Does Acrylic Yarn Harm the Environment?

At The Needle Store, we’re passionate about empowering crafters with the best tools and knowledge to create stunning projects. Today, we’re diving into a hot topic for eco-conscious crafters: Does acrylic yarn harm the environment? Let’s unravel the environmental impact of acrylic yarn and explore how you can craft sustainably without sacrificing creativity.

What is Acrylic Yarn, and Why Does It Matter?

Acrylic yarn is a synthetic fibre made from petroleum-based polyacrylonitrile. It is widely loved for its affordability, durability, and vibrant colours. But as environmental awareness grows, we ask: what’s the cost of acrylic yarn on our planet? Let’s break it down by examining its production, use, and disposal lifecycle and compare it to natural alternatives.

The Environmental Impact of Acrylic Yarn Production

Acrylic yarn starts with petroleum, a non-renewable resource, which is processed into acrylonitrile and then spun into fibres. This energy-intensive production consumes around 175 MJ per kilogram—higher than many natural fibres like cotton or wool. The process relies heavily on fossil fuels, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, chemical byproducts, such as volatile organic compounds, can pollute water sources if not managed responsibly. Compared to natural yarns, acrylic production has a heavier carbon footprint, making it a less sustainable choice.

Acrylic Yarn During Use

Acrylic sheds microfibers when washed, contributing to microplastic pollution. These tiny plastic particles enter waterways, harm aquatic life, and even end up in our food chain. Studies show that synthetic fibres like acrylic constitute a significant source of microplastics, with up to 85% of shoreline debris being microfibers.

Disposal: The Long-Lasting Problem

Here’s where acrylic yarn’s environmental impact stings: it doesn’t biodegrade. When you’re done with an acrylic project, it can linger in landfills for centuries, adding to global waste challenges. In contrast, natural yarns like wool, cotton, or silk break down over time—cotton and silk within months, and wool in about 50 years. Acrylic’s persistence in the environment and its microplastic shedding make it a significant concern. 

How Does Acrylic Compare to Natural Yarns?

Let’s put acrylic yarn side by side with natural options:

• Production: Acrylic’s energy-heavy, fossil fuel-based production outstrips natural yarns in emissions. Cotton, while water-intensive (10,000-20,000 litres per kilogram), can be grown organically to reduce impact. 
• Use: Natural yarns like wool are breathable and require less washing, saving water and energy. While acrylic is durable, it sheds microplastics and may need more frequent care.
• Disposal: Natural yarns biodegrade, while acrylic lingers, contributing to landfill waste and pollution.

While natural yarns have environmental challenges, their biodegradability gives them an edge over acrylic in terms of long-term sustainability.

A Surprising Alternative: Recycled Acrylic Yarn

Here’s an unexpected gem for eco-conscious crafters: recycled acrylic yarn! This option reduces the demand for virgin petroleum while maintaining durability and versatility.

What Can You Do as a Crafter?

Here are some tips to make your acrylic yarn projects more sustainable:

• Choose High-Quality Acrylic: Opt for durable, well-made yarns to reduce replacements.
• Wash Smart: Use a GUPPYFRIEND washing bag to capture microfibers during laundry, preventing them from entering waterways.
• Repurpose and Upcycle: Turn old acrylic projects into new creations—think patchwork blankets or toy stuffing—instead of sending them to the landfill.
• Explore Alternatives: Consider natural yarns like wool or cotton, or recycled acrylic for a greener synthetic option.
• Support Ethical Brands: Look for companies committed to sustainable practices, from production to packaging.

Final Thoughts: Crafting with Care

So, does acrylic yarn harm the environment? The answer is yes—it poses challenges through its energy-intensive production, microplastic pollution, and non-biodegradable nature. However, its affordability and durability make it a practical choice for many, and you can reduce its impact with mindful practices. You can enjoy the best of both worlds by choosing high-quality acrylic, exploring recycled options, and adopting sustainable habits.

Sources we've used - there's plenty of content out there, but these were super helpful. 

• Cradle to gate environmental impact assessment of acrylic fiber manufacturing, The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment.
• The Water Footprint of the Blue Jean, Fluence Corp.
• Natural vs. Synthetic Yarns: Weighing the Pros and Cons, Zhinkxc.com.
• Life Cycle Assessment of Wool, IWTO.
• The Hidden Costs of Acrylic Yarn: Environmental Impact and Ethical Considerations in Knitting, Medium.
• Reacryl® recycled acrylic, Saco Green.