Recover, Rieter and Polopiqué—three players in different stages of the textile supply chain—have partnered up to help the industry produce yarns with a higher percentage of mechanically recycled fibers.
The three companies are responding to rising demand for high-quality and fine ring-spun cotton yarns with a higher proportion of recycled fibers, a challenge the industry is struggling to tackle. Announced during ITMA 2023 in Milan, this partnership aims to meet this demand, which could open up new possibilities for yarn production.
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By combining Recover’s recycling technology with Rieter’s experience in spinning systems and machines along with Polopiqué’s textile manufacturing prowess, the trio has created a high-quality, sustainable garment. It’s made from a Ne 30 compact yarn containing 40 percent recycled post-industrial fabric waste, versus the usual 20 percent of recycled fiber content found in most recycled ring yarn.
“We’re proud to team up with Recover and Polopiqué in a breakthrough effort that will pave the way toward a more sustainable future,” Franziska Häfeli, head sales and marketing, business group machines and systems at Rieter, said. “Our specialized expertise in spinning recycled fibers will help achieve our shared goals so together we will make recycling mainstream.”
The ring-spinning process used for this project includes Rieter’s comber and compacting device, Compactdrum. Recover’s recycled cotton fibers were blended with virgin cotton at a 50/50 ratio. When combining the blend, the undesirable short fibers are removed, enhancing yarn quality and improving the running performance of the ring spinning machine. Plus, those fibers removed by the comber are suitable for processing in the Rieter rotor spinning machine. The process aims to be Global Recycling Standard (GRS) certified.
“Recover is thrilled to collaborate with Rieter and Polopiqué in this partnership that is spearheading a new era of sustainability in the textile industry,” Alfredo Ferre, CEO of Recover, said. “By increasing the percentage of the recycled content in the yarn and final product, we can achieve our goal to scale the adoption of sustainable fibers, like Recover, and make a lasting positive impact on the planet.”
As demand for recycled cotton continues to mount, particularly under the growing pressure of regulatory requirements, this partnership aims to serve as a “catalyst for change.” The trio will continue to collaborate and explore further opportunities to accelerate fashion’s adoption of sustainable practices.
“Polopiqué’s mission to continuously test, develop and create new and exciting products, through the use of cutting-edge technology and new and innovative raw materials, is and has been achievable through the partnerships created over the years,” Eduardo Guimarães, weaving director at Polopiqué, said. “Being able to come together with Rieter and Recover, both long-standing partners of ours, is a privilege, especially considering the aim and focus for this project. Coming together and sharing knowledge and how know has allowed us to reach our collective product objective, and excitement for the impact that this will have on our industry.”
Also unveiled at ITMA was a teaser of Recover’s tracer solution that enables the detection of the Recover fiber during the manufacturing process and creates a digital transaction certification.
