Indian exports of silk waste yarn increased by 141.08 per cent in fiscal 2011. There was a slump of 47.60 per cent in ’12. In fiscal year 2012-13, exports grew by 1.19 per cent, while in ’14 growth was 70.33 per cent. In 2014-15, exports once again dipped by 28.57 per cent. The key nations to which India exports yarn spun from silk waste are Indonesia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Philippines, Laos, South Africa, Guyana, Iran, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Japan, Belgium, France, Spain, Bangladesh and Nepal.

Silk waste includes all kinds of raw silk which may be unwindable and hence, unsuited to the throwing process. Since the product has been degummed it can be easily dyed. Silk waste is produced from the reeling process. The fine yarn is removed from cocoons and the left over is called silk waste. Thrown silk waste happens when things go wrong at the mill. The fibers get tangled around the machinery or in some other way become unable to be used for finished yarn.

Throwster silk yarn waste is processed in order to impart optimum strength. The recycled yarn is made of throwster yarn waste that can be used in carpets, knittings, embroidery and other fancy lace works.