Nylon is the "miracle fiber" that gives our clothes their strength and durability, but its origins as a fossil fuel and its persistence as a pollutant have a significant environmental cost. At Circular People, we believe in radical transparency, which is why we have banned virgin nylon from our products. Our goal is to use circular and bio-based alternatives, as we actively seek solutions for a truly sustainable future.

At Circular People, we have banned virgin nylon and only use recycled and bio-based alternatives. Our most important rule for these materials is to avoid non-circular inputs. Because nylon can last for hundreds of years in a landfill, we believe it should be used, not wasted, as we work to find solutions for the future. Nylon is a highly circular fiber when handled correctly; it can be mechanically or chemically recycled into new yarn, and its durability allows garments to last for decades. We are also actively researching innovators in textile-to-textile recycling like Samsara Eco and BASF as well as new inputs like CiCLO® that are designed to help the material biodegrade.

The Problem with Virgin Nylon

• Plastic Pollution: Nylon is a plastic that does not biodegrade. It sheds microplastics with every wash, which pollute our oceans and can enter our food chain. The most visible form of this pollution is "ghost nets"—discarded fishing nets that kill marine life.

• Fossil Fuel Dependency: Virgin nylon production is tied to the oil industry and releases potent greenhouse gases like nitrous oxide (N₂O), which contributes to climate change.

The Circular Solution: Recycled and Bio-Based Nylon

When you shop for nylon, the most powerful choice you can make is to support recycled and bio-based alternatives.

• Textile-to-Textile Recycling: The most promising solution is a true closed-loop system where old nylon garments are recycled back into new ones. Look for brands that are investing in technologies like those from BASF and Samsara Eco to create this circular future.

• Recycled Nylon from Waste: Look for products made from recycled nylon, which transforms waste like fishing nets and old carpets into new fiber. Brands like ECONYL® and NetPlus® are pioneers in this space, offering a way to clean up our oceans and landfills.

• Bio-Based Nylon: Support brands that are innovating with bio-based nylons, which are made from renewable resources instead of petroleum. Brands like EVO® by Fulgar use castor oil, while others like SENSIL® ByNature use biomass to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels.

• Additives for Biodegradation: Some innovations, such as those from CiCLO®, are being researched to help the material break down faster in certain environments, offering another potential solution.

End of Life and Circularity

Because nylon is not biodegradable, the most sustainable approach is to ensure a long and useful life for any product you own.

• Prioritize Durability: Invest in high-quality, durable items that you will use for many years, as this is the most effective way to reduce waste.

• Wash with Care: To reduce microplastic shedding, wash your nylon garments only when necessary, use a cold-water cycle, and consider using a microplastic-catching filter or laundry bag.

• Recycle it Right: When a nylon product reaches the end of its life, do not throw it away. The future of a circular nylon economy depends on consumers returning their old garments and materials to be properly recycled. Look for take-back programs from brands or specialized municipal recycling centers.

By choosing recycled and bio-based nylon, you can help transform this original miracle fiber into one that is fit for a sustainable future.