The Rieter Recycling Toolbox

Three tools to spin high-quality ring yarns
  1. Full cleaning of the recycled fibers
  2. Improved yarn quality
  3. Better fabric appearance

Innovation in recycling

Spinning fine ring yarns with a high share of recycled fibers at a quality level that is comparable to 100% virgin cotton carded ring yarns is possible with Rieter’s recycling toolbox. Each tool contributes to another yarn quality criteria. Trials confirm that pre-carding cleans the recycled fibers perfectly before they enter the spinning process, combing removes very short fibers and compacting adds the finishing touch to the yarn.

To show the impact of the different tools, Rieter conducted a trial with a blend of 50% mechanically recycled fibers and 50% virgin cotton, spun into a ring yarn with yarn count Ne 30. A regularly spun carded cotton ring yarn, which corresponds to 50% Uster Statistics, serves as a reference. To come as close as possible to the virgin cotton quality, the toolbox comes into play.

Material without pre-carding
Pre-carded material

Pre-carding for full cleaning

Tool number one is pre-carding – an additional cleaning step which translates into a significant impact. Pre-carding means the direct connection of the card C 77 to the tearing machine. This step has the twin benefits that recycled fibers will be fully cleaned from yarn pieces. Neps and thick places can be reduced by 50% in the ring yarn. Spinners benefit from this by receiving only fully opened and cleaned fibers for their spinning line.

Combing to improve yarn quality

The second tool is the comber. Combing is a process step that is widely recognized for its ability to improve the quality of the fiber as it removes the most disturbing short fibers, neps, and impurities. As mechanically recycled cotton is particularly challenging due to its high short-fiber content, combing these fibers proves to be beneficial. In combination with the pre-carding process, it can basically lead to a yarn quality with improved imperfection and yarn quality comparable to a carded virgin cotton yarn. 

Compacting to add the finishing touch

Tool number three is compacting the fiber blend. This tool gives the yarn the finishing touch. Compacting is especially beneficial for the tenacity and for the yarn abrasion and in turn for the yarn hairiness. This improvement leads to good running performance in downstream processes and also increases the lifetime of the finished products. This is particularly desirable in terms of sustainability.

Yarn imperfections and unevenness
Ring yarn, blend of cotton (Senegal) with mechanically recycled cotton rCO, Ne 30

  • Com4recycling Spinning Systems

    Rieter’s technology know-how enables the use of recycled fibers to spin ring, compact and rotor yarns. By pushing the technological boundaries of recycling, Rieter systems contribute to closing the loop in the textile sector.

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  • Combing Recycled Cotton Blends

    With the potential of reducing the short-fiber content and the number of neps, the combed process is very interesting for recycled cotton blends. Rieter trials show how to successfully use the comber for spinning recycled ring and compact yarns.

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Yarn licenses for Com4recycling

To further establish recycled yarns in the market, they will be included in the proven Rieter Com4 yarn family. Com4 is a globally registered trademark for yarns spun on Rieter end spinning machines. Com4recycling licenses are now available for recycled ring, compact, and rotor yarns. Spinning mills that produce recycled yarns with a Rieter card, draw frame, and end spinning machine and also have Global Recycling Standard (GRS) certification can apply for a Com4recycling yarn license.

Downloads

Recycling – Brochure

The Increasing Importance of Recycling in the Staple-Fiber Spinning Process – Brochure

Enhancing Recycled Ring Yarn Quality – Brochure

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