Polyester

Polyester is a general term for any kind of fabric or textile made using polyester threads or fibres. It is shortened name for a synthetic artificial polymer, more commonly known as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). It is made by mixing ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid.

Polyester is therefore a petroleum-based synthetic artificial material which is widely used in the textile industry. It accounts for 70% of the synthetic textile fibres used in clothing, and 42 million tonnes of it are produced each year. Polyester is valued for its strength, elasticity, low absorbency and anti-UV properties, and is therefore found everywhere: in sportswear, swimwear, summer clothes, bags, etc.

Pros

Polyester is versatile and can be used in a variety of ways, from making plastic objects to textiles. This material has a long service life as it is resistant to shrinkage, stretching, friction, heat, crumpling and scratching, as well as many chemicals.

The fibres used to create polyester are both very strong and light. The polyester fabric is easy to dye and also to maintain. It is a quick-drying material and therefore a popular choice for outdoor clothing and items (sportswear, jackets, wipes, backpacks, etc.).

Cons

The main problem with synthetic fabrics such as polyester is that they do not breathe. This is due to their very low ability to absorb moisture.

Polyester is a highly polluting material throughout its whole life cycle. Every year, 70 million barrels of oil are needed for the textile industry to manufacture polyester fibres. And we know that oil is a non-renewable fossil energy source that is harmful to the environment!

Producing this synthetic material, similar to plastic, generates a lot of emissions that are toxic to the environment, such as sodium bromide or titanium dioxide. This causes significant air and water pollution. In addition, its manufacturing process is water and energy-intensive.

We can make your next polyester items, but we can also offer you in particular new recycled or non-fossil-derived materials to help you reduce your environmental footprint. Feel free to contact us to discuss your future project.