Optimizing raw material utilization, while at the same time increasing quality and productivity of yarn manufacturing, represents the top challenge for spinning mills that are participating in the global competition. This presentation will show developments in spinning preparation and carding, which take these trends into consideration. While the actual cleaning of cotton with simultaneous waste reduction as well as foreign matter removal in spinning preparation can be mentioned in this connection, the main focus in regard to cards needs to be turned to improving the setting processes and the application of on-line sensor technology. Examples in actual operation prove that these measures allow optimized machine functioning, while at the same time lowering raw material costs. This considerably increases the efficiency of the spinning mill and helps to justify new machinery investments.