We're probably all familiar with nylon in stretchier clothing like tights and underwear, but due to its strength and durability, nylon is also used to make other things including rope and bags. I've recently been seeing a lot of adverts for water bottle bags, some of which are made from nylon. This prompted me to write this post to explain what nylon is and why environmentally-conscious consumers like us should try and avoid it.
What is nylon?
Nylon is an entirely synthetic material, being produced in laboratories from coal and oil. These petrochemicals are heated to very high temperatures to form sheets of nylon which are then spun to produce nylon fibres that are woven together.
The flip side of being such a durable material is that nylon never degrades. It's alarming when I think of how many pairs of nylon tights I've accidentally ripped over my lifetime and had to throw away. I now imagine these old tights still sitting in landfill somewhere in the world and silently vow never to buy another pair again..
As nylon is derived from fossil fuels, its production also contributes to global warming. 2023 has been confirmed as the hottest year on record by NASA, and in the midst of this climate crisis, we really can't ignore the impact of nylon. But what is really alarming is that when nylon is produced, it creates a gas known as nitrous oxide, which is 300 times more potent than carbon dioxide!
Another option is to search for other fabrics. For example, if you're looking for a water bottle bag (which are seriously trending right now!) then why not opt for one made from upcycled materials, such as my upcycled denim water bottle bags designed to fit both your water bottle and phone. Not only are they earth friendly, but they can be machine washed by removing the strap and throwing the bag into the machine. Many nylon bags are not machine washable, so it's always a good idea to check the fabric care instructions before you purchase.
I hope this has helped de-mystify nylon, and if you want help in sourcing alternative options, feel free to get in touch!