Uster has introduced a new measurement metric – the Recycling Opening Index (ROI) – as part of its updated AFIS 6 fiber process control system, giving spinning mills a quantitative tool to assess the quality of recycled cotton material for the first time. The feature is part of the optional R Recycling Module, launched at ITM 2026 in Istanbul.
The ROI measures the effectiveness of the opening process in cotton recycling, expressed as the ratio of opened fibers to remaining yarn pieces (hard ends). Uster says a low ROI value indicates poor opening, which can lead to yarn irregularity, weak spots, and uneven surface structures during spinning.
The R Recycling Module also provides advanced recycling parameter measurements, short fiber content analysis below 6.35 mm (indicating non-spinnable fiber content), and detailed nep and fiber length parameters. The module expands on the existing AFIS 6 platform, which also offers measurement range for 100% synthetic fibers covering cut length and denier/fineness.
Industry data cited in the company’s communications indicates that while post-consumer waste accounts for 75% of total textile waste by volume, 95–99% of post-industrial waste is already being collected and reused. Uster positions the ROI as a tool to help spinners optimize blending of both post-industrial and post-consumer recycled materials.
