Polyester, a synthetic fabric that has become a staple in our wardrobes, is known for its affordability and durability. Its fibres are incredibly strong, which means that they don’t tear or pill easily. The fabric is wrinkle-resistant and stains are easy to remove. While it has many benefits for consumers, its impact on the environment is concerning. More than 60% of the world’s textile production is polyester, making it the most commonly used textile for clothing with a high environmental impact.

Polyester is a synthetic material derived from oil, or more precisely from polyethyleentereftalaat (PET), the same material used to make plastic bottles. Its production is energy-intensive and relies on non-renewable resources. Unfortunately, polyester is non-biodegradable and takes more than 200 years to break down into tiny microplastics. These microplastics will exist forever.

Every time you wash your clothes, microplastic fibers are released into the water and our washing machines are unable to filter them out. This means that these particles will flow into our oceans. Studies show that when fish ingest microplastics they will build up in their organs as a deposit and cause a range of adverse health effects. It is estimated that 35% of the microplastics in our oceans come from synthetic textiles. To combat these effects, you can use a Guppy Friend bag or a microplastic filter for your washing machine. This will at least stop the microplastics from going into our oceans. Of course, it is better to buy more environmentally friendly fabrics, such as lyocell, organic cotton, or linen.

Flip the switch

Polyester clothing is often heavily blended with other fabrics, such as elastane or cotton. Recycling blended textiles into new fabrics is very difficult and expensive. Finding sustainable solutions remains essential for the future of our textile industry, emphasizing the need for eco-friendly, single-fibre garments wherever possible.