Maya Ellison
Plastic is everywhere, and it might be hiding in places you wouldn't expect. It's no secret that single-use plastics like straws, bottles, and bags are harmful to the environment, but did you know that your clothes are probably made of plastic too? From polyester to acrylic, many common fabrics are derived from non-renewable petrochemicals (fossil fuels) and are contributing to the growing issue of plastic pollution. In fact, an estimated 63-64% of new fabrics are made from plastics, and when washed, these fabrics can shed microplastics that enter our waterways and harm aquatic life, eventually making their way into our food and water supply. So, what fabrics have plastic in them, and what can we do to reduce the impact of plastic clothing on the environment?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fabrics with plastic | Polyester, Nylon, Acrylic, Velvet |
| Plastic fabric impact on the environment | Plastic-based fabrics are non-biodegradable and pollute rivers, seas, and other ecosystems. |
| How to reduce the impact of plastic fabric | Opt for natural fibres like organic cotton, bamboo, wool, hemp, and linen. Use microfibre-catching bags, such as Guppyfriend, to prevent microplastics from entering the wastewater. |
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What You'll Learn
Polyester, nylon, and acrylic are plastics
Polyester, nylon, and acrylic are all plastics commonly used in fabrics and clothing. These synthetic fabrics are derived from non-renewable petrochemicals (fossil fuels) and have a significant environmental impact. They are popular with clothing manufacturers because they are cheap and versatile, but they come with a range of drawbacks.
Polyester is a plastic polymer created by applying heat and pressure to petroleum-based acid and alcohol. It is the most used fibre in clothing, consuming nearly 70 million barrels of oil annually. It is valued for its elasticity and durability, but it has a high carbon footprint and sheds minuscule plastic microfibres with every wash, which can be ingested by animals and humans. Polyester can be recycled, but the process is not eco-friendly.
Nylon is the second most used synthetic fabric and is also derived from petroleum. It is flexible, scratch-resistant, and lightweight, with a wide range of uses, from clothing to electronics. However, its manufacturing process is not environmentally friendly, and it is non-biodegradable, taking 30 to 40 years to decompose. Nylon emits hazardous toxins when burned and is difficult to recycle.
Acrylic is a plastic fabric made from acrylonitrile, derived from petroleum. It is strong, soft, and warm, often used as a substitute for wool. Acrylic is less expensive than other plastics, but it is brittle and scratches easily. Like nylon, it is non-biodegradable and can take up to 200 years to decompose, releasing chemicals into the environment.
These plastic fabrics shed microplastics when washed, contributing to plastic pollution in waterways and harming aquatic life. Their slow decomposition exacerbates pollution, and their manufacturing involves toxic chemicals, endangering workers and ecosystems. To reduce their environmental impact, consumers can opt for natural fibres, buy second-hand or from sustainable brands, and use microplastics filters when washing these fabrics.
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Velvet often contains plastic fibres
Velvet is a type of woven fabric that can be manufactured from a variety of fibres, including natural fibres such as cotton, wool, and silk, and artificial fibres like viscose and its alternatives. However, it is often made from petroleum-derived synthetic fibres such as polyester and nylon, which are plastic fibres. In fact, velvet made of 100% polyester is the most commonly available option on the market. Polyester is the most produced fibre in the world, constituting 57% of global fibre production, according to Textile Exchange's Materials Market Report.
The use of plastic fibres in velvet production is concerning due to its negative environmental impact. Synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon are derived from non-renewable petrochemicals or fossil fuels, contributing to pollution at each stage of their value chain, from production to decomposition. When washed, these fabrics shed microplastics, which enter waterways and harm aquatic life. Their slow decomposition exacerbates plastic pollution. Additionally, the manufacturing process involves toxic chemicals, endangering workers and ecosystems.
The presence of plastic fibres in velvet highlights the broader issue of plastic hidden in our clothing. It is estimated that approximately 63% of clothing materials are virgin plastics, compared to only 3% of recycled fabrics. This means that a significant portion of our wardrobes is likely made of plastic, contributing to the growing problem of plastic pollution.
To address this issue, consumers can make conscious choices when purchasing velvet items. It is recommended to opt for natural fibres such as organic cotton, bamboo, wool, hemp, and linen, which are biodegradable and have a lower environmental impact. Buying second-hand or choosing sustainable brands that use recycled or alternative materials, such as TENCEL™ Modal or Lyocell, can also help reduce the impact of plastic fibres in velvet.
While velvet made from plastic fibres may offer a cheaper and more versatile option, it is important to consider its environmental consequences. By being mindful of the fabric composition and making informed choices, we can contribute to a more sustainable future for the fashion industry and our planet.
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Plastic fabrics pollute the ocean
Plastic fabrics are a significant contributor to ocean pollution. Synthetic fabrics such as polyester, acrylic, nylon, and velvet are made from plastic fibres. When washed, these fabrics shed microplastics, which are tiny plastic particles that are released into the environment. While wastewater treatment plants catch some of these particles, many still end up in rivers and oceans, contributing to marine litter.
