Polyamide

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.

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

Optimize sustainability benefits

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