Synthetic textile fibers: how to discover them
Synthetic fibers can be made of different materials, such as nylon, polyester, Acrylic, Econyl, Elastane, Neoprene, and Newlife. These fibers are artificially created and therefore have unique properties. For example, they are very resistant to wear and tear. However, they can also be flammable and are not biodegradable, but recyclable for the latest generation of synthetic fibers.
Synthetic fibers are created through an extraction and spinning process. The materials are extracted from minerals and plants and then spun into a fine weave. This process is very complex and requires the use of specialized machinery.
Most synthetic fibers start out as a liquid made from coal, petroleum, or natural gas byproducts. The liquid is forced through tiny holes in a device called a spinneret. When the liquid comes out of the holes, it is cooled so that it solidifies into thin threads. These threads are then spun together to create a 100% synthetic fiber or are blended with other fibers to create blended fabrics.
Synthetic fibers, but also ecological
Synthetic fibers are used in many industries, such as clothing, furniture, the textile industry, and construction. They are also used in the manufacture of rugs, carpets, sofa upholstery, and other products. Beschi manufactures accessories for textiles, both for natural and blended yarns, in line with issues such as sustainability and Made in Italy.
A great innovation in the textile industry sector is represented by ecological synthetic fibers, made with recycled materials, such as plastic bottles, fishing nets, carpets, or industrial waste. We can consider recycled synthetic fibers more environmentally friendly and also more ethical because they do not use cheap labor. On the other hand, these fibers release microplastics with each wash.
The certifications for eco-friendly fibers
Eco-friendly synthetic fibers are made from recycled materials, such as plastics, fishing nets, carpets, or industrial waste. To be defined as ecological, they must have certifications that attest to eco-friendly production.
There are numerous ecological certifications for fabrics, which indicate that the fabric was produced in an environmentally friendly way. The most common ecological certifications for textiles are the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and the Organic Content Standard (OCS).
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the leading certification for organic textile products. GOTS-certified textile products must contain at least 95% organic fibers and the entire production process must meet strict environmental and social criteria.
The Organic Content Standard (OCS) is a certification for textile products that contain at least 70% organic fibers. OCS certification is overseen by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and products certified to OCS and GOTS standards are considered 100% organic.
For ecological synthetic fibers, an added value is provided by the PSV (Second Life Plastic) and GRS (Global Recycle Standard) certifications, as they guarantee that the material used to produce the synthetic fiber is at least partly recycled origin.