Microplastics
Material-class model assumption
Acrylic is recorded as Synthetic and tied to Polyacrylonitrile, which drives the material's microplastics score pressure.
Synthetic
Polyacrylonitrile
Acrylic clothing: health and sustainability score
Acrylic is a synthetic fiber, not wool, even when a knit has a wool-like appearance. Read the blend rather than treating a soft or fuzzy surface as a fiber identifier.
Where it shows up
For sweaters, hats and scarves, compare the full composition, knit structure and care. A similar appearance does not establish equivalent warmth, durability or skin comfort.
What the evidence supports
Acrylic fabrics were included in the 2016 washing study on synthetic microfiber release. Its results concern the tested fabrics and conditions, not every acrylic item.
What remains unknown
The label cannot establish a garment-specific shedding rate, pilling performance, dye inventory or personal exposure.
Primary sources
- Textile fibre names and definitions, Annex I (European Union)
- Release of synthetic microplastic plastic fibres from domestic washing machines: Effects of fabric type and washing conditions (Marine Pollution Bulletin)
Reviewed 2026-09-05.
How the model interprets this fiber
Greener Closet scores the disclosed share using the corresponding MaterialsDB record. Its factor defaults are model assumptions, not product testing, a factory life-cycle assessment or independently validated quantitative calibration.
Very high concern
PFAS uncertainty
Material-class model assumption
Acrylic receives a PFAS uncertainty penalty because performance synthetics and finish-dependent uses can make PFAS claims harder to verify from a label alone.
Half-life and biodegradability
Material-class model assumption
Acrylic is treated as slow to break down, so half-life and biodegradability are major sustainability concerns.
Fiber shedding
Material-class model assumption
Acrylic can shed fibers during wear and washing; the MaterialsDB shedding penalty captures that release risk.
Manufacturing energy
Material-class model assumption
Acrylic carries a manufacturing-energy penalty, so production impacts remain part of the score even when microplastic risk is low.
Other fibers to compare
Wool
The natural fiber acrylic is most often substituted for in sweaters and knits; no recorded microplastic source.
Organic Cotton
A plant-fiber option for lighter-weight knits where wool feels too warm.
Recycled Polyester
Still synthetic, but reduces virgin petroleum demand compared with virgin acrylic.
Best next step
Paste the full fabric label into the homepage checker. A 95% cotton, 5% elastane garment will not score the same as 100% cotton, and the checker handles those percentages.
Use the material-label checkerRelated scored products
40 visible scored products include Acrylic.
Winterfall Jumper Cloud Cream
Brand: Indigo Luna
51/100
Women'sSweaters
Cable-Knit Cardigan
Brand: H&M
50/100
Women'sSweaters
Sweater
Brand: H&M
50/100
Women'sSweaters
Double Breasted Wool Blend Coat
Brand: Lauren Ralph Lauren
46/100
Women'sCoats and Jackets
CashSoft Crewneck Sweater
Brand: Gap
45/100
Women'sSweatersSweatshirts
CashSoft Sweater Zip Hoodie
Brand: Gap
45/100
Women'sSweatersSweatshirts
Pull doublé
Brand: Uniqlo
42/100
Unisex
Lightweight Ankle Alpaca Socks
Brand: Norlander Sock Company
39/100
UnisexSocks
Common questions
Does Acrylic clothing shed microplastics?
Acrylic is listed in MaterialsDB with Polyacrylonitrile. That is a default scoring input for microplastic shedding, not a lab result for every finished garment.
Is Acrylic biodegradable?
Acrylic carries a half-life penalty in MaterialsDB, meaning persistence and biodegradability are important concerns.
How should I check a Acrylic blend?
Use the Greener Closet material-label checker with the full percentage label, because blends can change the final score even when Acrylic is only one part of the garment.