Marketing and Utilization of Cotton Mill Waste

Excerpts from the report: Byproducts from the various stages of processing through which raw cotton passes during its manufacture into yarn and finished goods are known collectively as cotton mill waste. Cotton waste is generally divided into two classes--soft and hard. Soft cotton waste is obtained in the earlier manufacturing stages before any twisting of the cotton fibers takes place, and hard cotton waste is derived during the later stages of manufacturing after some twisting of fibers has occurred. The purpose of this study was to create a better understanding and awareness of the importance of the cotton waste industry in the American cotton economy. Specific objectives were to determine for cotton mill waste: (1) the primary sources of supply, including imports, and major outlets; (2) the chief methods of marketing and handling; (3) the primary manufacturers that use waste as a raw material, and characteristics of their operations. Secondary data were the main sources of information for this report. Additional information, obtained from informal discussions with mill waste dealers, was used to supplement these data, particularly in the section on market structure and operation.