EVO®: the nylon alternative from castor oil
The seed capsules of the castor plant, also known as the castor oil plant or wonder tree, are the source of a partly plant-based polyamide yarn: EVO® by Fulgar. It is the basis of our sheer stockings.
EVO® by Fulgar is a polyamide 6.10. Some of the building blocks of this plastic are obtained from castor seed oil, the rest from petrochemical raw materials. This is spun into a fine, smooth yarn: the basis of our sheer stockings and ankle socks.
Properties of EVO®
Fulgar states the following properties for the yarn:
- Low weight compared with polyester
- Dries faster than conventional polyamide
- High elasticity
- Holds its shape after wear
These figures come from the yarn manufacturer and refer to the fibre.
Castor is an undemanding crop that is not grown as food. Fulgar states that it is cultivated without artificial irrigation and does not take up land used for growing food.
What we are not claiming here: EVO® is not a natural material. It is a plastic whose raw material base is partly plant-based. It is not biodegradable, and it does not solve the microfibre issue.
EVO® at erlich textil
We use EVO® for our sheer stockings and ankle socks. Sheer tights need a very fine, elastic yarn: natural fibres can't do that. If a plastic has to be used here anyway, we'd rather choose one with a partly plant-based raw material base.
Proper care for EVO®
Washing:
Sheer stockings made from EVO® are best hand-washed with hair shampoo at a maximum of 40 °C. Alternatively, use a laundry bag with a mild detergent on a delicate cycle, which protects the fine fabric from friction.
Drying:
Dry in the fresh air, not in the tumble dryer and not on the radiator. Heat damages the elastane fibres: the stockings lose their shape faster and the colour can fade.
Ironing:
Not necessary. Thanks to its high elasticity, EVO® smooths itself out again as you wear it.
