Development and Evaluation of Yarns Made from Mechanically Recycled Textiles

Abstract

Mechanical textile recycling presents a sustainable alternative to linear “take–make–waste” models in the fashion industry. This study intended to develop yarns using textile-to-fiber mechanically recycled fibers. ReSpool mechanically recycled wool, cotton, polyester, silk, and rayon fibers from pre-consumer and post-consumer textiles were acquired and blended with new fibers at varying ratios (100% ReSpool fibers, 85% ReSpool fibers, and 65% ReSpool fibers) to make batts, which were spun into yarns. The yarns’ size (Tex), strength (breaking force and tenacity), elongation, and moisture regain were evaluated. ReSpool recycled fibers from both pre-consumer and post-consumer textiles can be used to produce yarns that have appropriate strength for weaving and knitting. It was possible to produce yarns from 100% ReSpool recycled wool, polyester, and silk fibers, but ReSpool recycled cotton and rayon fibers must be blended with new fibers to produce yarns. There was no significant difference among the percentage of ReSpool recycled polyester and cotton fibers in the yarns on the strength and elongation of the yarn. It is recommended to use the higher percentage of ReSpool recycled fibers in yarn development to maximize recycled material utilization.