The Acrylic Conundrum:

Why It’s Time to Move On

Acrylic’s affordability and wool-like feel have made it a mainstay in sweaters, outerwear, and knitwear. But its hidden costs are mounting. As a fossil fuel–derived plastic fiber, acrylic carries one of the heaviest environmental burdens in the textile sector — from its toxic manufacturing process to its contribution to microplastic pollution. For any brand committed to responsible design, the era of acrylic must come to an end.

The Lifecycle of a Plastic Fiber

Acrylic is a synthetic polymer made from polyacrylonitrile, a monomer derived from petroleum. Producing it requires toxic chemicals and solvents such as dimethylformamide (DMF), linking it directly to multiple environmental and social risks:

• Fossil Fuel Dependency: Every acrylic fiber begins as crude oil or natural gas, anchoring its production in the same extractive systems driving climate change.

• Toxic Chemical Exposure: The synthesis of acrylonitrile and its processing solvents pose health risks for factory workers and can contaminate air and water if not rigorously controlled.

• High Energy Use: Acrylic production is significantly more energy-intensive than most natural fibers, adding to its carbon footprint.

The End-of-Life Reality: Microplastics and Circularity Failure

Acrylic’s biggest problems appear long after production — in use and disposal:

• Microplastic Pollution: Acrylic fabrics are among the worst offenders for shedding plastic fibers. A single garment can release up to 700,000 microfibers per wash, contaminating waterways and entering the food chain.

• Permanent Waste: Acrylic does not biodegrade. While wool and other natural fibers decompose and return nutrients to the soil, acrylic lingers in landfills and oceans for centuries.

• No Real Recycling Pathway: Unlike polyester, acrylic cannot easily be melted down or re-polymerized. Its structure makes large-scale recycling nearly impossible, leaving most garments destined for landfill or incineration.

In short, acrylic represents a dead end in the circular economy.

The Path Forward: Responsible Phase-Out and Honest Transition

For brands striving to meet environmental goals, acrylic’s continued use demands frank reassessment. While complete elimination may take time, clear mitigation and replacement strategies are essential.

1. Reduce and Replace
Begin phasing out virgin acrylic wherever possible. Favor natural, renewable fibers such as certified wool, alpaca, or organic cotton, which offer biodegradability and circular potential.

2. Use Only Recycled Acrylic (as a Bridge)
If acrylic remains necessary for performance reasons, use GRS-certified recycled acrylic to reduce dependence on virgin fossil fuels. Be transparent that this is an interim step, not a solution.

3. Educate Consumers
If a product contains acrylic, communicate openly about care practices that minimize microfiber shedding — wash less, use microplastic filters, and favor gentle cycles.

4. Demand Safer Chemistry
Work only with suppliers certified by OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 or Bluesign®, ensuring safer chemical management and better protection for workers and consumers.

A Turning Point for Responsible Brands

Acrylic’s convenience comes at an untenable cost — one that responsible brands can no longer justify. Phasing it out is not just a sustainability goal but a leadership opportunity. As bio-based and closed-loop fibers gain ground, the brands that move first will define what accountability looks like in the next era of textiles: transparent, circular, and free from fossil-fuel plastics.

Bottom line: Acrylic may be cheap, but its legacy is anything but. The responsible path forward is clear — move on.