Cotton, carded or combed

cpc code 26160, 'Cotton, carded or combed', represents a crucial industry within the broader textile and apparel sector. Cotton is a natural fiber that has been a staple raw material for clothing and other textile products for centuries. The carding and combing processes involved in this industry are essential for preparing cotton fibers for further processing, such as spinning, weaving, and knitting. This industry plays a vital role in the global supply chain, providing the foundation for a wide range of consumer and industrial products.

The production of carded or combed cotton involves several key steps. First, raw cotton is cleaned and separated from any foreign matter, such as seeds and plant debris. The cotton is then fed into a carding machine, which uses a series of rotating drums and brushes to align and disentangle the fibers, creating a continuous web or 'sliver'. This sliver is then passed through a combing machine, which further refines the fibers by removing any remaining short or unaligned fibers, resulting in a more uniform and higher-quality product.

The main inputs required for the carded or combed cotton industry include raw cotton, which is the primary raw material. Additionally, specialized machinery, such as carding and combing machines, as well as energy sources (e.g., electricity or fuel) to power these machines, are essential inputs. The industry may also rely on various chemicals and additives for the cleaning and processing of the cotton fibers.

The primary output of the carded or combed cotton industry is the refined cotton fiber, which can then be used as an input for a wide range of textile and apparel products. These include 26170 Cotton yarn, 26180 Woven cotton fabrics, and 26190 Knitted or crocheted cotton fabrics, among others. The carded or combed cotton fibers may also be used in the production of 26200 Cotton articles, such as towels, bedding, and other household textiles.