Nylon revolutionized textiles with its strength, durability and versatility. However, its environmental impact has led to the rise of biobased and recycled alternatives, offering sustainability without great compromises in performance.
Contents
Emerging solutions: biobased and recycled nylons
Q-Geo and Evo
Enka® Nylon BIO
TERRYL®
EcoPaXX
Bio Amni® and Amni Soul Eco®
Geno
BiolonTM
SENSIL® ByNature
Recycled nylon initiatives
Syntetica's nylon depolymerisation
Lululemon and Samsara Eco
Protein Evolution and Stella McCartney
Conclusion
Key takeaways
Nylon is one of the first wholly synthetic fibres. Discovered in the late 1930s by DuPont, it was originally developed to replace silk. It has since been a cornerstone of the textile industry, gaining popularity due to its strength, elasticity and durability. These characteristics made it invaluable in a wide range of applications, from stylish sportswear and activewear to intimate apparel. It’s also found more rugged use in durable outdoor gear and accessories, as well as robust ropes and cords used in marine and industrial settings.
Nylon 6,6 (PA 6,6) is considered the gold standard in the textile industry, against which characteristics other polyamides or polymers are measured.
Traditional nylon production, accounting for over seven million tons annually in the US$22bn global nylon industry, has significant environmental issues, relying heavily on petrochemical sources and releasing non-biodegradable microfibers during use [1]. The energy needed for its production is very high and generally comes from fossil fuels.
This has raised concerns about its environmental impact, particularly as awareness and demand for sustainable materials grow. In response, the industry is exploring alternatives such as recycled and biobased nylons, which offer similar performance with a reduced environmental footprint, to meet the increasing demand for
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