Rettinger

Rettinger is a term used in Nordic textile contexts to refer to multiple retting operations—the processes used to separate bast fibers from plant stalks, such as flax and hemp. Retting involves breaking down pectin and other bindings that hold fiber bundles together. There are several retting methods, including water retting, dew retting, and enzymatic or chemical retting. The method chosen affects fiber quality, yield, and environmental considerations. Historically, retting has been central to linen production in Northern Europe, with regional variations in technique and technology. In modern practice, retting may be performed on a small farm scale or in industrial facilities, with attention to effluent management and water use.

In addition to its technical meaning, rettinger can be encountered as a surname of Germanic origin and may appear as a toponym or in compound proper names in some regions, though this usage is uncommon. In most texts, retting is discussed in the singular when referring to the process in general.