What Is A Good Alternative To Nylon?

Which Fabrics Are the Most and Least Sustainable?

Have you given much thought to the fibres that comprise your wardrobe? Perhaps you're not a fan of the way that particular textiles feel. Maybe it's a hassle to launder these textiles, or they pill and snag easily. Perhaps you give it no consideration at all. But here's a serious concern to think about: what impact do these textiles have on the planet?

Between 3 and 6.7 percent of all man-made glasshouse  gas emissions can be traced back to the fashion industry. This stems not just from the manufacturing process, but also from the attention given to you after the sale.

The majority of our clothing's environmental impact comes from washing them, and this impact varies widely across fabrics. You should avoid washing your clothes as often as possible.

There is no such thing as a completely eco-friendly fabric, but there are certainly superior options. The amount of resources utilised in production and the product's life cycle analysis are two of the most important elements when classifying materials as sustainable.

Examining the effects of a product at every stage of its existence—from "birth" to "death"—is what a life cycle analysis is all about. Let's start with the fabrics that are the least eco-friendly.

Materials With the Lowest Sustainability Ratings

Polyester

T-shirts, blankets, rope, conveyor belts, and bottles are just a few of the many items that can be created using polyester. You can tell it is commonly used in the garment industry simply by reading the labels of the clothes you own. Unfortunately, this is not a positive development.

Since most polyesters are not biodegradable, it could take 20–200 years for them to decompose in a landfill. The oil used to produce polyester is a substantial contributor to air pollution. About 8 million metric tonnes of methane (a glasshouse gas) are released annually by the oil and gas industry in the United States.

The production of polyester requires a lot of energy and water for cooling purposes. In regions where fresh water is scarce, this could be harmful because it would reduce supply. What's more, the production process often results in a surplus of water that contains chemical dyes that are harmful to both humans and other living things.

In addition to all of this,  polyester also shed microplastics during use and, in particular, washing. Over 700,000 microplastic fibres could be released into the environment throughout each wash cycle. Ingesting microplastics is hazardous to marine life and contributes to pollution.

Acrylic 

Sweaters, caps, gloves, and carpets are some of the most frequent items made from acrylic fabric. It is commonly used in the winter because of its reputation for warming. You might not feel as good about the potential effects on the environment and your health.

Because of the use of these harmful chemicals, acrylic manufacture can be hazardous to the health of factory workers. Acrylonitrile, the active component, can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled. How shocking that some clothes may actually be bad for you because they are made of dangerous materials!

Acrylic, like its synthetic sibling polyester, is not easily recycled and can remain in a landfill for up to 200 years before biodegrading. It is estimated that anywhere from 20% to 35% of all microplastics in the marine environment come from fibres from the use of synthetic clothes. To sum up, making and using acrylic is bad for people, the planet, and all kinds of animals. Just what more evidence do you need to not buy it?

Cotton (Conventional)

One of the most ubiquitous textiles is cotton, which is why it is so widely used. It's the primary component of your favourite tees and blue jeans since it allows for maximum airflow. Although cotton is a renewable resource, it has significant environmental impacts.

One cotton t-shirt and a pair of trousers can use up to 20,000 gallons of water in their production, according to a recent study. After that, toxic chemicals and colours are dumped into the overflowing water supply. Since it is costly to properly dispose of these dangerous chemicals, many businesses resort to contaminating the rivers to keep their prices low.

The "real cost" of cotton cultivation can be seen in the Aral Sea basin, which was drained empty in 2014 because of the quantity of water required in the cotton manufacturing process. Vandana Shiva, an environmental activist, remarked on the occurrence, saying, "the fashion industry is one of the most polluting sectors in the world, producing human agony, great cost of life, and gigantic environmental devastation."

Rayon (aka Viscose)

This fabric is created from plants yet is extremely harmful to the environment, making it a prime example of the greenwashing problem in the textile industry. There's a common misconception that rayon is a more eco-friendly fabric option than polyester or cotton; let's investigate this further.

Chemically degrading cellulose (the primary component of plant cell walls) and spinning the resulting threads into rayon. While the fibre itself is non-toxic and biodegradable, the manufacturing process can be hazardous to industrial workers and the environment.

The fast-fashion business frequently uses rayon, which requires extensive chemical procedures, a lot of water, and a lot of energy to manufacture cheap apparel. Both the workers and the local community may be put at risk by the release of toxic chemicals into the environment using these methods.

