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Introduction
Nylon is a common synthetic polymer, and primarily a polyamide. Nylon is made up of what is known as repeating units that are linked to amide bonds. Derived from petrochemicals, this plastic is created through some chemical process mostly referred to as polymerization.
So is nylon natural or synthetic? It is oversimplified to assume that natural fibers are intrinsically more environmentally friendly than synthetic ones. The full lifecycle of the material must be taken into account, even though natural fibers like regular cotton have a smaller production-related environmental impact than synthetic materials like nylon.
In this article, we compare nylon, a common synthetic material with conventional cotton, a natural, attempting to find out how the parameters of sustainability, and toxicity all interact. Read on to discover which between the two is ideal for you, and if there are any healthier options you can choose or opt to try.
What Is Nylon Made Of?
Still common and widely manufactured in many places across the globe today by several manufacturers, nylon is a synthetic polymer, primarily a polyamide, produced from repeating several units of monomers that producers combine through a polymerization process. By doing so, they form long chains that end up creating durable and strong nylon material.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of how manufacturers in most places across the globe manufacture nylon:
Monomers
Before proceeding, it’s important to note that nylon isn’t a single standalone substance, but a large family of polymers. Different types of nylon are manufactured from a host of monomers, though they all involve the combination of molecules such as dicarboxylic acids and diamines.
Polymerization
Monomers react by forming amide bonds that link them together to become long chains. A process commonly known as condensation polymerization, water molecules are emitted during this chemical reaction.
Petroleum based
Here, the natural materials meant for the manufacture of nylon are primarily derived from petroleum, transforming it to a synthetic material.
Properties
The molecular makeup of nylon and the way the monomers are joined give it special qualities including strength, flexibility, and abrasion resistance.
In the 1930s, DuPont introduced nylon, a synthetic polymer, as a substitute for silk. Known for its resilience to moisture, flexibility, and durability, it is a material that can be used for a wide range of products, such as yoga trousers, tote bags, and carpets. However, the production of nylon uses a lot of energy and is not biodegradable.
Is Nylon a Synthetic Fiber?
So, is nylon a synthetic fiber or not? While this product is supplied by many wholesalers across the globe, surprisingly, many of its users aren’t aware of its natural qualities. To answer the question, nylon is simply a synthetic fiber.
Nylon is a kind of synthetic polymer that has no organic foundation and is entirely man-made. The first completely synthetic fabric to be created, nylon finds extensive use in a variety of products, such as apparel, ropes, and other industrial goods.
Unlike cotton or wool, which come from natural sources, nylon is made from petrochemicals. However,
water bodies tend to become contaminated by the microscopic microplastics released by nylon washing since nylon is not entirely biodegradable, however it can be recycled.
Polyester and spandex are two examples of synthetic fibers that are frequently used with nylon.
The Dark Side of Conventional Cotton
If you happen to be keen enough, you’ll notice that almost half of all apparel across the globe is made of cotton, one of the most widely used fibers worldwide. Sadly, the majority of customers are unaware of how demanding cotton production is on land and water resources; one kilogram of cotton can require over 5,000 gallons of water to produce. That is equivalent to one pair of jeans and one T-shirt.
A disproportionately high percentage of the world’s pesticides and insecticides are used in conventional cotton farming. For instance, according to a report, it is responsible for 7–10% of all pesticides and 25% of insecticide use worldwide. While you may think that such is a small figure, actually, it’s huge.
The conventional cotton production sector, especially in China, uses chemicals that are known to be detrimental to both human health and the environment, including harmful chemicals such as atrazine, glyphosate, and aldicarb.
Conventional cotton’s over-reliance on chemicals ends up contaminating soils, water sources, and freshwater ecosystems. This is a huge danger to wildlife and beneficial insects. Conventionally grown cotton may include pesticide residues that are harmful to human health and may result in allergies, skin irritation, and long-term health problems.
Cotton Poison – Is It a Myth or Reality?
