Tow

Types of Tow The stalks of spinnable flax contain on average less than 20% textile fibres. More than half of these fibres can be processed into yarn (line flax). A smaller portion, about 7% of the stalk mass, consists of tow (for example, in 2021 this corresponded to approximately 27,000 tonnes). Tow is obtained from: short flax fibres (up to 50 cm), tangled fibres of normal length, or fibres that fall away together with shives during the hackling process when flax is prepared for spinning. The production of tow from scutched and hackled hemp was recorded in 2021 at approximately 287 × 10³ tonnes. At the beginning of the 20th century, jute yarns were produced from jute tow or carded fibres. However, in the 21st century the term tow is no longer commonly used in jute processing. Fibre waste (approximately 10–12% of total jute production) is instead used, for example, in fibre-reinforced composites and needle-punched textiles. Tow from sisal fibres consists of fibres that fall away from the leaves during the decortication process. Its share is estimated at around 7% of the total fibre yield. According to information from the late 20th century, Cuban and African tow were distinguished as separate categories from sisal tow.