Polyester fibre

1-7.5 usd/kg
Circularity potential
Medium
Strength
High
Production energy
Very high
Stiffness
Low
Embodied CO2
Medium
Density
Medium

Polyester fibre is the most common of the synthetic fibres. Of the different types, polyethylene terephthalate (abbreviated as PETE or PET) is the most common. It is cheap, strong, durable, crease-resistant and quick drying. It has an inherently glossy surface, which has become recognisable in low cost garments. And its resistance to water means it can feel clammy in warm weather when worn close to the skin. Developments in chemistry and ultra soft microfibres, as well as its water-shedding quality for outer layers, are helping polyester to overcome its cheap reputation.

Polyester may be partially, or wholly, derived from potentially renewable materials. Certain types, such as polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT), may have renewable ingredients as part of their fundamental chemistry, which may or may not be advantageous, depending on the source of the material.

Polyester fibre can be found in all types of textiles, including apparel and outdoor gear, fashion fabrics, fancy pile and metallics, carpets, geotextiles, tensile fabric structures used in architecture and industrial fabrics.


Sustainability concerns
Non-renewable ingredients
Raw material generates polluting by-products
Microplastics


Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) yarn is similar to PET, except it has around one-third better elastic recovery. This means PBT fabrics will return to their original shape more readily, even after extreme strain, which helps to ensure comfortable, body-hugging garments. For example in knitted sportswear, garments, swimwear and hoisery. It is used as a textured (crimped) yarn and feels softer, and can be dyed to produce more saturated, brilliant colour than PET. Similar to PET, is has good resistance to chemicals (such as chlorine) and colour-fastness. As a thermoplastic, it is compatible with pleating, crimping and folding with heat, to form permanent 3D structures.


Design properties
Cost usd/kg
3.5-5
Embodied energy MJ/kg
100
Carbon footprint kgCO2e/kg
4-4.9
Density kg/m3
1300
Tensile modulus GPa
1.5-7
Tensile strength MPa
700
Hardness Mohs
2
Melt flow rate g/10 min (260 C/2.16 kg)
250
Temperature min-max °C
-40 to 60
Thermal
insulator
Electrical
insulator