Uster, Switzerland, March 17, 2025 – Uster Technologies recently convened textile industry leaders to explore the challenges and opportunities of using recycled raw materials in yarn production. A delegation of Indian spinners met with experts from Rieter, Säntis-Textiles, Otto Yarns, Gherzi Textile Organization, and TVU at Uster’s headquarters in Switzerland. This discussion highlighted key insights regarding sustainability and business viability.
Enhancing the Quality of Recycled Yarn
Panelists proposed various approaches to improving recycled yarn quality. Michael Will, Head of Textile Technology & Process Analytics at Rieter, suggested an additional step between mechanical opening and spinning, such as pre-opening or carding, which could be managed by fiber suppliers rather than spinners. Andreas Merkel, CEO of Otto Yarns, emphasized that pre-consumer fibers yield better results, whereas post-consumer waste, despite its availability, remains a challenging raw material.
Stefan Hutter, Owner of Säntis-Textiles, expressed confidence in the recycling industry’s future, predicting the growth of two market segments: industrial and post-consumer waste recycling. While significant groundwork has been laid, the industry still has ample room for growth.
From a trading and dyeing perspective, recycled yarn quality and sourcing pose challenges. Thomas Franz, Sales and Purchasing Manager at TVU, pointed out that recycled yarn properties differ significantly from virgin fibers, especially with cotton, affecting dyeing consistency and process efficiency.
The Cost of Sustainable Yarns – Who Pays?
Recycled yarn production remains more expensive than virgin fiber alternatives. While consumer expectations regarding quality and pricing might be flexible, the real challenge lies with retailers and fashion brands, who are often unwilling to pay more for sustainable garments. According to Giuseppe Gherzi, Managing Partner at Gherzi Textile Organization, legislative action will be crucial in driving change. However, implementing regulations also incurs costs due to the need for monitoring and compliance.
Ensuring the Authenticity of Recycled Yarns
Technologies to verify recycled products are available, and Uster’s Research & Development team is actively working on enhancing traceability. It is now possible to track the lifecycle of recycled textiles, such as denim, across multiple uses. However, cost considerations and brand willingness to invest in traceability remain concerns.
Michael Will noted that with advancements in combing technology, fiber blends (e.g., 50/50 recycled and virgin fibers) could be adjusted (e.g., to 40/60) without requiring formal declarations. The consensus among spinners was that using a standardized percentage of recycled fibers should become common practice, provided quality requirements are met, without the need for extensive certification.
Certification costs add another financial burden. To obtain a Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certification, yarn producers must certify their plants, raw material shipments, and deliveries to customers. Merkel predicted the emergence of two markets: a mass market for cost-effective recycled yarns without certification and a smaller, premium market requiring certification.
Achieving Profitability in Recycled Yarn Production
Optimizing and streamlining production processes will be key to making recycled yarn financially viable. Hutter predicted that as the market expands, costs will decrease, as seen with polyester in the past. Market demand for recycled products is evident, making it essential for spinners to gradually integrate recycled materials, refine their processes, and enhance quality through continuous testing and analysis.
Watch the Full Panel Discussion
For a comprehensive discussion on the industry’s five-year outlook, watch the full panel discussion via this link: Panel Discussion Video or scan the QR code.
About Uster Technologies
Uster Technologies is the global leader in quality management solutions for the textile industry, providing high-tech instruments, systems, and services for quality control, prediction, certification, and optimization. Uster Statistics offers industry benchmarks for textile trading, complemented by training, consultancy, and worldwide after-sales services.
Committed to innovation with a focus on quality, Uster Technologies operates globally with headquarters in Switzerland and Technology Centers in Switzerland, the USA, China, and Israel.