| What it is | Nylon regenerated from waste |
| Sources | Fishing nets, scraps, old textiles/carpet |
| Benefit | Less virgin petroleum; diverts waste |
| Performance | Like virgin nylon (strong, abrasion-resistant) |
Recycled nylon is nylon fiber regenerated from waste sources such as discarded fishing nets, industrial scraps, and old textiles and carpets, rather than virgin petroleum. It matches virgin nylon’s strength and abrasion resistance while cutting fossil-fuel use and diverting waste, and is widely used in durable outdoor fabrics for packs, shells, and apparel.
Durable and recycled
The tough cousin of recycled polyester; fishing-net-based versions include NetPlus, and it can make recycled Cordura.
Frequently asked questions
What is recycled nylon?
Recycled nylon is nylon fiber made by regenerating waste nylon — such as ghost fishing nets, fabric and carpet scraps, and industrial waste — instead of producing it from new petroleum. The waste is processed (often chemically depolymerized) back into nylon that can be spun into new yarn with virtually the same properties as virgin nylon.
How does recycled nylon compare to recycled polyester?
Both reduce reliance on virgin petroleum, but nylon is generally stronger and more abrasion-resistant, so recycled nylon suits durable applications like packs and rugged fabrics, while recycled polyester is common in fleeces, base layers, and insulation. Nylon is often regenerated chemically, allowing high-quality, repeatable recycling.
What is recycled nylon made from?
Common feedstocks include reclaimed fishing nets recovered from oceans and fish farms, pre-consumer manufacturing scraps, and post-consumer waste like old carpets and garments. Using these wastes both keeps harmful debris (like ghost nets) out of the environment and reduces the need for new petroleum-based nylon.
Sources
- Recycled nylon — Textile Exchange
- Recycled materials — Patagonia