Synthetics

Synthetics, like polyester, nylon, polyurethane (PU), and acrylic are some of the most used materials in the fashion industry.

In 2021, synthetic fibers accounted for 20% of the materials used by Tommy Hilfiger – 12% polyester, 5% nylon, 2% spandex/elastane and 1% polyurethan. We are committed to phasing out the use of virgin oil-based polyester and obtaining 40% of our nylon fibers from recycled sources by 2025.

According to Textile Exchange, conventional synthetics are made from polymers derived from crude oil and require energy intensive processes to develop. These fibers can be used alone or blended with different fibers to make different fabrics and textiles in clothing. Here are the most common synthetic materials used by Tommy Hilfiger:

  • Polyester – one of the most widespread and versatile fibers in the fashion industry. It is long-lasting, wrinkle-free, easy-to-clean.
  • Nylon – a popular synthetic performance material commonly used in tights, stockings, activewear, swimwear, and other technical performance apparel due to its stretch and durability.
  • Polyurethane, or PU – a class of material that was created as an alternative to natural rubber. It can be flexible or rigid, and is waterproof, durable, and easy to clean. Polyurethane is commonly used for waterproof coatings in footwear, apparel, and accessories, or as an alternative to leather.
  • Acrylic – a synthetic material commonly used as an alternative to wool. Acrylic is used for a range of products, including jackets, sweaters, sweatshirts, and activewear.

While synthetics offer functional benefits, clothes made from them can release plastic fibers, known as microfibers. Microfibers are a pollutant that can produce a range of impacts on water, ecosystems, wildlife and people. This is an ongoing challenge the apparel industry is facing, and we are committed to investigating innovative technologies coming into the market to help solve this issue on a more systemic level. We are actively exploring microfiber mitigation opportunities through industry forums such as The Microfibre Consortium. Through participation in the Consortium and alignment with their roadmap, we will not only integrate effective solutions into our supply chain programs, but also better understand microfiber shedding in our product portfolio, contributing to the larger industry understanding of microfiber pollution and mitigation opportunities. Right now though, as a customer, you can help reduce the release of microfibers by washing at a cold temperature or using specialised laundry bags during your washing routine.

The more sustainable synthetics mentioned on our hangtags are discussed below:

Recycled polyester, often called rPET, is a fiber made using plastic waste, like water bottles and fabric scraps. It is a preferred alternative to conventional polyester because it helps divert plastic waste from landfills and reduce the environmental impact that comes from the oil extraction needed for new polyester.

The plastics used to create recycled polyester can come from pre- or post-consumer recycled sources.

  • Pre-Consumer Recycled Materials  – These are materials diverted from waste streams during the manufacturing process. For example, leftover plastics from manufacturing facilities.      
  • Post-Consumer Recycled Materials – These are materials generated by households or commercial and industrial facilities. When these products can no longer be used for their intended purpose and are recycled, they are then determined to be post-consumer.

Tommy Hilfiger requires recycled polyester to have Global Recycled Standard (GRS) or Recycled Content Standard (RCS) certification.

Recycled nylon can be made from materials like fishing nets, carpet flooring, and industrial plastics that are melted down and spun into new recycled nylon fiber. Recycling nylon gives a second life to a material that would otherwise end up as waste.

Recycled nylon is a preferred alternative to conventional nylon because it helps to divert plastic waste from landfills and reduces the environmental impact that comes from the oil extraction needed for new nylon fiber.

The plastics used to create recycled nylon can come from pre- or post-consumer recycled sources.

  • Pre-Consumer Recycled Materials – Materials diverted from waste streams during the manufacturing process, for example, leftover cutting scraps, faulty carpets, or fishing nets from manufacturing facilities.
  • Post-Consumer Recycled Materials – Materials generated by households or commercial and industrial facilities, such as carpets, fishing nets and worn garments that are no longer used. When these products can no longer be used for their intended purpose and are recycled, they are then determined to be post-consumer.

Tommy Hilfiger requires recycled nylon to have Global Recycled Standard (GRS) or Recycled Content Standard (RCS) certification. 

ECONYL® regenerated nylon is made from nylon waste, like fishing nets, fabric scraps, carpet flooring and industrial plastic. It helps to divert plastic waste from landfills and reduce the environmental impact that comes from the oil extraction needed for new nylon. Through a regeneration process, the nylon waste is recycled back to its original purity. That means ECONYL® nylon fiber is as versatile as new petroleum-based nylon.

Tommy Hilfiger requires ECONYL® recycled nylon to have Global Recycled Standard (GRS) or Recycled Content Standard (RCS) certification. 

Recycled polyurethane (PU) is as pure and equal quality as petroleum-based PU. It can be made with both pre-and post-consumer materials that are melted into new resin or shredded, ground and then blended with a bonding agent. Due to its wide application in many industries, recycled polyurethane can come from mattresses, the auto industry and the construction sector.

Recycled polyurethane is a preferred alternative to conventional PU, because it helps divert plastic waste from landfills, and reduce environmental impact that comes from the oil extraction needed for new polyurethane.

The plastics used to create recycled polyurethane can come from pre- or post-consumer recycled sources.

  • Pre-Consumer Recycled Materials – These are materials diverted from waste streams during the manufacturing process. For example, using leftover cutting scraps from manufacturing facilities.
  • Post-Consumer Recycled Materials – Materials generated by households or commercial and industrial facilities. When these products can no longer be used for their intended purpose and are recycled, they are then determined to be post-consumer.

Tommy Hilfiger requires recycled polyurethane to have Global Recycled Standard (GRS) or Recycled Content Standard (RCS) certification.

Recycled acrylic is a preferred alternative to conventional acrylic because it helps reduce resource depletion and environmental impact caused by oil extraction.

Recycled acrylic can be made with both pre-and post-consumer materials that are melted down and spun into new recycled acrylic fiber. This recycled acrylic gives a second life to a material that would otherwise end up in a landfill or the ocean.

The plastics used to create recycled acrylic can come from pre- or post-consumer recycled sources.

  • Pre-Consumer Recycled Materials – These are materials diverted from waste streams during the manufacturing process. For example, using leftover cutting scraps from manufacturing facilities.
  • Post-Consumer Recycled Materials – Materials generated by households or commercial and industrial facilities. When these products can no longer be used for their intended purpose and are recycled, they are then determined to be post-consumer.

Tommy Hilfiger requires recycled acrylic to have Global Recycled Standard (GRS) or Recycled Content Standard (RCS) certification.