Difference between revisions of "Polyamide"
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===End of use=== | ===End of use=== | ||
| + | Synthetic fibres are from a carbon-based chemical feedstock and are considered non-biodegradable.7 <br/>Polyamide 6 and 6,6 products have the durability to last many years, however if they are discarded, could sit in the landfill for decades. | ||
| + | Discarded polyamide products increase load on landfills, contribute to land and water contamination and possibly toxic emissions into the air.8 | ||
| + | <br/>When incinerated, polyamide 6 and 6,6 emit chemicals, such as nitrogen oxide, formaldehyde, hydrogen cyanide and acrolein, that are poisonous and possible carcinogens.9 | ||
==Alternatives to virgin polyamide== | ==Alternatives to virgin polyamide== | ||
Revision as of 14:49, 2 April 2015
Polyamide 6 and 6,6 are manufactured, man-made fibres that are formed from a chemical process using carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen atoms. They differ in that they each begin with different polymer building blocks.1 The manufacturing process of Polyamide 6 and 6,6 is highly chemical and is derived from petroleum, a non-renewable resource. Also, the fibre and its resulting fabric are non-biodegradable. Efforts to address sustainability in these areas could help the overall impact of polyamide on the environment.
Contents
Benefits
Polyamide 6 and Polyamide 6,6 share a lot of the same fibre characteristics. They have strong wear resistance, abrasion resistance, chemical resistance, heat resistance, are lustrous, have a high melting point, and are resilient.1
Polyamide 6,6 has greater resilience, a higher melting point, and lower stain permeability than polyamide 6, which makes polyamide 6,6 perfect for carpet.2
The most notable characteristic of both polyamide 6 and 6,6 is versatility. Although originally developed as an “artificial silk,” it has been used for a vast variety of applications. Polyamide fibres are used for garments, sheer hosiery, parachute cloth, backpackers' tents, bridal veils, musical strings, rope, broom and tooth brush bristles, Velcro and many other applications.3
Polyamide 6 and 6,6 blend well with other fibres, and their chief contributions are strength and abrasion resistance.1
Polyamide 6 and 6,6 are machine washable, dry quickly, need little pressing, and holds shape well since they neither shrinks nor stretches, thereby minimizing water and energy use associated with consumer care and washing.4
Due to their durability and abrasion resistance, some Polyamide 6 and 6,6 products have the potential to last and be worn many times, optimizing the energy and resources embodied in the product.
Potential impacts
Processing
Polyamide 6 and 6,6 are made from petrochemical feedstock, which is a non-renewable resource. Petroleum takes millions of years to form, and is currently being extracted from the earth for industrial uses faster than it can be replenished.
Dyeing and finishing
Certain types of dyes are suspected carcinogens and mutagens, while other dyes are known to have a sensitizing effect on skin and should be avoided. Untreated dye water can negatively impact receiving water bodies and harm aquatic ecosystems if left untreated before its release.
Durable water repellents (DWR)
Durable water repellents (DWR) are applied to polyamide 6 and 6,6 garments and products to allow for breathability and water repellency. Fluorochemicals are commonly used in these water-repellent finishes and waterproof membranes (thin films or coatings attached to the back of fabrics to prevent water from passing through). Two fluorinated compounds are of most concern, perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), since they are known to have persistent, bioaccumulative and toxicological effects on the environment. The European Union has banned PFOS and some countries in the EU have also banned PFOA. 6 Waterproof membranes are engineered to be breathable, and are commonly derived from petroleum and made using PFOA.
Consumer care and washing
Polyamide products are typically machine-washed. Certain at-home detergents have been reported to have detrimental affects on humans and the environment, contribute to ozone depletion and can pollute wastewater.
End of use
Synthetic fibres are from a carbon-based chemical feedstock and are considered non-biodegradable.7
Polyamide 6 and 6,6 products have the durability to last many years, however if they are discarded, could sit in the landfill for decades.
Discarded polyamide products increase load on landfills, contribute to land and water contamination and possibly toxic emissions into the air.8
When incinerated, polyamide 6 and 6,6 emit chemicals, such as nitrogen oxide, formaldehyde, hydrogen cyanide and acrolein, that are poisonous and possible carcinogens.9
Alternatives to virgin polyamide
Recycled polyamide
Mechanical recycling
Chemical recycling
Optimize sustainability benefits
| OPPORTUNITY | BENEFITS | CONSIDERATIONS |
|---|---|---|
| Know the difference between natural bamboo linen fabric, and bamboo made from a viscose process. | Bamboo viscose is chemically processed and has greater pollution impacts to water and air. | |
| Promote the use of linen from bamboo products. | Once the fibre is extracted from the stem, processing bamboo into yarn for linen is largely mechanical, with minimal environmental impact. | |
| Promote the use of ozone bleaching processes to strip out the natural beige colour of linen (from flax). Promote the particular aesthetic of ozone bleach effects. |
Ozone can used be with no water at all. | Ozone has limited availability, and is relatively expensive since it requires investment in ozone generating equipment. Ozone processes produce a different aesthetic than chlorine derivative or permanganate bleaching. |
