water retting

Water retting is a method used to separate fibers from plants, primarily flax. This process involves submerging harvested plant stalks in water, which causes the inner cells to swell and burst the outer layers. This action increases the absorption of moisture and decay-producing bacteria, which then dissolve the gummy substances surrounding the bast-fiber bundles.1

Careful timing is crucial; under-retting makes fiber separation difficult, while over-retting can weaken the fiber. Natural water retting uses stagnant or slow-moving water and typically takes 8 to 14 days. Tank retting, a more controlled method, takes about four to six days and can be done year-round. After retting, the stalks are dried and then broken and scutched to remove the woody material, yielding usable fibers.1