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A versatile synthetic fibre known for durability and moisture resistance

about
Polyester

Cheap, durable, and everywhere, polyester is also one of fashion’s biggest environmental threats

Polyester is a petroleum-based fibre made from plastics such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), dimethyl terephthalate (DMT), and monoethylene glycol (MEG). It is the most widely used fibre in fashion, valued for its durability and versatility, but its production is energy-intensive, polluting, and reliant on non-renewable resources.

Once produced, polyester does not biodegrade and releases microplastic fibres during wear and washing, which pollute oceans, soils, and enter the food chain. Although recycled polyester (rPET) is available, most is made from recycled plastic bottles rather than textile waste and remains a plastic fibre with environmental limitations.

Where possible, textile-to-textile recycled polyester should be prioritised, as it helps close the loop within the fashion industry by reprocessing discarded garments and production scraps back into new fibres, reducing dependence on virgin inputs and tackling textile waste at its source.

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Material sourcing and treatments often carry hidden social, environmental, and animal welfare risks. We help brands understand what they're using, and what it means.

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