Furthermore, it stands to reason that as demand for this plant-based substance rises, so too must plant production. The harvesting of tress for rayon production harvesting of trees for rayon production has led to deforestation in numerous locations, including those that are legally protected from being cut down. Loss of this forest habitat threatens the survival of many animal species, including those not currently listed as endangered. Orangutans, tigers, rhinoceroses, and elephants of Sumatra—the last spot in the world where all of these animals coexist—are just some of the animals that have been put on the endangered species list specifically because of the  fast fashion industry.

Nylon

Nylon is a synthetic fibre made from crude oil, and it is commonly used to make tights and stockings. Tight apparel, such swimwear and workout gear, is another common use for this fabric.

Nylon, in any of its forms, is not biodegradable and can therefore remain in a landfill for 20–200 years. One of the dirtiest industries and sources of energy, it is produced in part from petroleum. Nylon synthesis is extremely water and energy intensive, and it also produces nitrous oxide, a glasshouse gas. Microplastics are also shed during the use and washing of nylon, much like polyester.

Sustainable Materials for Clothing

Organic or Recycled Cotton

Organic cotton is a more environmentally friendly substitute for regular cotton. In contrast to conventional cotton, organic cotton is cultivated without the use of toxic pesticides and is processed without the introduction of any hazardous chemicals. Recycled cotton clothing is the most eco-friendly option. This fabric utilises far less water and energy in its production than conventional and organic cotton, and it is manufactured from recycled materials from both the manufacturing and consumer sectors.

Organic Hemp

Fabrics, ropes, and sails are just some of the many places you'll find hemp. It blocks the sun's rays and acts as a natural insulator and air conditioner. Plus, it's better for the planet, so that's a benefit.

The plant is drought-resistant and may survive with very minimal care. Additionally, it recycles between 60 and 70 percent of the nutrients it consumes back into the ground it occupies. In addition, it may be spun into fabric without the use of any artificial chemicals. It should be kept in mind that in order to speed up manufacturing, some manufacturers opt for a more chemical-intensive approach that isn't excellent for the environment.

Hemp, when produced organically and without the use of chemicals, is a very eco-friendly material option. It's already really comfy, and cleaning it makes it more cosier. You may have spotted the nutritious hemp seed sold at your local grocery shop. Obviously, if hemp is safe enough to eat, it must also be safe to wear.

Organic Linen

Linen, a fabric known for its breezy summertime comfort, originates from the flax plant. It shares hemp's low water and pesticide needs. When left untreated, it breaks down into harmless substances.

The production of linen requires little water because the process relies more on machinery than on water, and this holds true for both the plant itself and the fabric it produces. Although the mechanically intensive process does result in some emissions, the Green Fabric Guide notes that the total amount of carbon emissions is much lower than that of most other fabrics.

The linen manufacturing process is efficient and the flax plant is abundant. It's highly sustainable in its unprocessed form, making it a great choice for regional production. Like hemp seeds, flax seeds are often used as a decorative garnish for dishes like salads and smoothie bowls. Flax seeds, when combined with water, create a vegan alternative to eggs.

Tencel

Tencel, a relatively new fabric with qualities similar to rayon, is derived from wood pulp. It is biodegradable because it is made from plants. To minimise its negative effects on the environment, the production of Tencel fibre was optimised, in accordance with the Green Fabric Guide by Green Story. A third less water is used in the production of Tencel than is required for rayon, and more than 99 percent of the water and solvents utilised can be reused or recycled. Because of this, there is no requirement for developing alternative solvents.

Because of this, far less harmful substances are released into the atmosphere. In addition, unlike with viscose, the solvents employed in the manufacture of Tencel are safe for human consumption. Although Tencel is more expensive than most materials, it is extremely long-lasting. What you pay for is what you get. However, despite the fact that it is not yet widely available for production, the sector is expanding rapidly.

Recycled Polyester (rPET)

Used plastic bottles that were destined for the trash heap are often recycled into this product. This is a great approach to lowering raw material consumption and addressing the plastic pollution problem. Compared to virgin polyester, which requires energy- and oil-intensive processing to extract, recycled polyester is a significantly more environmentally friendly solution.

Recycled polyester, claims Green Story, requires 35% less water in its manufacturing process than traditional polyester. The dying procedure consumes the most water. More than that, a 100% polyester t-shirt can be recycled multiple times before the fabric is rendered worthless. Microplastics are released during washing of recycled polyester, just as they are with virgin polyester. You may assist kerb this issue by using this washing bag and reducing the frequency with which you wash your garments.

