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What is Olefin?

By O. Wallace
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 123,128
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Olefin, also known as polypropylene or polyethylene, is a long-chain polymer synthetic fiber. It is created when ethylene and/or propylene gases are polymerized under very specific conditions. The fiber was first manufactured in the late 1950s, and has myriad applications in manufacturing, household products, and clothing. Its use has steadily increased since the 1960s, and it continues to gain in popularity every year as new uses for this easy, durable material are found.

To create olefin, the polymers are melted to a liquid, then run through a machine called a spinneret, which forces the material through small holes to produce a long fiber. This fiber is then used to make the fabric or the end product in which it will be used. Because the material resists dyeing, any dye must be added during the melting process instead of to the final fabric or product. Many companies favor this product because of its easy, inexpensive manufacturing process. Surprisingly, that material is relatively environmentally friendly due to the few byproducts produced when it's made. Olefin is also easily recycled.

There are several benefits of using olefin. It is very tough and hard wearing, colorfast, and stain resistant. The lightweight material — it has the lightest “specific gravity” of any other fabric — dries quickly and wicks sweat and water from the skin. Materials made with the fabric holds their shape extremely well, making it good for packing and active use. It also produces very little static, and weathers well in the sun, as long as special stabilizers are added during manufacturing. Olefin is also highly resistant to deterioration from chemicals and moisture. One of the drawbacks of this material is that, because it has a low melting point, it is flammable and will melt if exposed to high heat.

Olefin is manufactured under several different names, including some very well known ones such as Tyvek® by DuPont®, Thinsulate® by 3M® and Duraguard® by Kimberly-Clark®. The material is used in a range of products, including active wear, clothing, car and furniture upholstery, truck liners, indoor/outdoor carpeting, wallpaper/wallcoverings, bedding construction, and ropes. It is also used in cigarette filters and diapers. In clothing, it is easy to care for, and can be washed normally and line dried or dried on low heat. Due to its sensitivity to heat, clothing made with this material should be kept away from the iron and other sources of extreme heat.

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Discussion Comments
By anon347513 — On Sep 07, 2013

I love Olefin. It's indestructible, even when I used bleach on it in a moment of frustration. No damage whatsoever to the carpet. It lasts and lasts.

By anon124447 — On Nov 05, 2010

Bottom line: it's toxic. "The same chemical property (presence of double bonds) that makes the olefins useful may also cause them to be toxic in the body." Please look for olefin at the US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.

By anon117059 — On Oct 09, 2010

Olefin is toxic. I had to throw away my throw carpets I had because they made me cough and fill up with excess mucus. Once I removed the carpets my symptoms disappeared. Then I remembered about six years ago I purchased a new couch made of olefin fibers and I had the same symptoms back then that started immediately after purchasing my new furniture. Once I placed thick cotton slipcovers over my furniture it alleviated my symptoms.

By anon115349 — On Oct 01, 2010

Fern W: Microfibers are usually made out of polyester, which is more durable than Olefin. Olefin carpet can be melted by simply pushing a heavy chair over it.

By anon112203 — On Sep 19, 2010

I am so allergic to this product. I purchased a carpet made of this and I became sick. I could not determine what was wrong with me. I removed the carpet and I became well.

I will never purchase a product made of this this stuff again.

By dustyrose — On Jan 03, 2010

What do i use on olefin to extend its life?

By anon46933 — On Sep 30, 2009

Ethylene (ethene) and propylene (propene) are olefins. Polyethylene and polypropylene are Polyolefins.

By anon36430 — On Jul 12, 2009

Is the manufacture and installation of olefin yard in the form of carpets harmful to humans in any way? i.e. -- breathing, allergies, out-gasing, toxic by-products, etc. In comparison to natural products, how does it rate regarding these concerns?

By FernW — On Feb 20, 2009

I'm considering buying a recliner that is made of 100% Olefin. Until I had seen this recliner, I was really in the market for something made with a microfiber.

Currently, I have 5 cats that are not declawed and shred the furniture. Do you think that the Olefin will hold up to the cats as well as microfiber would?

By anon16459 — On Aug 06, 2008

Is Olefin harmful to humans when breathed on a daily basis?

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