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Polyester fibre
1-7.5 usd/kg
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.
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Sustainability concerns
Microplastics
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is uniquely placed as a recyclable material. Its use in packaging containers, in particular drinks bottles, provides a reliable and steady stream of high quality recyclable material. In addition, the molecular structure and chemistry of PET mean it maintains stable crystallisation, thermal and mechanical properties throughout recycling, which are often closely comparable to virgin material. Therefore, it can be used as a direct replacement in many cases.
rPET is available as semi-crystalline (opaque) and amorphous (transparent). It is converted back into packaging – rPET is available that can be used in food contact applications – as well as textiles for fashion and moulded automotive parts, for example.
It is a valuable recycled material, desirable for many applications and sought after by companies wishing to reduce their use of virgin material. As a result, it tends to be more expensive.
Some studies have raised concerns about the generation of microplastics during plastic recycling. PCR material is shredded and washed – the water carries tiny fragments of plastics into the environment if not very carefully filtered. It is therefore essential to ensure the source of recycled material is not adding additional negative environmental impacts during processing.