Used plastic bottles that were destined for the trash heap are often recycled into this product. This is a great approach to lowering raw material consumption and addressing the plastic pollution problem. Compared to virgin polyester, which requires energy- and oil-intensive processing to extract, recycled polyester is a significantly more environmentally friendly solution.

Recycled polyester, claims Green Story, requires 35% less water in its manufacturing process than traditional polyester. The dying procedure consumes the most water. Plus, a t-shirt made from 100% polyester can be recycled several times before the fabric becomes unusable. An issue with recycled polyester is that like virgin polyester, it also releases microplastics during washing. Your usage of this washing bag can reduce the amount of microplastics entering waterways, so cutting down on laundry loads is one thing you can do to help with this issue.

Econyl

After reading about nylon, if you're interested in an improved alternative,  Econyl is a good choice. Used fishing netts and plastic from factories are transformed into this cloth. It's a closed-loop system, which looks to be the norm for fabrics of the future.

Keep in mind that because this fabric is plastic, it may shed tiny particles when cleaned. Econyl is particularly practical in long-lasting forms like sneakers and backpacks, which don't require frequent washing. If you must wash your clothes, consider investing in a washing bag to reduce the amount of microplastics released into the water supply.

Piñatex

To think that cloth might be woven from pineapple leaves is mind-boggling. Instead of using leather, you can help local fruit producers by purchasing Piñatex products. Wearables can now be made from pineapple waste.

Manufacturing began in 2017 by Ananas Anam, and the company is now collaborating with Filipino farmers. Piatex, in contrast to leather, consumes no new raw materials during production and has a closed-loop method that recycles the chemicals it employs. A closed-loop system recycles the same materials over and over again without any new input.

On the other hand, it's not all good news. Because of its final petroleum content, Piñatex is not biodegradable. Furthermore, growing pineapples requires a lot of water and land, so a rapid increase in demand for Piatex could lead to forest clearance.

Qmonos

You don't have to like spiders for you to appreciate the many roles they play in the ecosystem. Their web silk, for example, might be used to make environmentally friendly clothes. Qmonos, made from synthetic spider silk, is among the strongest fibres known to exist. Completely compostable, it also doesn't call for raising any spiders. Qmonos is eco-friendly and manufacture with integrity. With similar physical qualities to nylon and silk, the material is frequently likened to those two.

Bamboo

Even if it's not easy to cultivate bamboo in the Americas, the material is readily available to us because of international trade. Because bamboo is biodegradable and sustainably cultivated, the use of bamboo in toothbrushes has increased. Fabric made from bamboo is promoted as sustainable because of the abundant supply and high productivity of the plant. In addition to being a fast-grower and drought-resistant, this plant also helps you conserve a tonne of water.

However, that's not the final chapter. The majority of  bamboo products are made in the same manner as rayon, which requires a lot of chemicals and water. Although fabrics made from bamboo in a more eco-friendly way, such bamboo linen, are uncommon, they do exist. These factors explain why bamboo, despite being a natural material, is not yet GOTS-certified.

Avoid wearing clothing manufactured from bamboo unless you are familiar with its production process.

Shopping Advice for Eco-Friendly Fabrics

Eco-Stylist

All of the brands that make it onto the Eco-Stylist list have been thoroughly investigated utilising Remake's sustainable brand standards. This criterion includes a component on textiles, which inquires as to whether or not the company employs  sustainable fabrics in more than half of its collections. Many of our labels are.

Check out the wide variety of eco-friendly clothing we have in stock, including Tencel, organic cotton, rPET, hemp, econyl, linen, and more! Or, you can look through the entire catalogue of eco-friendly companies that we've compiled.

GOTS Certification

Check for the GOTS label when purchasing products made from natural fibers (linen, hemp, cotton). The term "GOTS" refers to the Global Organic Textile Standard, which verifies that a product is at least 70% organic. Dye additives in particular are subject to strict regulations regarding their toxicity and potential environmental impact.

In addition to energy use, water usage is a major consideration for GOTS certification. They need access to information on the amount of energy and water used to produce one kilogramme of fabric. Overall resource consumption targets need to be established as well.

Conclusion

Nylon is used in a wide variety of products, including clothing for swimming, umbrellas, waterproof bags, mascara brushes, footwear, automobile interiors, and much more. There are competing claims about the superiority of  nylon (6,6) vs nylon (12,) in terms of performance and chemical resistance. Acrylonitrile, the active component of acrylic, can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled. It is estimated that up to 35% of all microplastics in the marine environment come from fibres from the use of synthetic clothes. There's a common misconception that rayon is a more eco-friendly fabric option than polyester or cotton.

