Abstract: A method for packaging cotton sliver for efficient transport includes the steps of laying the sliver in a uniform-density pattern onto a bottom cap, placing a top cap on the sliver, applying pressure to the top and bottom caps to compress the sliver to a higher second density at which the compressed sliver is rigid, and strapping the compressed sliver and caps in order to form a rigid package for handling and transport. A packaging system includes an oblong can that receives the sliver, a compression baler for compressing the sliver to a high density, and a strapping apparatus for strapping the compressed sliver and caps to retain the compression.

Abstract: A method for packaging cotton sliver for efficient transport includes the steps of laying the sliver in a uniform-density pattern onto a bottom cap, placing a top cap on the sliver, applying pressure to the top and bottom caps to compress the sliver to a higher second density at which the compressed sliver is rigid, and strapping the compressed sliver and caps in order to form a rigid package for handling and transport. A packaging system includes an oblong can that receives the sliver, a compression baler for compressing the sliver to a high density, and a strapping apparatus for strapping the compressed sliver and caps to retain the compression.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric includes a cohesively integrated web of hydrodynamically entangled short-staple or “waste cotton” fibers. A batt of waste cotton fibers is hydrodynamically needled by high-pressure streams of water. The hydrodynamic energy of the streams causes the fibers to cohere and to become mutually entangled, which in turn results in a fabric of sufficient strength to be used for, among other things, a bag for a bulk material and particularly a bag or cover for a cotton bale.