Elastane, also known as Spandex or Lycra, is a petroleum-based synthetic fiber renowned for its elasticity. However, its production is complex and energy-intensive. It is often mixed with organic cotton or recycled water bottles to make clothing and accessories. Unfortunately, these blends are typically shipped via planes, contributing to microplastic pollution.
Renewable Resources
Spandex is a type of synthetic fiber that’s used in clothing, athletic shoes and work garments. Its elasticity allows it to stretch and return to its original shape. It’s also resistant to chemicals and can be dyed in various colors. It’s often used in motion capture suits, which help to create more realistic 3-D characters for film productions. Spandex was developed during World War II by chemical engineers looking for synthetic rubber replacements. They were motivated by two factors: First, the war consumed most of the available rubber, leaving inadequate supplies for industrial use. Second, the price of natural rubber was unstable and fluctuated frequently. To make Spandex, manufacturers create a prepolymer from monomers and then react it with other elements like diamine acid. The solution is then thinned with solvents and pumped into a cylindrical spinning cell, where it’s cured and converted into fibers. Manufacturers then push the solid strands out of the cell through compressed air. They’re then treated with magnesium stearate and loaded onto spools, where they’re woven into fabric.
Biodegradable
During World War II, scientists developed spandex fibers as a synthetic alternative to rubber. Their motivation was twofold: rubber was needed for military equipment, and its price was volatile. Moreover, elastane fibers are extremely stretchy and return almost instantly to their original shape, allowing designers to create tight-fitting garments. They are compatible with natural and synthetic fabrics and can be spun with them to produce unique materials that combine the properties of both fibers. Producing conventional spandex fabrics depends on fossil fuels, a non-renewable resource. Fortunately, some manufacturers have started to make biodegradable elastane. However, this option is expensive and requires rigorous quality control. Nevertheless, consumers can reduce the environmental impact of their elastane clothing by buying second-hand and recycled products or using their garments for less time.
Breathable
Spandex is a remarkable fiber that offers unparalleled elasticity for textiles. It can be found in everything from high-performance activewear to stretchable upholstery for furniture. This elastic behavior comes from its elastomeric fibers’ physical and chemical properties. These fibers are made from polymer strands with long, amorphous segments and short, rigid sections that bond together. When forces are applied to stretch the strands, the amorphous components separate and become longer, which increases the fiber’s length. Unlike other synthetic fabrics, Spandex is resistant to oil and sweat. This makes it a good choice for tight-fitting garments such as fitted tees and skinny jeans. It can also be used in swimwear and other athletic apparel. While purchasing organic and non-GMO Spandex is possible, it is still derived from fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are a limited resource that should be used responsibly. The extraction and processing of these fuels can lead to air pollution, water contamination, and harm to local communities. Fossil fuel emissions can also cause climate change. Using them to make clothing that will eventually end up in landfills is unsustainable.
Durable
Spandex is a durable material that can be used for long periods without wearing out. It is also highly resistant to abrasions, making it an excellent choice for activewear. This durability makes it a popular alternative to other synthetic materials such as polyester and nylon. Manufacturers use a special spinning process to make spandex fiber. They start with a prepolymer and add stabilizers and other chemicals to create different types of fibers. They then push the solid strands out of a cylindrical spinning cell and immerse them in a finishing agent such as magnesium stearate. After the strands are dry, manufacturers roll them into yarn and send them to a mill to be interwoven with other fabrics. The most sustainable way to use Spandex is to buy it from certified organic brands or by GOTS. This certification system requires using environmentally friendly raw materials and manufacturing processes and prohibits harmful chemicals. The GOTS certification system is more comprehensive than the Cradle certification system, which only covers manufacturing, labeling and transportation.
Recyclable
Spandex is a fully synthetic fabric, meaning no organic components are used to make it. However, the manufacturing process of this fiber does have some environmental impacts. For example, it uses fossil fuels for raw materials and energy. In addition, its production involves using toxic chemicals that can adversely affect workers and the environment. Moreover, the waste produced by this process may be disposed of in the open air, which can result in pollution of waterways and lakes. However, since its invention, manufacturers have developed more sustainable methods of producing elastane fibers. Today, more than 95 percent of the world’s elastane is made using a technique known as solution dry spinning. This manufacturing method begins with a macro glycol substance and diisocyanate monomer reaction under precise heat and pressure conditions. In addition, the energy used for making this fiber largely depends on fossil fuels. This is problematic because conventional fossil-based Spandex takes a long time to decompose and occupies valuable landfill space.