“Cotton poison” refers to the potential toxic exposure from various chemicals used in the production of cotton, such as pesticides, fertilizers, and bleaching agents, as well as worries about genetically modified (GMO) cotton, specifically the Bt toxin present in some varieties. Cotton poison primarily comes from the following:
Genetically Modified (GMO) Seeds
In order to eradicate specific insect pests, genetically modified cotton seeds, particularly Bt cotton, are designed to release a toxin from the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Although it safeguards the plant, on the bad side, it is detrimental to both people and animals.
Heavy pesticide/fertilizer use
In order to manage pests, conventional cotton production frequently uses a lot of pesticides, which can pollute the environment and endanger the health of farmers and other workers who are exposed to these chemicals. All this sums up the fact that cotton poison isn’t a myth but a reality worth noting.
Bleaching & finishing chemicals
Cotton fabric may be bleached and finished using harsh chemicals that might irritate skin or cause respiratory issues for workers who are exposed to them. Again, this solves the mystery that cotton poison is a reality that must be dealt with urgently.
Even though many people are not aware of this, in the actual sense, there are actual risks associated with “cotton poison,” particularly for farmers, textile workers, and people with skin sensitivities who come into close contact with untreated cotton.
Which Material Is Safer and More Sustainable?
So, between nylon and conventional cotton, which material is more safe and sustainable? The table below is a brief summary. Because of its more ecologically friendly manufacturing method and decreased dependency on dangerous chemicals, organic cotton is the safer and more sustainable option when compared to conventional cotton. However, the table below helps to shed more light on the two fabric materials.
| Feature | Nylon | Conventional Cotton |
| Origin | Petroleum-based (synthetic | Natural plant fiber (often GMO) |
| Biodegradability | No | Yes (but toxicity may remain) |
| Toxicity | Releases microplastics | Loaded with farm and processing chemicals |
| Water Usage | Low in production | Very high — 2,700 liters per T-shirt |
| Renewability | No | Technically yes — but chemical-heavy |
| Safer Alternative? | Recycled nylon (better) | Organic cotton (best choice) |
Healthier Alternatives to Consider
Now that good and the bad sides of both nylon and conventional cotton, what are some of the healthier alternatives to consider? A number of environmentally friendly materials provide healthier substitutes for traditional textiles. One such choice is GOTS-certified organic cotton, which is produced without the use of harmful pesticides.
By reusing waste, recycled nylon and RPET (recycled polyethylene terephthalate) help to cut down on the manufacture of plastic. Because they require less water and fewer chemicals to grow, hemp, jute, and bamboo are naturally low-impact options. Last but not least, TENCEL (lyocell) and Modal are environmentally friendly cellulose fibers made using a closed-loop process.
Let’s get some clarity
What is nylon made from?
Nylon is made from long chains of repeating chemical units called monomers, derived from crude oil
Is nylon better or worse than polyester?
Polyester and nylon are not intrinsically “better” than one another; each has advantages of its own.
Why is conventional cotton harmful?
Its excessive reliance on artificial chemicals has a detrimental effect on both the environment and human health.
What is “cotton poisoning”?
The term “cotton poisoning” often describes diseases brought on by contact with insecticides applied to cotton crops.
Is organic cotton worth the extra cost?
Yes, because organic cotton has so many advantages for farmers, consumers, and the environment, it is frequently worth the higher price.
Conclusion
So which one is better between conventional cotton and nylon? To sum it all up, prioritizing organic, recyclable, and low-impact materials while promoting transparent supply chains is the most environmentally friendly way to produce apparel and textiles. Although both nylon and regular cotton have negative effects on the environment, the overall effect can be greatly decreased by selecting more environmentally friendly options and paying attention to the manufacturing process.
Where to find us
We at itendee offer dependable, adaptable, and environmentally responsible eco-fabric options to support not only the growth of your company, but fabrics that promote healthy living. We put an emphasis on environmentally friendly products and procedures, providing recyclable and biodegradable packaging to assist you in achieving your green objectives. Call us today and let us help you in reducing your carbon footprint and environmental harm by availing you eco-friendly fabrics.
