Uster unveils recycling opening index to optimize circular yarn production

As textile manufacturers increase efforts to integrate recycled cotton into high-quality yarn production, Uster Technologies has launched a breakthrough diagnostic tool to deal with the technical challenges of circular fibers. Officially launched at the International Textile Machinery Exhibition (ITM 2026) in Istanbul, the new R Recycling Module for the Uster AFIS 6 system offers spinners with objective, data-backed insights into the effectiveness of the mechanical opening process. By quantifying the ratio of opened fibers to remaining yarn fragments, a metric designated as the Recycling Opening Index (ROI) spinners can now move beyond trial-and-error methods to achieve a superior blend.

The necessity for such precise control is underscored by the high variability of recycled raw materials. While post-industrial waste is largely standardized, the industry faces mounting pressure to incorporate post-consumer material, which currently accounts for approximately 75 per cent of total textile waste by volume. Low ROI values often signal an inadequate degree of fiber opening, which can compromise yarn regularity, introduce weak spots, and disrupt downstream processing. By utilizing the R Recycling Module’s detailed nep and short-fiber content analysis, mills can refine their blowroom and carding settings to minimize fiber damage. This capability not only improves circularity credentials but also ensures that the economic viability of recycling is maintained through optimized process control and reduced waste.

Uster Technologies provides high-precision testing, monitoring, and quality control systems for the global textile industry. Based in Switzerland, the company specializes in laboratory and in-line fiber testing, yarn inspection, and process management. Uster focuses on data-driven solutions to enhance profitability, sustainability, and quality standards across the spinning value chain.