Originally invented in the 1940s, polyester has a notorious history of being one of the worst fabrics for the environment. A synthetic fiber, polyester is petroleum based, meaning it’s made from a non-renewable resource. It requires double the energy of conventional cotton to produce and is not biodegradable. Thanks to its durability and wrinkle-resistant qualities, polyester remains one of the most popular fibers in the fashion industry.
Instead of using non-renewable petroleum as its raw source, recycled polyester is made of PET, commonly found in clear plastic water bottles. Recycling this material into fabrics prevents it from going into landfills and into ecosystems.
Talk about a double whammy.
Recycled polyester is made by melting down existing plastics and recreating it as new polyester fiber. Like recycled cotton, it is attained through both pre-consumer and post-consumer materials and uses less resources than its traditional counterpart.
Just like traditional polyester, recycled polyester is used for its strength, durability, performance and versatility.
