top of page
Sustainability & Recycled Cotton
What is Recycled Cotton?
What is Recycled Nylon?
Nylon is a fabric type derived from petroleum products, which finds widespread use in the production of clothing, backpacks, bags, stockings, tights, outdoor gear, tents, rope, carpet, and various other everyday items. Due to its petroleum-based composition, nylon does not biodegrade. The fabric was first developed in the 1930s as a silk substitute and boasts several desirable qualities, including its lightweight yet robust nature, quick-drying properties, and excellent dye retention. Additionally, nylon is less expensive to manufacture than silk and is more resistant to damage. However, nylon recycling poses a challenge, as it is challenging to recycle used fabrics, and the cleaning process can be cost-prohibitive for companies. Nevertheless, a few nylon recycling options exist.
How to recycle or reuse nylon fabric
The residual nylon fabric resulting from a sewing project presents an excellent opportunity for reuse. It is advisable to investigate whether your locality has an establishment that offers fabric and supplies to artists and educational institutions. Notable examples include Materials for the Arts in New York City and The Scrap Exchange in Durham, NC. In the event that you possess nylon clothing that requires recycling, and the said clothing was procured from the renowned outdoor gear manufacturer Patagonia, you may return it to the company for recycling purposes.
​
Benefits
Recycled Nylon offers similar advantages to recycled polyester, as it effectively diverts waste from landfills and requires significantly fewer resources during production compared to virgin nylon, including water, energy, and fossil fuel.
A substantial portion of recycled nylon originates from discarded fishing nets, providing a commendable solution to mitigate oceanic pollution. Additionally, it is sourced from various nylon-based products such as carpets and tights.
​
Despite its environmental benefits, the cost of recycling nylon remains higher than that of new nylon. Nevertheless, extensive research is underway to enhance the quality and cost-effectiveness of the recycling process.
​
bottom of page