EDUCATION: How sustainable is recycled polyester?

27. August 2020 | Material, Waste | via Fashionunited.uk

__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__treehugger__images__2018__10__everlane_fleece_with_water_bottle-6155451fc0ad46f38499953c3c7856d7

U.S.-based fashion retailer Everlane has committed to eliminating virgin plastic from its entire supply chain by 2021 (Credit: Everlane)

Nearly half of the world’s clothing is made of polyester and this amount is said to nearly double by 2030, states Marjorie van Elven in her article on fashionunited.uk. The athleisure trend causes an increasing number of consumers to look for stretchier, more resistant garments, which are commonly made from crude oil. However Textile Exchange, a global nonprofit that creates leaders in the preferred fiber and materials industry, encourages apparel and retail companies (including giants like Adidas, H&M, Gap and Ikea) to increase their use of rPET (recycled polyester) and seams to be quite successful with that. 

Marjorie’s article puts a light on the use of rPET and explains the pros and cons.

How Plastic Bottles Are Recycled Into Polyester