The Hidden Costs of Acrylic Yarn: Environmental Impact and Ethical Considerations in Knitting

The knitting community is generally laid-back, and drawn to creative and slow-paced hobbies. However, there’s one topic sure to stir up a heated debate:

“Oh, I used acrylic yarn!”

Cue the boos and hisses from one part of the community, while others rush to defend the maker. But why does acrylic yarn spark such controversy?

My stance is that acrylic yarn is essentially plastic, and we already have too much plastic in the world. Every time you wash an acrylic piece, microplastics enter our water supply, food, and bodies. Acrylic yarn lacks the drape, antimicrobial properties, and heat regulation that wool offers. While acrylic can be strong and easy to wash, I believe there are natural fibers that can match its benefits. However, if it comes down to someone enjoying their hobby and community or not using acrylic, I would choose their happiness (and acrylic yarn) every day.

The Controversial Origins of Acrylic Yarn

Acrylic yarn was developed in Nazi Germany. DuPont, which provided Nazi Germany with patents, technology, and material resources during the war, was attempting to create fibers that could compete with nylon. This led to the discovery of Orlon, a plastic-based fiber. Initially, Orlon couldn’t be dyed, but DuPont eventually developed a fully dyeable version. Nowadays, acrylic yarn production involves extruding plastic into thin fibers.

Additionally, DuPont’s biggest wartime project was designing, building, and operating the $350 million Hanford atom bomb project, for which they charged exactly $1. While not directly related to the acrylic yarn debate, it’s worth noting for those with certain ethical views.

The Environmental Impact of Acrylic Yarn

Acrylic yarn is lightweight, soft, and warm, similar to wool, and can even mimic cotton. However, it tends to fuzz and pill more easily than natural fibers. This makes acrylic less durable and often results in garments that look worn out more quickly. On the upside, acrylic is a good option for those with allergies, as it doesn’t contain lanolin like wool does.

A team at Plymouth University in the UK spent a year studying the impact of washing synthetic fabrics in household machines. They found that acrylic fabric sheds nearly 730,000 tiny synthetic particles (microplastics) per wash — five times more than polyester-cotton blends and about 1.5 times more than pure polyester. This is a staggering amount of pollution that ends up in our waterways, contributing to the growing microplastic problem.

Global Impact of Synthetic Fiber Waste

Ecologist Mark Browne’s research revealed that synthetic fiber waste is widespread along coastlines, especially near sewage outflows. About 85% of the man-made materials on shorelines are microfibers, matching the materials (like nylon and acrylic) used in clothing. This pollution has significant impacts on marine life and ecosystems. Microplastics are ingested by aquatic organisms, which can lead to health issues and disrupt the food chain.

Balancing Convenience and Responsibility

While acrylic yarn is cheaper and a great entry point into the hobby of knitting, we must consider the environmental cost. The convenience and affordability of acrylic come at the expense of our planet’s health. Natural fibers like wool, cotton, and bamboo offer sustainable alternatives that are biodegradable and have less impact on the environment.

However, we must also consider the social aspect of knitting. For many, the joy of creating and the sense of community it brings are invaluable. If using acrylic yarn makes knitting accessible and enjoyable for someone, it’s important to support their creativity and participation in the community.

Making Informed Choices

In the end, it comes down to personal preference. Being aware of the environmental and ethical implications of our choices allows us to make more informed decisions. If you can, opt for natural fibers that are better for the planet. If you love acrylic for its affordability and ease of use, try to minimize its environmental impact by washing your items less frequently and using a Guppyfriend bag to catch microfibers.

What’s Your Stance on Acrylic Yarn?

How do you feel about the use of acrylic yarn in knitting? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation. Let’s make informed choices together for a better future.