Acrylic yarn is a synthetic textile made from polyacrylonitrile, a polymer derived from fossil fuels. As a plastic derivative, it is an affordable and versatile fiber, but its widespread use presents significant environmental challenges throughout its life cycle. From production to disposal, acrylic fiber has a substantial and long-lasting impact on the planet. Understanding the nature of this synthetic material is the first step in addressing concerns about its environmental footprint.
The Petroleum Origin of Acrylic Fiber
The journey of acrylic fiber relies on non-renewable resources like petroleum and natural gas. The primary building block is acrylonitrile, a monomer chemically synthesized from these fossil fuels. This dependence on petrochemicals means the production process is directly tied to resource depletion associated with the fossil fuel industry.
The creation of the polymer, known as polymerization, is an energy-intensive industrial process. Manufacturing facilities require considerable energy to convert the raw materials into usable fibers. This energy demand contributes to a significant carbon footprint, releasing greenhouse gases and other emissions into the atmosphere.
Microplastic Shedding During Use
One pervasive environmental problem with acrylic yarn is the shedding of microplastics during use. As a plastic fiber, acrylic is highly susceptible to friction, especially in household washing machines. Each wash cycle causes the fabric to release minuscule plastic fragments into the wastewater.
Acrylic textiles are among the highest shedders of microfibers compared to other common fabrics. A single garment can release hundreds of thousands of synthetic particles in one wash. These particles are too small to be completely captured by most municipal wastewater treatment plants, which were not designed to filter plastics at this microscopic scale.
The microplastics that escape treatment plants flow directly into rivers, lakes, and oceans, contaminating aquatic ecosystems globally. In the marine environment, these fibers are ingested by zooplankton, fish, and other organisms, allowing the plastic to enter the food chain. This ingestion is concerning because the fibers can potentially leach chemicals into the animals or transport other pollutants they may have absorbed.
Non-Biodegradability and Landfill Longevity
The synthetic nature of acrylic fiber means it resists natural decomposition, creating a major end-of-life disposal problem. Acrylic is essentially a form of plastic, and its chemical structure prevents microbes from breaking it down efficiently.
When discarded, acrylic yarn contributes to textile waste accumulating in landfills. The estimated time for acrylic fiber to fully break down is exceptionally long, ranging from a hundred years to 200 years or more. This persistence in the environment contrasts sharply with natural fibers, which decompose in months or years.
As acrylic slowly degrades over centuries, it continues to break down into smaller microplastic fragments, but never truly disappears. This process can result in the slow release of chemical additives or greenhouse gases, contributing to long-term environmental pollution and occupying landfill space indefinitely.
Environmentally Friendlier Alternatives
For consumers seeking to reduce their environmental impact, several alternatives to acrylic yarn offer more sustainable options. Natural fibers are excellent choices because they are sourced from renewable resources and are biodegradable.
- Organic cotton, linen, and hemp are plant-based options that require less water and fewer pesticides than conventional cotton.
- Responsibly sourced wool is a renewable animal fiber that is naturally durable and can biodegrade.
- Tencel Lyocell is a cellulose fiber made from wood pulp using a closed-loop system that minimizes chemical and water waste.
- Recycled synthetic options, like recycled polyester (rPET) or recycled acrylic, help divert plastic waste from landfills, though these fibers still shed microplastics during washing.