Choosing the Right Sustainable Nylon for Apparel, Bags & Outdoor Gear

As sustainable materials continue to reshape the textile industry, recycled nylon fabric has become a core category for brands seeking lower-impact performance materials. Among all recycled nylon types, the two most commonly discussed are Recycled Nylon 6 (rPA6) and Recycled Nylon 66 (rPA66) — but they are not the same.

This guide explains the key differences, raw-material origins, performance characteristics, and when brands should choose one over the other.
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1. What Are Recycled Nylon 6 and Recycled Nylon 66?

Both materials are produced by depolymerizing waste nylon and regenerating it into new recycled nylon yarn.
The difference lies in the original polymer structure:

• Recycled Nylon 6 → made from polyamide-6 waste (e.g., fishing nets, industrial waste).

• Recycled Nylon 66 → made from polyamide-66 waste (e.g., airbags, industrial fiber scraps).

Because of the different chemical chains, the performance, cost, and availability vary significantly.

2. Raw-Material Sources: The Biggest Difference

Recycled Nylon 6 (rPA6) Sources

• Post-consumer fishing nets

• Industrial textile waste

• Carpet fluff

• Packaging and filament waste

rPA6 sources are abundant, making it easier to collect and recycle at scale.

Recycled Nylon 66 (rPA66) Sources

• Airbag fabric (high-strength PA66)

• Industrial yarn and leftover scraps

• Automotive components

• Some PA66-based carpets

These sources are far more limited, which is why recycled nylon 66 is rare and more expensive.

3. Performance Comparison

Recycled Nylon 6 – Features

• Softer hand feel

• Excellent dyeing consistency

• Good abrasion resistance

• Lower melting point → easier processing

• Widely available for apparel and bags

Ideal for: windbreakers, down jackets, activewear, backpacks, lightweight outdoor gear

Recycled Nylon 66 – Features

• Higher melting point (better heat resistance)

• Higher tensile & tear strength

• Better dimensional stability

• Superior durability

Ideal for: technical outerwear, workwear, airbags, industrial outdoor gear, premium equipment

Because PA66 has stronger hydrogen bonding, its recycled version still retains much of the original strength — making it suitable for high-demand, high-performance applications.

4. Sustainability: Which One Is Better?

Both recycled nylon 6 and recycled nylon 66 significantly reduce:

• Oil consumption

• Greenhouse gas emissions

• Landfill waste

• Ocean pollution (especially recycled Nylon 6 from fishing nets)

However:

• rPA6 has the larger environmental impact reduction due to its broader recycling supply chain.

• rPA66 recycling volume is smaller, but each kg replaces high-performance virgin PA66, resulting in strong material efficiency gains.

Both are excellent sustainable choices, depending on performance requirements.

5. Cost & Availability

If your brand needs price-friendly, scalable sustainable nylon fabric, rPA6 is the better option.
If your brand targets premium technical nylon fabric, rPA66 is worth the investment.

6. How Should Brands Choose?

Choose Recycled Nylon 6 if you need:

✔ lower cost
✔ soft hand feel
✔ versatile dyeing
✔ lightweight apparel fabric
✔ everyday outdoor products

Choose Recycled Nylon 66 if you need:

✔ superior tear strength
✔ heat resistance
✔ long-term durability
✔ engineering-level stability
✔ performance outerwear or gear

Final Thoughts

Both recycled nylon 6 and recycled nylon 66 play vital roles in the sustainable material ecosystem.
As nylon fabric manufacturers continue to innovate — from GRS-certified recycled yarns to new eco-friendly finishing — brands can now choose more responsible nylon options without compromising performance.

If you need recycled nylon fabric for jackets, bags, tents, or technical outdoor gear, our team at Gingertex can help recommend the right grade for your application.