Uster Introduces Recycling Opening Index to Support Recycled Fiber Processing
New AFIS 6 Recycling Module provides spinners with data to optimize recycled fiber blends, process control and yarn quality
Uster has expanded the capabilities of Uster AFIS 6 with the introduction of the R Recycling Module, which includes the new Recycling Opening Index (ROI). The feature is designed to provide spinners with measurable data for evaluating recycled cotton processing and was officially launched at ITM 2026 in Istanbul, Türkiye.
The textile industry has increasingly focused on cotton recycling as brands, regulators and technology providers seek solutions to address textile waste, resource constraints, climate impact and regulatory requirements.
Textile Waste and Recycling Trends
According to recent industry data, approximately 75% of textile waste by volume consists of post-consumer waste, while post-industrial (pre-consumer) waste accounts for around 25%.
In recycling operations, however, 95–99% of post-industrial waste is already reused because factory-generated waste is cleaner, more consistent and easier to process. As a result, many spinning mills begin their recycling operations with post-industrial raw materials before gradually incorporating pre-consumer and post-consumer waste into their production processes.
Recycling Opening Index Measures Fiber Opening Performance
The newly introduced Recycling Opening Index (ROI) is designed to measure the effectiveness of the fiber opening process during cotton recycling.
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Uster AFIS 6 – The fiber process control system
Within the Uster AFIS 6 R Recycling Module, ROI is defined as the ratio of opened fibers to the remaining yarn pieces, also referred to as hard ends. The module also measures total yarn pieces, representing yarn fragments that have not yet been completely opened into individual fibers.
A lower ROI value indicates that fibers have not been sufficiently opened, which may affect spinning performance and contribute to issues such as yarn irregularity (IPI), weak spots and uneven yarn surface structures.
The company states that the metric provides spinners with a quantitative assessment of the fiber opening process when working with recycled cotton materials.
Additional Measurement Capabilities
The R Recycling Module combines the Recycling Opening Index with the measurement of yarn pieces per gram, enabling a more detailed evaluation of recycled material processing.
The module also includes:
- Advanced recycling parameter measurements
- Refined short fiber content analysis, with fibers below 6.35 mm indicating non-spinnable fiber content
- Detailed nep analysis
- Fiber length measurement
Screenshot of Uster AFIS 6 R Recycling Module measurement showing summary of length (n) histogram and distribution curve.
Screenshot showing the new Uster AFIS 6 Recycling R Module properties (SFC < 6.35 mm, ROI and yarn pieces/gr).
The R Recycling Module is available as an optional, on-demand feature exclusively for the latest Uster AFIS 6 system.
Expanded Fiber Analysis
The updated Uster AFIS 6 also offers an expanded measurement range for 100% synthetic fibers, providing information on cut length and denier/fineness to support raw material selection.
In addition, the system includes an updated reporting package designed to simplify data analysis, while integrated Uster Statistics continues to support optimization of intermediate spinning processes through measurement-based process control.