Raw Materials
Of the major synthetic fibers, polypropylene (PP) is the only one that is created as a by-product—with lower greenhouse gas emissions and lower energy use than other fiber resins.
Manufacturing
Manufacturing PP fiber from polypropylene is a process with low impact on the environment—no toxic waste, no toxic emissions, no fluorocarbons and no halogens.
Converting
The manufacture of products from PP staple fiber has low environmental impact:
- Low melting point reduces the amount of energy needed to create products
- Low moisture pickup requires less energy to dry products (if needed)
- Scrap/waste from converting operations is recyclable/reusable in manufacturing operations
- No toxic emissions or wastes
Use in Product Manufacturing
PP fiber has many properties that contribute to sustainable use. PP fiber is:
- Chemically inert, so it doesn’t break down with harmful effects on health or the environment
- Low in density, so less of it is needed than other fibers to make products
- Durable, so products using it can last longer and don’t need rapid replacement
- Easily cleaned without high energy or environmentally unfriendly methods
Disposal
PP staple fiber has a very high calorific value when incinerated as part of a mixed waste stream, providing a high energy value for the amount of CO2 emitted. It’s also clean burning, with no toxic emissions.