Discover synthetic fibers

Everything you need to know about synthetic fabrics

Synthetic fibres are one of the most significant innovations in the modern textile industry, born from the need to exceed the limits of natural fibres in terms of strength, durability and versatility. Derived from chemical processes using raw materials of petrochemical origin, such as coal, petroleum or natural gas by-products, these fibres are created through polymerisation, a chemical reaction which produces long filaments with specific properties.
Their development has revolutionised the textile sector since the 20th century, paving the way for a new generation of high-performance materials, adaptable to multiple uses: from technical and sports clothing to furniture, to the automotive and medical industry.

Synthetic fibers, including nylon, polyester, acrylic, econyl, elastane, neoprene, newlife, are distinguished by features such as resistance to wear and weathering, elasticity and lightness. However, their spread has also raised environmental questions related to the difficulty of disposal. This has led in recent years to an increasing commitment to more sustainable solutions, such as recycled or biodegradable synthetic fibres.

Let’s see in more detail what synthetic fabrics are, what characteristics they have and what are the advantages of ecological fibers.

What are synthetic fabrics?

Synthetic fabrics are made entirely in the laboratory from substances of petrochemical origin, such as petroleum, coal or natural gas derivatives. Unlike man-made fibres, which are also produced chemically but from natural raw materials such as cellulose, synthetic fibres do not exist in nature. Their production involves the synthesis of polymers through polymerization processes, followed by spinning, during which molten plastic is extruded through special dies, cooled, stretched and transformed into thin and resistant filaments. This process is very complex and requires the use of specialized machinery.

Most synthetic fibers start as a liquid based on coal, oil or natural gas by-products. 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 strands. These threads are then spun together to create a 100% synthetic fibre, or mixed with other fibres to create blended fabrics.

Thanks to this industrial process, it is possible to design fibers with specific characteristics such as impermeability, breathability, elasticity, lightness and thermoregulation capacity, qualities that make them extremely versatile and suitable for a multitude of applications. The ability to customize material properties is one of the main advantages of synthetic fibers over natural ones, which while offering proven qualities, are not modifiable without the use of mixtures or nanotechnologies.

In recent years, their low cost of production and high performance have made synthetic fibers the protagonists of the textile and fashion industry, contributing to the creation of accessible and technically advanced garments.

What are the most important synthetic fabrics?

Among the most important and widespread synthetic fabrics, we find different types of materials, each with specific properties that make it suitable for certain uses in the textile, technical or industrial sector. Their popularity is due to the combination of high performance characteristics, versatility and low production costs. Here is a list of the most popular synthetic fibres:

• Polyester (PET): it is the most used synthetic fiber in the world. Appreciated for its resistance to wear, light and chemical agents, polyester is easy to wash, dries quickly and does not wrinkle. It is widely used in sportswear, fast fashion, home textiles and numerous technical applications. It is also recyclable and increasingly used in the production of garments made from recycled PET bottles;
• Polyamide (Nylon): introduced in the 1930s as an alternative to silk, polyamide is a lightweight, extremely elastic and abrasion-resistant fibre. It is often used in sportswear, swimwear, socks, technical underwear and outdoor items. It is particularly suitable for contexts where flexibility, durability and comfort in contact with the skin are required;
• Acrylic: is a warm, soft and light fiber, resistant to UV rays and deterioration. It is used in winter clothing, knitwear, blankets and furniture. Although less breathable than natural wool, it is highly appreciated for its cost-effectiveness and ease of washing;
• Elastane: this is a highly elastic synthetic fiber, able to stretch up to five times its original length without deforming. It is mainly used in combination with other fibres to improve fit and comfort, especially in sportswear, underwear, swimwear and fitted garments. Elastane is essential to ensure freedom of movement and a perfect fit to the body;
• Polypropylene: although less common in casual clothing, polypropylene is a very light fiber, hydrophobic (does not absorb moisture) and resistant to mold and bacteria. It is mainly used in technical fabrics, geotextiles, sportswear, thermal underwear and medical articles, thanks to its ability to keep the skin dry and protected from external agents;
• neoprene: although it is not a textile fiber in the strict sense, neoprene is a synthetic rubber used in the production of technical and functional fabrics. It is valued for its high insulation, water resistance and flexibility. It is mainly used in wetsuits, sports clothing, protective accessories and articles for water or outdoor sports, where thermal resistance and protection from the elements are required;
• Newlife™: is a new generation recycled polyester fiber, 100% made from post-consumer plastic bottles. Unlike other recycled polyester, Newlife is produced through a mechanical process (without the use of chemicals) that guarantees a low environmental impact. This fibre combines sustainability, technical performance and comfort, and is increasingly used in the fashion, sportswear, furnishing and technical clothing sectors. Offers high performance in terms of breathability, resistance and customization.

Eco-friendly synthetic fabrics

Synthetic fabrics are used in many sectors, such as clothing, furniture, textiles and construction. They are also used in the production of carpets, carpeting, upholstery for sofas and other products. Beschi manufactures textile accessories, both for natural and mixed yarns, in line with themes such as environmental sustainability and Made in Italy.

A major innovation in the textile industry is the eco-friendly synthetic fabrics, made from 100% recycled plastic materials such as plastic bottles, fishing nets, carpets or industrial waste. We can consider recycled synthetic fibres more environmentally friendly and also more ethical because they do not use low-cost labour.

Eco-friendly textile certifications

As we have seen, eco-friendly synthetic fibres are made from recycled materials such as plastics, fishing nets or industrial waste. However, in order to be defined as ecological, they must have certifications attesting to an eco-friendly production.

There are numerous ecological certifications, which indicate that the fabric has been 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 textiles. GOTS-certified textiles must contain at least 95% organic fibres and the entire production process must meet stringent environmental and social criteria.

The Organic Content Standard (OCS) is a certification for textile products that contain at least 70% of organic fibres. 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, the added value is provided by PSV (Plastica Seconda Vita) and GRS (Global Recycle Standard) certifications, as they guarantee that the material used to produce the synthetic fiber is at least partially recycled.