Markets for Nylon in Performance Apparel: a Future Based on Bio-Based and Recycled Materials?

Nylon fibre is widely used in a number of performance apparel applications, including protective clothing, sportswear and swimwear, because it boasts several desirable qualities - not least durability, easy washability, quick drying time, shrink resistance, stretch and wrinkle resistance. Notably, the production of recycled nylon is growing and several manufacturers have developed processes for producing nylon fibres from recycled waste. Furthermore, many more processes are in development, and recycled fibres are increasingly being used in the manufacture of high-end fabric and clothing collections.

Aquafil, for example, is processing used carpets and discarded fishing nets to produce Econyl - which has featured in collections from Burberry, and Gucci and The North Face. Also, Aquafil has formed a partnership with Geno to produce 100% renewable bio-based nylon. BASF is chemically processing used tyres to produce feedstock for the production of its Ultramid Ccycled nylon, and this, in turn, is being used by Fulgar in the manufacture of its Q-Cycle yarn. Samsara Eco has developed an enzymatic recycling method and has formed a partnership with Nilit to construct a textile-to-textile recycling plant in South-East Asia. Syntetica has developed a novel depolymerisation process, and Asahi Kasei and Microwave Chemical are looking to commercialise a new chemical recycling process which uses microwave technology. Toray, for its part, has developed a 100% bio-based polyamide 510 variant called Ecodear N510, and it has also developed the world’s first 100% bio-based adipic acid made from sugars derived from inedible biomass. Polartec, meanwhile, is using a renewable bio-based nylon fibre called Biolon in the manufacture of a number of its fabrics and membranes.