The textile industry is undergoing a transformation as sustainability takes center stage. Waste reduction, recycling, and circularity are no longer optional but essential in mitigating environmental impact. With increasing pressure on manufacturers to adopt greener practices, the role of recycled materials is expanding. One company pushing this agenda forward is Usha Yarns, which has launched Puneh, a collection of recycled yarns that offers both environmental benefits and high performance.
Addressing the Challenge of Textile Waste
Textile waste is one of the industry’s most pressing environmental issues, with millions of tons of pre- and post-consumer waste ending up in landfills each year. Recycling and repurposing these materials present an opportunity to reduce waste while conserving resources. Usha Yarns has been addressing this challenge for years, processing 18,000 metric tons of textile waste annually into high-quality yarns.
The launch of Puneh builds on this expertise, offering brands and manufacturers viable alternatives to virgin materials. By transforming discarded textiles into functional, durable, and aesthetically versatile yarns, Puneh supports the industry’s transition toward a more circular economy.
Ensuring Transparency and Accountability
A key factor in sustainable material sourcing is certification and traceability. Puneh yarns carry certifications from the Global Recycled Standard (GRS), Recycled Claim Standard (RCS), OEKO-TEX®, and Intertek Green Leaf, ensuring that they meet strict environmental and ethical standards. These certifications confirm that Puneh yarns are produced with minimal ecological impact and provide transparency to brands and consumers seeking responsibly sourced materials.
The Puneh Collection: A Diverse Approach to Recycling
Recognizing the need for varied applications, the Puneh collection includes a range of yarns made from recycled fibers. Each blend is designed to meet different industry demands while maintaining sustainability at its core.
• Puneh Popular: A 100% recycled blend of 60% post-industrial cotton and 40% post-consumer polyester, available in 120+ shades that reduce the need for additional dyeing
• Puneh Iconic: Developed in collaboration with Birla Cellulose, this blend combines 60% post-industrial cotton with 40% virgin viscose, creating a predominantly cellulosic yarn suitable for versatile applications
• Puneh Natural: A combination of 40% pre-consumer recycled cotton and 60% natural cotton, offering a balance between sustainability and a high-end tactile experience
• Puneh Vintage: With up to 80% reclaimed cotton from discarded denim, this yarn contributes to reducing the environmental impact of denim production
Innovation in Circular Textiles: Puneh Signature
Among Puneh’s offerings, Puneh Signature stands out as a significant step toward circular fashion. Developed in collaboration with CIRCULOSE® and Birla Cellulose, this mono-material yarn consists of 60% post-industrial cotton and 40% Liva Reviva, which includes CIRCULOSE®—a material derived from post-consumer textile waste.
The composition of Puneh Signature makes it:
•100% Cellulosic and Recyclable, aligning with circular economy principles.
•Biodegradable, reducing its long-term environmental impact.
•Exceptionally soft, making it suitable for premium fashion applications.
By incorporating chemically and mechanically recycled fibers, Puneh Signature demonstrates how innovation can advance both performance and sustainability in textiles.
Luxury and Sustainability: Puneh Exclusive
Sustainability is increasingly making its way into luxury textiles. Puneh Exclusive, another specialized yarn in the collection, blends recycled acrylic, wool, and iridescent Angelina fibers, catering to designers looking for unique and eco-conscious materials. With exceptional warmth, softness, and aesthetic appeal, it is particularly suited for couture fashion and high-end home textiles.
Environmental and Functional Benefits of Recycled Yarns
The use of recycled fibers in textile manufacturing delivers a range of benefits:
• Resource Conservation – Reduces reliance on virgin materials, saving water, energy, and raw resources
• Waste Reduction – Diverts textile waste from landfills by repurposing discarded fibers
• Lower Carbon Footprint – The recycling process emits significantly less CO₂ compared to virgin fiber production
• Durability & Versatility – Advanced processes ensure that recycled yarns maintain strength and functionality across multiple applications
A Step toward a Circular Future
The demand for sustainable and circular textiles is expected to grow as brands, manufacturers, and consumers prioritize eco-friendly solutions. Puneh’s success highlights the potential for recycled materials to replace conventional fibers without compromising quality or design possibilities.
Usha Yarns’ collaborations with CIRCULOSE® and Birla Cellulose demonstrate the importance of partnerships in making sustainable innovation scalable and commercially viable. As the industry moves toward circularity, initiatives like Puneh provide a practical model for reducing waste, conserving resources, and reshaping the future of textiles.
