Does nylon shed fewer microplastics than polyester?

Both nylon and polyester shed microplastic fibers, but the amount varies by fabric construction rather than polymer type alone. Generally, loosely woven or knitted fabrics shed more than tightly constructed ones, and cut-edge garments shed more than those with sealed edges. Some studies suggest nylon sheds slightly less than polyester in certain constructions, but neither is meaningfully low.

Both materials are non-biodegradable plastics that persist in the environment for centuries once shed. The specific health concerns differ slightly: polyester contains antimony trioxide from manufacturing, while nylon can release caprolactam. Both absorb and concentrate pollutants from water once they enter the environment, acting as vectors for chemical contamination.

Comparing microplastic shedding rates between synthetic fabrics is ultimately rearranging deck chairs. The meaningful comparison is between any synthetic and natural fibers. Tencel, organic cotton, merino wool, and linen shed only biodegradable fibers that break down naturally. ONDU focuses on this fundamental distinction rather than incremental differences between plastic types.