Recycled Polyester
Introduction
It’s likely that the clothes you are wearing right now have some polyester since polyester makes up about 60% of all clothing. Changing some polyester clothing to recycled polyester clothing is a step toward being more sustainable. Let’s learn about it.
Polyester is Plastic
First, what is polyester? Polyester is a synthetic fabric that's usually derived from petroleum. Petroleum comes from fossil fuels. Fossil fuels contribute significantly to greenhouse emissions. To be simple, polyester is a kind of plastic.
When you wear polyester, you notice it sticks to you more in warmer weather. This is because it doesn't breathe as well as something like cotton. It doesn't breathe because it is plastic.
What is Recycled Polyester?
Instead of using oil to make our clothing, many companies have started to use recycled polyester. Recycled polyester is made from PET (Polyethylene terephthalate). PET is often used to make clear single-use plastic bottles. Recycled polyester is, therefore, often referred to as rPET.
Recycled Polyester vs Virgin Polyester
Virgin polyester is original polyester created directly from petroleum. Recycled polyester is created from recycled materials, like single-use water bottles. Virgin polyester, therefore, requires much more energy and produces much more carbon dioxide. While recycled polyester still requires a lot of energy (specifically heat), it uses less energy and carbon dioxide than virgin.
Pros and Cons of Recycled Polyester
Pros
Reduces the need for new petroleum-based polyester, lowering environmental impact and carbon footprint by conserving energy and raw materials.
Repurposes post-consumer plastic waste, helping to reduce the amount of plastic in landfills and oceans.
Requires less energy compared to manufacturing new polyester.
Requires less water than producing new polyester.
Supports a more circular economy by extending the life of existing materials and reducing dependence on new resources.
Cons
Recycling of PET may include the use of chemicals.
The recycling process still requires energy, sometimes from non-renewable resources.
Like traditional polyester, recycled polyester fabrics can shed microfibers during washing, contributing to microplastic pollution.
Recycled polyester can have a higher cost due to the recycling process.
Recycled polyester is still not biodegradable.
Conclusion
While there are cons to recycled polyester, we hope new innovations produce pathways to continue decreasing non-biodegradable waste and microplastic pollution. Stepping Green believes that every small change can make a positive difference. Recycled polyester is a GREAT alternative to virgin polyester.
Check out our shop, which offers shirts made of organic cotton and some recycled polyester. The combination makes a great lightweight, soft material for comfortable wear. Subscribe to our email list to get a 20% off code!