Hemp, when produced organically and without the use of chemicals,  is a very eco-friendly fabric option. The production of linen requires little water because the process relies more on machinery than on water, and this holds true for both the plant itself and the fabric it produces. Tencel, a relatively new fabric with qualities similar to rayon, is derived from wood pulp. Recycled polyester, claims Green Story, requires 35% less water in its manufacturing process than traditional polyester. An issue with recycled polyester is that it also releases microplastics during washing.

If you're interested in an improved alternative, Econyl is a good choice. Used fishing netts and plastic from factories are transformed into this cloth. Piñatex and Qmonos are among the strongest fibres known to exist, made from synthetic spider silk. Because bamboo is biodegradable and sustainably cultivated, the use of toothbrushes has increased. Fabric made from bamboo is promoted as sustainable because of the abundant supply and high productivity of the plant.

Avoid wearing clothing manufactured from bamboo unless you are familiar with its production process. Check for the GOTS label when purchasing products made from natural fibers (linen, hemp, cotton). The term "GOTS" refers to the Global Organic Textile Standard, which verifies that a product is at least 70% organic.

Content Summary

• You might think you're familiar with nylon because of its use in anti-static fabrics and carpeting, but there's more to this versatile plastic than meets the eye.
• Despite sharing a molecular structure (hence the scientific term polyamides (PA)) with amides, the many varieties of nylon available today each have their own unique set of characteristics and applications.
• There are competing claims about the superiority of nylon (6,6) vs nylon (12,) in terms of performance and chemical resistance.
• Nylon is used in the production of a wide variety of products, including clothing for swimming, sports, and working out, umbrellas, luggage, waterproof bags, mascara, mascara brushes, footwear, automobile interiors, and much more.
• Try to use the same kind of informed approach to shopping for apparel and home goods as you would take to learning about your nutrition.
• Don't get rid of your nylon clothing or other nylon products just yet.
• Instead of using energy and resources to produce new nylon, there are fantastic brands that are recycling nylon and reusing it into new goods like swimmers.
• Put forth whatever effort you're capable of.
• Between 3 and 6.7 percent of all man-made glasshouse gas emissions can be traced back to the fashion industry.
• The majority of our clothing's environmental impact comes from washing them, and this impact varies widely across fabrics.
• You should avoid washing your clothes as often as possible.
• There is no such thing as a completely eco-friendly fabric, but there are certainly superior options.
• The amount of resources utilised in production and the product's life cycle analysis are two of the most important elements when classifying materials as sustainable.
• Examining the effects of a product at every stage of its existence—from "birth" to "death"—is what a life cycle analysis is all about.
• Let's start with the fabrics that are the least eco-friendly.
• T-shirts, blankets, rope, conveyor belts, and bottles are just a few of the many items that can be created using polyester.
• The oil used to produce polyester is a substantial contributor to air pollution.
• About 8 million metric tonnes of methane (a glasshouse gas) are released annually by the oil and gas industry in the United States.
• The production of polyester requires a lot of energy and water for cooling purposes.
• You might not feel as good about the potential effects on the environment and your health.
• Because of the use of these harmful chemicals, acrylic manufacture can be hazardous to the health of factory workers.
• Acrylonitrile, the active component, can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled.
• How shocking that some clothes may actually be bad for you because they are made of dangerous materials!
• Acrylic, like its synthetic sibling polyester, is not easily recycled and can remain in a landfill for up to 200 years before biodegrading.
• It is estimated that anywhere from 20% to 35% of all microplastics in the marine environment come from fibres from the use of synthetic clothes.
• To sum up, making and using acrylic is bad for people, the planet, and all kinds of animals.
• Although cotton is a renewable resource, it has significant environmental impacts.
• This fabric is created from plants yet is extremely harmful to the environment, making it a prime example of the greenwashing problem in the textile industry.
• There's a common misconception that rayon is a more eco-friendly fabric option than polyester or cotton; let's investigate this further.
• The fast-fashion business frequently uses rayon, which requires extensive chemical procedures, a lot of water, and a lot of energy to manufacture cheap apparel.
• The harvesting of tress for rayon production harvesting of trees for rayon production has led to deforestation in numerous locations, including those that are legally protected from being cut down.
• Loss of this forest habitat threatens the survival of many animal species, including those not currently listed as endangered.
• Nylon is a synthetic fibre made from crude oil, and it is commonly used to make tights and stockings.
