Nylon

Nylon is a synthetic chemical material, a type of plastic from the polyamide family, and is widely used in the textile industry. It accounted for 12% of the synthetic fibres used in clothing in 2020. Nylon is appreciated for its resistance and silk-like feel, and is used in many items of clothing today: nylon tights or stockings, lingerie, windbreakers, sportswear, inner linings, etc. It is even used in toothbrushes and fishing nets.

Pros

Nylon is a synthetic fibre that is flexible and stretchy while still being very strong, and it is appreciated for its waterproof and quick-drying properties. Commonly used for sporting activities, the durable fibres of nylon can very easily absorb moisture while remaining extremely solid.

It is soft and lightweight, giving it a silk-like texture that is almost immune to creases. Nylon is also a cheap textile material, which makes clothes/items more affordable.

Cons

Nylon is a polyamide derived from petroleum. Its manufacturing process is extremely polluting and energy-intensive. Producing it releases greenhouse gases such as nitrogen oxide or nitrous oxide (N2O) into the atmosphere. Cooling nylon fibres also requires large amounts of water, which contributes to the pollution of waste water.

Finally, just like polyester and acrylic, nylon keeps on polluting in our washing machines. Microparticles of plastic break off the clothes, pass through the filters from water treatment plants, and end up in the oceans.

We can make your next nylon items, but we can also offer you in particular new recycled or non-fossil-derived materials to help you reduce your environmental footprint. Feel free to contact us to discuss your future project.