Exploring Econyl: A Dive Into Sustainable Fabric
Hallo people, another Monday and I’m back here like I promised. My head is still a bit full from exams (today was chemistry — polymers, monomers, all that fun stuff ). While I was learning about how materials are built and broken down, I thought: why not share a little about the material we actually use for Sancy?
That material is called Econyl®. Maybe you’ve already heard the name, maybe not —but it’s basically nylon that’s been given a second life. Instead of making it from new oil, Econyl is made from waste: old fishing nets, carpets, and other nylon scraps that would otherwise pollute our oceans and landfills.
The process is clever: they collect the waste, break it back down into its original building blocks, clean it up, and then remake it into brand-new nylon yarn. The result feels just like normal nylon — strong, stretchy, quick-drying — but it comes with a lot less damage to the planet.
What Is Econyl?
Econyl® is a regenerated nylon that has become one of the most talked-about sustainable materials in fashion and textiles. Developed by the Italian company Aquafil in 2011, Econyl was designed as an alternative to virgin nylon, which is made from fossil fuels and contributes heavily to environmental pollution.
How Econyl Is Made
The process begins with waste collection — abandoned fishing nets, discarded carpets, and industrial nylon scraps are gathered from landfills and oceans. These materials are then subjected to depolymerization, a chemical process that breaks them down into their original monomers. From there, the nylon is re-polymerized into new, high-quality yarn.
The result is a fiber that is chemically identical to nylon 6, meaning it has the same strength, elasticity, and versatility as traditional nylon but avoids the environmental burden of new petroleum-based production.
Why It Matters
- Removes plastic waste from oceans and landfills
- Reduces the need for fossil fuels
- Certified safe by OEKO-TEX and Cradle to Cradle
Of course, Econyl is not perfect. It’s still nylon, meaning it’s not biodegradable, and it can shed microfibers when washed. And not all Econyl products will be recycled again. But compared to producing new nylon, it’s a much better step forward.
Applications
Econyl is widely used in swimwear, sportswear, and hosiery, and also in carpets, ropes, and industrial products. Its elasticity, durability, and quick-drying properties make it suitable for both fashion and technical purposes.
The Takeaway
Econyl shows us how we can turn something bad into something good. Without regeneration, this waste would remain in landfills or float in our oceans, damaging ecosystems and harming marine life. Instead, it is transformed into something useful and beautiful.
We know it’s not the final solution, but progress is built step by step. I believe that in the future, even better and more sustainable options will emerge. For now, Econyl is proof that innovation can make fashion cleaner, smarter, and part of a more sustainable future.
With love,
Angela