Yarn from nature or chemistry: who do we pay?

Synthetics have taken over the market: at what cost to the environment, and who benefits? Where and to whom do the rivers of money flow, why were we taught to refuse natural products?

Natural and synthetic fibers: what is hidden behind the choice

Synthetic fibers have taken over the textile market. Polyester, nylon, acrylic are materials that can be produced quickly, consistently and in large quantities. Everything is simple, convenient and cheap. But if you dig deeper, the situation no longer looks so harmless.

Synthetics and their footprint

The production of synthetic fibers emits 4 to 9 kilograms of CO2 for every kilogram of product. For comparison: the production of polyethylene – the same plastic for packaging – produces 2-3 kilograms of CO2 for the same weight. Steel production – 1.8-2 kilograms. In other words, synthetic yarn creates more emissions than materials that already cause concern among environmentalists. The reason is simple: energy-intensive processes and the use of chemical reagents. Add to that the problem of microplastics – small particles that end up in water and soil every time synthetic clothing is washed – and the outlook doesn't look good.

Wool: the natural solution

Now imagine a pasture where sheep graze. They provide meat and milk, and their wool is a natural by-product. This is not what they are kept for, but if it is already there, then why not put it to work? Wool production itself produces approximately 3-5 kilograms of CO2 per kilogram of yarn. This is significantly less than synthetics. And most importantly: wool decomposes naturally, leaving behind no microplastic dust.

Why then are synthetics in first place?

The answer is simple: it is easier and cheaper to produce in large volumes. Mills don't have to think about seasonality or the whims of animals, and each fiber comes out standard and predictable. It's convenient for business. But natural materials require care, time and work, which cannot always be simplified.

What's the point

Synthetics have become an integral part of our world, but nature pays for its convenience. If we already have a solution in the form of natural fibers such as wool, which do not require unnecessary chemicals and emissions, why not use them? The answer is simple: it’s a matter of who makes money from it.

While synthetics are more profitable, it will be more difficult to convince the world to return to natural materials. But if you look at the long-term consequences, one thing is clear: it is better not to argue with nature, but to try to use it wisely.

Author's opinion: If the whole planet has switched to synthetics, it means someone has done a lot of work for this. The result is obvious. The planet is drowning in plastic, and cows and sheep are to blame.

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