The plastic fibres from our clothes can enter the water supply through our washing machines. A single load of laundry can release hundreds of thousands of fibres, which add to the microplastic pollution in the ocean. These microplastics are ingested by marine wildlife, such as fish, sea turtles, and seabirds, often mistaken for food. This leads to blockages in their digestive systems, interferes with nutrient absorption, and transfers toxins through the food chain, affecting the health and reproduction of marine species.
The production and disposal of plastic fabrics also contribute to ocean pollution. Plastic fabrics are derived from non-renewable petrochemicals or fossil fuels, and their manufacturing involves toxic chemicals, endangering workers and ecosystems. Globally, an estimated 100 billion items of clothing are produced each year, with a significant portion made from plastic. Many of these clothes end up in landfills, and since plastic does not readily biodegrade, they can remain in the environment for hundreds or even thousands of years.
Additionally, microplastics can become airborne, particularly in coastal areas with high pollution levels, and have been linked to adverse health effects in humans. Exposure to microplastics during pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk of low birth weights. While buying natural fibres or reducing clothing consumption can help mitigate the issue, it is essential to address the environmental impact of synthetic fabrics and promote accessible solutions for everyone.
To combat plastic fabric pollution in the ocean, individuals can opt for natural fibres such as organic cotton, bamboo, wool, hemp, and linen. These fabrics are biodegradable and have a lower environmental impact. Buying second-hand clothes or from sustainable brands that prioritize transparency and environmental standards is also advisable. Using lower temperature settings when washing and employing microfibre-catching bags can help reduce the shedding of microplastics.
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Natural fibres are biodegradable
Natural fibres, on the other hand, can decompose easily via a natural process. Examples of biodegradable natural fibres include cotton, wool, hemp, bamboo, linen, and silk. Cotton, for instance, is considered healthy and good for the environment, and if it is not treated with harsh chemicals, it decomposes quickly when it wears out. Similarly, bamboo is one of nature's most sustainable resources; it is 100% biodegradable, naturally regenerative, and grows extremely fast, making it a good alternative to synthetic fabrics.
Other natural fibres such as ramie and abaca are also biodegradable. Ramie is derived from wood pulp and seaweed (algae) and is naturally resistant to bacteria, mould, mildew, light damage, rot, and insect attack. Abaca is a leaf fibre that looks similar to burlap or hemp and is cultivated from the leaves of the Abaca plant.
In addition to plant-based biodegradable fabrics, there are also animal-based fabrics that are biodegradable, such as silk and leather. However, it is important to note that just because a fabric is biodegradable does not mean it is sustainable. For example, silk is made by boiling silkworms alive, and about 3,000 silkworms must be killed to make just one pound of silk.
Overall, choosing natural fibres over synthetic fabrics is a more environmentally friendly option as they are biodegradable and have a lower environmental impact.
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Recycled plastic fabrics exist
Synthetic fabrics are made entirely from plastic. Examples of synthetic fabrics include polyester, nylon, and acrylic. These fabrics are derived from non-renewable petrochemicals (aka fossil fuels) and are cheaper than natural fabrics. They are also versatile, as they can be used to make clothes warm or breathable. However, they have a significant environmental impact, as they shed microplastics when washed, which enter waterways and harm aquatic life. Their slow decomposition exacerbates plastic pollution, and their manufacturing involves toxic chemicals, endangering workers and ecosystems.
While most clothing made from plastic is produced using virgin plastics, some companies recycle plastic to create fabrics. For example, Repreve is a company that transforms post-consumer and ocean-bound bottles into traceable fibres and resins. Ripstop by the Roll is another company that offers an ECO line of 100% recycled fabrics made from plastic bottles and scrap material.
Recycled polyester is a popular option, and it can be certified as genuine by the Global Recycled Standard (GRS). Seaqual™ is a company that offers recycled polyester technical fabric in various blends with elastane or recycled polyester. Fabric Sight is another company that offers recycled polyester and polyamide fabrics.
When shopping for clothes, it is important to consider the environmental impact of plastic-based fabrics and opt for natural fibres such as organic cotton, bamboo, wool, hemp, and linen when possible. Buying second-hand or from sustainable brands that are transparent about their processes and working conditions can also help reduce the environmental impact of the fashion industry.
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Frequently asked questions
Synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, and acrylic are made entirely from plastic. Velvet may also be made from synthetic fibres like polyester.
Synthetic fabrics shed microplastics when washed, which are too small to be filtered out by wastewater treatment plants and end up in rivers and seas.
Opt for natural fibres like organic cotton, bamboo, wool, hemp, and linen. These fabrics are biodegradable and have a lower environmental impact. Buying second-hand is also a good option, as is buying from sustainable brands that use recycled plastics.
