% in 2023 to 9% by 2030.
