Aligned with this season’s Focus Topic: Nothing to Waste - Closing the Loop

Safety & Durability

The fiber that is mainly used safety and durability is Nylon e.g. Polyamide. Nylon fiber is a polymer, which means that it is composed of a long chain of carbon-based molecules called monomers. This type of fabric is commonly used in tough sportswear and safety gear, because of its elasticity, lightness, durability and strength.

Nylon is not available in all of the parts that are needed for a functional monocomponent style, therefore it is the most difficult fiber to integrate in the circular “Closed Loop” process. Let’s take a look at the jacket for instance.

A closed loop system is one in which products are designed, manufactured, used and handled so as to circulate within society for as long as possible, with maximum usability, minimum adverse environmental impacts, minimum waste generation, and with the most efficient use of water, energy, and other resources throughout their lifecycles.

It makes the most sense with nylon clothing to consider design aspects from the beginning and develop long life products that are reusable, for rent or repairable.

Certain brands are already doing this including: Patagonia, The North Face & Columbia

When thinking about a closed loop system remember: Reuse, resale&revalue, lease or repair, rethreads, worn wear

The following Functional Fabric Fair exhibitors offer hot items to engineer some fantastic durable functional garments. 

A Special thank you to Alexa Dehmel, Material Stories Curator, for providing the stories, imagery and incredible insight into our industry.