Cashmere is recycled through a meticulous process that transforms old garments into renewed fibers ready for spinning into new yarn.
Recycling cashmere garments involves collecting used items from various sources and processing them through several stages to break them down and prepare the fibers for reuse. This method is environmentally beneficial as it reduces waste and the need to produce virgin cashmere, which has a significant ecological footprint.
The Cashmere Recycling Process
The recycling of cashmere specifically follows a series of precise steps to ensure the quality and usability of the recovered fibers. Based on the "rag-straccio" or rag-tearing process, this method is a cornerstone of textile recycling, particularly for wools and cashmeres in areas with a long history of textile production.
The typical steps involved include:
- Collection: Garments made of cashmere are gathered from around the world.
- Preparation: The collected items are prepared by stripping them of trims like zippers and buttons, which are not part of the textile material.
- Sorting: Garments are then carefully sorted individually by color. This step is crucial as it minimizes the need for re-dyeing the recycled fibers, saving water and energy.
- Washing: The sorted material is washed not only to cleanse it but also to soften the fibers, preparing them for the next stages.
- Processing (Rag-Tearing): The washed material is then passed through shredding and carding machines. This mechanical process, known as the “rag-straccio” or rag-tearing process, is designed to break the fabric down into individual fibers.
- Spinning: The resulting recycled fibers are then ready to be spun into new yarn, which can be used to create new cashmere products.
This process effectively gives cashmere a new life, contributing to a more circular economy in the textile industry.