• Organic or Recycled Cotton Organic cotton is a more environmentally friendly substitute for regular cotton.
• Recycled cotton clothing is the most eco-friendly option.
• This fabric utilises far less water and energy in its production than conventional and organic cotton, and it is manufactured from recycled materials from both the manufacturing and consumer sectors.
• Organic Hemp Fabrics, ropes, and sails are just some of the many places you'll find hemp.
• In addition, it may be spun into fabric without the use of any artificial chemicals.
• It should be kept in mind that in order to speed up manufacturing, some manufacturers opt for a more chemical-intensive approach that isn't excellent for the environment.
• Hemp, when produced organically and without the use of chemicals, is a very eco-friendly material option.
• Obviously, if hemp is safe enough to eat, it must also be safe to wear.
• Linen, a fabric known for its breezy summertime comfort, originates from the flax plant.
• The linen manufacturing process is efficient and the flax plant is abundant.
• It's highly sustainable in its unprocessed form, making it a great choice for regional production.
• Like hemp seeds, flax seeds are often used as a decorative garnish for dishes like salads and smoothie bowls.
• Tencel, a relatively new fabric with qualities similar to rayon, is derived from wood pulp.
• It is biodegradable because it is made from plants.
• To minimise its negative effects on the environment, the production of Tencel fibre was optimised, in accordance with the Green Fabric Guide by Green Story.
• A third less water is used in the production of Tencel than is required for rayon, and more than 99 percent of the water and solvents utilised can be reused or recycled.
• However, despite the fact that it is not yet widely available for production, the sector is expanding rapidly.
• Used plastic bottles that were destined for the trash heap are often recycled into this product.
• This is a great approach to lowering raw material consumption and addressing the plastic pollution problem.
• Compared to virgin polyester, which requires energy- and oil-intensive processing to extract, recycled polyester is a significantly more environmentally friendly solution.
• Recycled polyester, claims Green Story, requires 35% less water in its manufacturing process than traditional polyester.
• The dying procedure consumes the most water.
• More than that, a 100% polyester t-shirt can be recycled multiple times before the fabric is rendered worthless.
• Microplastics are released during washing of recycled polyester, just as they are with virgin polyester.
• You may assist kerb this issue by using this washing bag and reducing the frequency with which you wash your garments.
• Plus, a t-shirt made from 100% polyester can be recycled several times before the fabric becomes unusable.
• An issue with recycled polyester is that like virgin polyester, it also releases microplastics during washing.
• Your usage of this washing bag can reduce the amount of microplastics entering waterways, so cutting down on laundry loads is one thing you can do to help with this issue.
• After reading about nylon, if you're interested in an improved alternative, Econyl is a good choice.
• Used fishing netts and plastic from factories are transformed into this cloth.
• It's a closed-loop system, which looks to be the norm for fabrics of the future.
• Instead of using leather, you can help local fruit producers by purchasing Piñatex products.
• Wearables can now be made from pineapple waste.
• Piatex, in contrast to leather, consumes no new raw materials during production and has a closed-loop method that recycles the chemicals it employs.
• Because of its final petroleum content, Piñatex is not biodegradable.
• You don't have to like spiders for you to appreciate the many roles they play in the ecosystem.
• Their web silk, for example, might be used to make environmentally friendly clothes.
• Qmonos, made from synthetic spider silk, is among the strongest fibres known to exist.
• Qmonos is eco-friendly and manufacture with integrity.
• Even if it's not easy to cultivate bamboo in the Americas, the material is readily available to us because of international trade.
• Because bamboo is biodegradable and sustainably cultivated, the use of bamboo in toothbrushes has increased.
• Fabric made from bamboo is promoted as sustainable because of the abundant supply and high productivity of the plant.
• The majority of bamboo products are made in the same manner as rayon, which requires a lot of chemicals and water.
• Although fabrics made from bamboo in a more eco-friendly way, such bamboo linen, are uncommon, they do exist.
• These factors explain why bamboo, despite being a natural material, is not yet GOTS-certified.
• Avoid wearing clothing manufactured from bamboo unless you are familiar with its production process.
• All of the brands that make it onto the Eco-Stylist list have been thoroughly investigated utilising Remake's sustainable brand standards.
• Check out the wide variety of eco-friendly clothing we have in stock, including Tencel, organic cotton, rPET, hemp, econyl, linen, and more!
• Or, you can look through the entire catalogue of eco-friendly companies that we've compiled.
• Check for the GOTS label when purchasing products made from natural fibers (linen, hemp, cotton).
• In addition to energy use, water usage is a major consideration for GOTS certification.
• They need access to information on the amount of energy and water used to produce one kilogramme of fabric.