garneting

Garneting is a textile recycling process that breaks down used fabrics into their constituent fibers. This is achieved by passing the material through a machine called a garnett, which has a cylinder covered in wire teeth. These teeth tear apart the fabric, separating the fibers without significantly damaging them. The resulting fibers can then be reprocessed into new yarns and fabrics.

The process is particularly effective for cotton and wool fibers, but can also be used for blends. Garneting is a key component of the circular economy in the textile industry, allowing for the recovery and reuse of valuable materials that would otherwise end up in landfills. The quality of the recycled fibers depends on the original fabric composition, the wear and tear it has endured, and the efficiency of the garneting process itself.

Garneted fibers are often used in the production of lower-grade textiles, such as insulation, upholstery filling, cleaning rags, and non-woven materials. They can also be blended with virgin fibers to reduce the cost and environmental impact of new textile production. While garneting is an efficient method for fiber recovery, it can sometimes lead to shorter fiber lengths, which may affect the strength and texture of the final product.