InResST is a low-carbon, environmentally friendly fiber supplier that aims to offer to recycle wool staple fiber. Every ton of InResST can save more than 8–10-ton carbon dioxide emissions, 30,000kWh of energy, and 5-7 tons of water.
Recycle wool process is a sustainable way to reduce waste and conserve resources. So, it is important to note that wool is a natural fiber and requires special care during the recycling process. However, they have developed a general recycling process for textiles that could be adapted for wool.
Table of Contents
Features of Recycled Wool
- 100% recyclable
- No toxic chemical composition
- Easy Customizability
- Woody appearance
- Waterproof/mothproof / anti-corrosive
- Long lifetime
Recycle Wool Process
Step 01: Collecting and Sorting
Wool yarn recycling begins with pre-consumer (garments and production scraps) and post-consumer wool (Used wool clothing). Before starting the recycling journey collected material must undergo a strict sorting process.
In these steps, the wool is cleaned from non-recyclable and synthetic materials, e.g. zippers, buttons, elastics, linings, labels, embroideries, etc. Once these elements are figured out, the wool is categorized by color and composition.
Step 02: Shredding
In this step, the woolen scraps, are carefully cleaned and divided by color and composition. Then it’s processed with a mechanical shredding machine.
Old wool cloths and fabric are carried on a conveyor belt. First through a series of blades, then through two cylinders. Where one grabs, another one pulls to chop the wool fabrics even finer. These processes conduct without using chemicals but just help with an amount of water. It results in brand-new recycled wool fiber.
Step 03: Blending
After shredding, blending has been done to give life to the recycled wool’s final color. Since the ‘new’ fibers obtained through the shredding process come from clothing and scraps that have already been dyed, additional dye is not required when it comes to generating colors in recycled wool.
Expert Raw material operators also called Feltrinisti, manage to devise new wool colors just by mixing different fibers and shades of colors, in specific percentages. After developing actual ‘recipes’ that are archived and reproduced over time. This color creation technique is chemicals-free, with dyes or pigments free, and provides life to unique colors.
Step 04: Spinning
Once the perfect color recipe has been obtained, it is multiplied by the kg of yarns for bulk production and sent to the spinning mill. Recycled wool fibers are delivered to the spinning mill in large bales.
Here, recycled raw material is processed in carding machine. To produce a continuous and uniform web, it mechanically separates, cleans combines, and optimizes fibers. Then it’s separated into long rovings and spun.
The resulting recycled yarns are tested. If the final output meets all quality standards – is sent to the knitting facilities.
Mahedi Hasan is a Textile Engineer, as well as a Top Rated content writer at Upwork, a Level 02 Seller at Fiverr, Level 02 Publisher at Ezoic. A passionate textile and fashion content writer, fashion SEO expert, and fashion web designer. Having a B.Sc. in Textile Engineering Degree from Textile Engineering College, Noakhali (TECN). The department is Apparel Engineering. Highly Experienced fashion writer for the last 3+ years. Have extensive 7 years of experience in the wholesale clothing business.