Biodegradable Polyester and Nylon Yarn

2023-10-12

Biodegradable Polyester and Nylon Yarn

Polyester and Nylon are two of the most frequently used garment fabrics globally, yet each can have vastly differing environmental impacts. Luckily, some high-performing brands in the industry take their sustainability program a step further by employing biodegradable polyester or nylon in their product lineups.

Biodegradable polyester or nylon fabrics can be manufactured by adding organic compounds into the chemical mix that produces them, without impacting performance or appearance. Once in an anaerobic environment (like landfill) these organic additives allow microbes to break it down more quickly compared with conventional synthetic fabrics that take 300+ years before decomposing completely. 3-5 years is typically enough for decomposition to occur for biodegradable polyester or nylon fabrics to degrade completely compared with 300-plus for standard synthetics!

Nylon and polyester fabrics share many qualities; both are durable, stretchy, waterproof, stain-proof materials with waterproof properties that soften after repeated washing cycles and waterproof properties that repel stain-causing liquids. Nylon tends to outperform polyester in terms of strength but doesn't tolerate extreme temperatures as well as holding onto odors well; on the other hand polyester can withstand much higher temperatures without yellowing and shrinkage issues arising.

Polyester fabrics are composed of PET (polyethylene terephthalate), which is a type of plastic, while nylon fabrics use polyamines - chemicals with repeating amide bonds that make up most organic textiles and provide their strength and durability. Polyamide yarn materials may also be blended together to form stronger fabric blends that have greater durability.

China and East Asian nations account for most global Nylon production due to significantly reduced production costs there, yet several companies are working towards returning production of Nylon back home by developing sustainable processes and employing renewable energy sources.

To produce polyamides, adipic acid must be combined with other chemicals through a process called polymerization, using large quantities of water to cool molten material and can pollute ecosystems nearby manufacturing facilities. Adipic acid used to produce most forms of nylon also releases nitrous oxide - 300 times worse for the environment than carbon dioxide emissions.

Some companies are developing bio-based polyamides that are more environmentally friendly than traditional synthetics, like Aquafil's ECONYL made of ocean and landfill waste polyamide waste - cutting CO2 emissions by 50 percent while saving energy; making this greener alternative than virgin or conventional synthetics, with multiple chain of custody standards to track it along its supply chain.