Using acrylic for sustainable fashion practices is a non-starter. Acrylic is a synthetic polymer derived from fossil fuels, making it inherently unsustainable. Its production is energy-intensive, and it is not biodegradable, shedding microplastics into the environment throughout its lifecycle. Any guide on how to use acrylic sustainably would be misleading and contradict the core principles of sustainable fashion.
The Inherent Unsustainability of Acrylic
Acrylic, a plastic fiber, is made from acrylonitrile, a colorless liquid derived from propylene and ammonia. The manufacturing process for acrylic is highly polluting, releasing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other toxins into the air and water. Furthermore, acrylic is a thermoplastic, meaning it melts when heated. This property, combined with its resistance to degradation, makes it a permanent part of the waste stream.
Microplastic Pollution
A major environmental issue with acrylic is microplastic shedding. Every time an acrylic garment is washed, it releases thousands of microscopic plastic fibers. These fibers are too small to be filtered by most wastewater treatment plants and end up in rivers, lakes, and oceans. Marine life, from plankton to whales, ingests these microplastics, which can lead to starvation, internal injuries, and a buildup of harmful chemicals in their bodies.
Sustainable Alternatives to Acrylic
Instead of trying to make an unsustainable material sustainable, the focus should be on using truly eco-friendly alternatives. There are many options that offer similar properties to acrylic without the environmental cost.
Natural Fibers
- TENCEL™ Lyocell: TENCEL™ is a brand name for a type of lyocell fiber made from sustainably harvested wood pulp. Its production uses a closed-loop system, meaning the solvents are recycled and reused, minimizing waste. Lyocell is known for its softness, breathability, and durability, making it a great alternative for knitwear and sweaters.
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Organic Cotton: Grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, organic cotton is a much better choice than conventional cotton. It requires less water to produce and supports biodiversity. While it doesn’t have the same elasticity as acrylic, it can be blended with other fibers to achieve a similar feel.
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Hemp: Hemp is a remarkably sustainable crop. It grows quickly, requires very little water, and improves soil health. Hemp fibers are strong and durable, and they become softer with each wash. It can be used to create textiles with a similar drape and texture to acrylic.
Recycled and Upcycled Materials
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Recycled Polyester (rPET): Made from recycled plastic bottles, rPET diverts plastic from landfills and oceans. While it’s still a plastic, using recycled material is a significant improvement over creating new plastic from virgin fossil fuels. rPET can be spun into fibers that are soft, durable, and versatile, suitable for a wide range of clothing.
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Deadstock Fabrics: Deadstock refers to leftover or surplus fabric from textile mills or fashion houses. Using deadstock fabrics prevents them from being discarded, giving them a new life in clothing production. This practice reduces waste and the demand for new fabric production.
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Upcycling Old Garments: Instead of throwing away old acrylic sweaters, they can be upcycled into new items. This can be done by cutting and sewing the fabric into new designs, or even by unraveling the yarn and re-knitting it. While this doesn’t eliminate the microplastic issue, it extends the life of the garment and prevents it from going to a landfill prematurely.
Practical Steps for a Sustainable Wardrobe
A truly sustainable approach involves a complete shift in mindset, away from fast fashion and toward conscious consumption. This means prioritizing quality over quantity and making informed choices about the materials we wear.
The 3 R’s of Sustainable Fashion
- Reduce: The most effective way to be sustainable is to reduce your consumption. Buy fewer items of clothing, and when you do buy, choose timeless, durable pieces that you’ll wear for years. Avoid impulse purchases and trendy items that will quickly go out of style.
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Repair: Instead of discarding a garment with a small hole or a broken zipper, repair it. Learning basic mending skills like sewing on a button or patching a tear can significantly extend the life of your clothes.
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Reuse: Reuse is about giving clothing a second life. This can be done by swapping clothes with friends, donating to charity shops, or shopping at thrift stores. By buying pre-owned clothing, you reduce the demand for new production and keep textiles out of landfills.
In conclusion, the concept of using acrylic for sustainable fashion is fundamentally flawed. To build a truly sustainable wardrobe, one must reject materials like acrylic and embrace natural, recycled, and upcycled alternatives. The focus should be on conscious consumption, repairing what we own, and supporting brands that prioritize ethical and eco-friendly practices.