What is paper-type yarn?
Paper-type yarn is a new type of textile material with advantages such as being environmentally friendly, biodegradable, and breathable, thus attracting attention in the textile industry. Its main raw material is various types of paper, including but not limited to waste paper and wood pulp paper. Through specific processing techniques, the paper is fiberized into long, thin fibers, which are then combed, combined, and twisted to create a yarn-like form.
Currently, there are two main types of paper yarn on the market: ① Pure paper yarn: Paper yarn made by directly twisting slit paper strips into 100% paper composition. ② Composite paper yarn: Paper yarn is made by cutting and twisting paper into yarn, with paper strips as decorative yarn, core yarn as main yarn, and fixed yarn twisted and wrapped around the decorative yarn on the core yarn to form a stable effect.
Paper-type yarn characteristics
Environmentally Friendly
● Paper yarn is primarily made from paper, which can be recycled and reprocessed from waste paper, reducing reliance on traditional textile materials and lessening environmental impact.
● Compared to traditional textile processes, paper yarn production consumes relatively less energy and produces less pollution.
Unique Appearance
● Paper yarn has a unique texture and appearance. Its surface is typically rough, with a natural grain, giving it a rustic feel.
● In terms of color, a wide variety of colors can be achieved by dyeing the paper or using colored paper as a raw material.
Good Breathability
● Due to its relatively loose fiber structure, paper yarn offers excellent breathability, allowing air to circulate freely and making it more comfortable to wear.
Easily Biodegradable
● Paper yarn degrades relatively easily in the natural environment, unlike some synthetic fibers that cause long-term environmental pollution.
Application areas
- Apparel Industry
1) Clothing: Can be used to make summer clothes, casual wear, etc. Its breathability is suitable for hot weather. Some designers also utilize the unique texture and appearance of paper yarn to design creative and fashionable clothing. 2) Accessories: Such as hats, scarves, bags, etc., adding a unique style to fashion items.
- Packaging Industry
Paper yarn can be made into packaging materials, such as tote bags, gift boxes, etc. Its environmentally friendly characteristics meet the needs of modern consumers for green packaging.
- Home Decoration Industry
Paper yarn can be made into curtains, carpets, and other home furnishings. The natural texture and color of paper yarn can bring a warm and natural atmosphere to the home environment.
Paper-shaped yarn under a microscope
Take a sample woven from paper-patterned yarn, extract a small amount of the paper-patterned yarn from the fabric, and then unfold a single yarn. It is known that the thickness of a sheet of paper is about 0.104 mm. Comparing the two, it can be found that its thickness is about the same as that of ordinary paper. Take an appropriate amount of small sample to make a sample, add liquid paraffin and observe it under a microscope.
Paper-type yarns contain non-fibrous substances under a fiber microscope, most of which are chemical binders. Due to the limitations of paper-type yarns, such as low strength and low softness, chemical binders are usually applied during spinning to improve their mechanical and performance properties.
Hang Tag Labeling
Internationally, the EU Regulation (EU) NO 1007/2011 is typically used, employing terms such as “paper,” “paper yarn,” or “paper fiber.” Domestically, the labeling follows Appendix B (informative appendix) of GB/T 29862-2013, which specifies the labeling of other fibers or materials, such as example B.7—paper yarn. If the material is cellulose, it can be labeled “cellulose material.”
Washing and Maintenance Precautions
For textiles containing paper yarn, minimize washing frequency, avoid prolonged soaking, do not expose to direct sunlight, do not wring dry, hand wash at low temperatures, lay flat to air dry in the shade, and use a laundry bag for washing. Because the paper fibers swell after washing, the fabric may feel stiff after drying; gentle rubbing will restore its softness.
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