Recycled yarns: what you need to know for proper machine processing

In our journey with Hircus Filati, the search for quality materials is always accompanied by great attention to sustainability. It is precisely for this reason that recycled yarns have become, in recent years, a precious resource, capable of combining respect for the environment and artisanal creativity.

However, those who work with these materials know that they are not exactly identical to yarns made with virgin fibers. They have their own technical personality, with specific characteristics that should be known to make the most of them, especially during machine processing.

What are recycled yarns?

Recycled yarns are born from the recovery of industrial textile waste or discarded garments. Through a mechanical or chemical recycling process, these materials are regenerated and transformed into new fibers, ready to be spun and become new yarns.

Mechanical recycling is the most common: fabrics are literally shredded until they are reduced to fibers. This method, however, has a side effect: it shortens the length of the fibers, influencing the characteristics of the final yarn.

Shorter fibers, more delicate yarn

Compared to yarns made with virgin fibers (longer and more resistant), recycled yarns have shorter fibers and tend to be:

• Less resistant to tension.
• More fragile at the joining points.
• More prone to breakage during processing, especially on knitting machines and looms.

How to adapt machine processing for recycled yarns

To work smoothly with recycled yarns and ensure good production yield, it is important to follow some tips:

1. Reduce processing tension

The tension applied to the thread must be lower than that used with virgin yarns. Excessive tension can cause the thread to break.

2. Regularly check the thread

Recycled yarns may have natural irregularities due to the regeneration process. It is useful to frequently inspect the thread during processing, to quickly identify any critical points.

3. Adjust machine speed

In some processes, slightly reducing the speed can improve yarn yield, reducing mechanical stress on the yarn itself.

4. Prefer less compact processing

If possible, it is better to choose more open and softer knit structures or fabrics, which require less tension on the thread.

5. Training and awareness

Working with recycled yarns requires knowledge and attention. Training technical or artisan staff on these specifics is a valuable investment to limit waste and interruptions, and ensure a quality final product.

Sustainability and technical innovation: a possible combination

Choosing recycled yarns means embracing a philosophy of conscious sustainability, where every action – from the selection of raw materials to the way they are processed – contributes to building a more ethical future for the textile sector.

At Hircus Filati, we believe that beauty, quality, and respect for the environment can coexist. With the right technical skills and a little passion, even recycled yarns can become protagonists of unique and durable creations.