Within the industry, the "grade" of eco-friendly yarn is generally distinguished based on three dimensions: raw material source, eco-certification, and recycled content ratio. The most basic category consists of "low-grade" eco-friendly yarns; while these products may incorporate some energy-saving and emission-reduction measures during manufacturing, they rely primarily on virgin petrochemical fibers. Consequently, their eco-friendly attributes are relatively limited, and they are best classified as "improved" products.
Mid-grade eco-friendly yarns typically refer to products that hold specific eco-certifications or contain a certain proportion of recycled materials-such as blended yarns featuring 30% to 70% recycled polyester, recycled cotton, or organic cotton. These products strike a balance between environmental performance and functional utility, ensuring stable physical properties while reducing reliance on virgin resources; as a result, they are the most widely used type in the apparel and home textile industries.
High-grade eco-friendly yarns generally consist of 100% recycled materials or products that meet rigorous international certification standards, such as GRS (Global Recycled Standard) or organic certification. These products entail stricter requirements regarding raw material traceability, production process management, and chemical control, resulting in superior eco-friendly attributes. However, they also come at a higher cost and are primarily utilized by mid-to-high-end brands, for export orders, and in product lines with stringent sustainability requirements.