How to Start A Nylon Production Business

Do you want to start a nylon production business? If so, find here a stepwise business plan guide on starting a nylon production manufacturing company with the production process, licenses, permits, machinery, etc.

The nylon production business is perfect for those who have technical skills and knowledge about the production process and market. Nylon is considered a synthetic polymer (PE Films) and refers to a segment of polymers called linear polyamides.

Globally, nylon demand is expected to increase from 2.3 per cent to 3.5 per cent from 2013-18. Nylon is more popular as the fibre used in the manufacturing of carpets and stockings. However, a significant part of global nylon production is utilized in the production of engineering polymers.

8-Step Nylon Production Plan Guide

1. Market Opportunity For Nylon 

Some of the major products where nylon is used as a potential raw material are blouses, dresses, foundation garments, hosiery, lingerie, underwear, raincoats, ski apparel, windbreakers, swimwear, cyclewear, home furnishings, Bedspreads, carpets, curtains, upholstery, etc.

Apart from these nylon has very potential industrial applications also. Such as tire cords, hoses, conveyor and seat belts, parachutes, racket strings, ropes and nets, sleeping bags, tarpaulins, tents, thread, monofilament fishing line, dental floss, and packaging industry. The demand for nylon fiber is ever-increasing and initiating a nylon production business is a profitable small-scale manufacturing opportunity worldwide.

2. Learn the Characteristics of Nylon 

Some of the beneficial characteristics of nylon fiber are responsible for making nylon so popular and effective raw material in various industries.

• Exceptionally strong
• Elastic
• Abrasion-resistant
• Lustrous
• Easy to wash
• Resistant to damage from oil and many chemicals
• Can be pre-coloured or dyed in a wide range of colours
• Resilient
• Melts instead of burning
• Transparent to infrared light (−12 dB)
• Low moisture absorbency
• Filament yarns provide smooth, soft, long-lasting fabrics
• Spun yarns lend fabrics lightweight and warmth

3. Create a Nylon Production Business Plan

In starting a nylon production business, creating a comprehensive business plan is mandatory. A well-written business plan will help you in getting finance and in day-to-day business operations. First, you must decide on what specific quality of nylon you will going to produce.

Before making the decision, doing intensive market research is advisable. You will need to determine the manufacturing process, required machinery, raw materials, staffing, and marketing plan. These will help you in getting a feasibility study about the business, and figuring out how much startup capital you need including fixed and working capital.

4. Legal Requirements and Registrations

Register your business with the appropriate government authorities. Choose a suitable legal structure (e.g., sole proprietorship, LLC, or corporation).

Read: What Is a Limited Liability Company (LLC) 

It is advised to check local and national regulations for manufacturing and chemical production. Obtain the necessary licenses and permits as required.

In addition, Ensure compliance with environmental regulations, especially if your production process involves chemicals. Implement proper waste disposal and safety measures.

5. Select a Proper Location for Nylon Production Manufacturing Unit 

In initiating a nylon production company, selecting the right location for manufacturing activity is important. First, check the license and permissions needed from your location’s Government Authority.

Select a place that allows you to get smooth processing of licensing factors such as factory permission and pollution with no objection (if required). Commercial electricity is also required. It is always recommended to select a place within the industrial zone.

6. Machinery & Raw Materials

In initiating a small-scale nylon production unit, you can go for a semi-automatic process. The main required machinery is an extruder, blower, cutting machine, punching machine, and sealing machine. According to your specific requirement with the desired production output, you can start manufacturing with locally fabricated machines. As your business grows, you can convert your manufacturing operation to a fully automatic mode.

Major raw materials for nylon production are bye by-products of petrochemical processing that are obtained from refineries. These main raw materials are polythene and polyethene. Other basic petrochemical products from which nylon is made include Escorene, Lupine, Dow, B.A.S.F., etc.

7. Nylon Production Process

There are two common methods of making nylon for fibre applications. One method is, that molecules with an acid (COOH) group on each end are reacted with molecules containing amine (NH2) groups on each end. The resulting nylon is named based on the number of carbon atoms separating the two acid groups and the two amines.

Thus nylon 6,6 which is widely used for fibers is made from adipic acid and hexamethylenediamine. The two compounds form a salt, known as nylon salt, with an exact 1:1 ratio of acid to base. This salt is then dried and heated under a vacuum to eliminate water and form the polymer.

In another method, a compound containing an amine at one end and an acid at the other is polymerized to form a chain with repeating units of (-NH-[CH2]n-CO-)x. If n=5, the nylon is referred to as nylon 6, another common form of this polymer. The commercial production of nylon 6 begins with caprolactam and uses a ring-opening polymerization.

In both cases, the polyamide is melt-spun and drawn after cooling to give the desired properties for each intended use. Industrial nylon production and carpet fibres begin with an aqueous solution of monomers and proceed continuously through polymerization, spinning, drawing, or drawing-texturing.

Like any manufacturing initiative, the nylon production business also demands a core emphasis on design, integration, and improvement of the manufacturing system and process.

Marketing and Distribution

Create a brand identity and logo for your nylon products. You must invest in professional packaging to enhance product appeal.
Distribution:

It is important to determine your distribution channels. It can be sold directly to consumers, wholesalers, or through retailers.

Also, Establish an online presence through a website and social media platforms to reach a wider audience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of nylon products can I produce?

You can produce various nylon products, including nylon sheets, rods, tubes, filaments, fabrics, and industrial components.

How can I ensure the quality of my nylon products?

It is strongly advised to implement rigorous quality control processes throughout the production cycle. Also, invest in testing equipment to check for strength, durability, and other specifications.

Where can I find suppliers for raw materials?

You must look for reputable suppliers of nylon resins and additives within your region or consider importing materials based on cost-effectiveness.

Are there any environmental concerns in nylon production?

Yes, nylon production may involve the use of chemicals. You need to ensure proper waste disposal and comply with environmental regulations.

How can I market my nylon products effectively?

It is advisable to develop a strong online presence, attend industry trade shows, and establish relationships with distributors and retailers. Also, highlight the quality and durability of your products in marketing materials.

What are some trends in the nylon industry?

New trends include the use of recycled and sustainable materials, the development of high-performance nylons, and innovations in nylon applications, such as in 3D printing.