Polyester vs. Recycled Polyester: Which is More Sustainable?

Here's a comparison of the environmental friendliness of polyester (regular plastic fabric) and recycled polyester (fabric made from recycled plastic):

1. Raw Material Sources

* Regular Polyester: Made from newly extracted petroleum, extracted and processed like gasoline.
* Recycled Polyester: Recycled from waste plastic bottles and old clothes, turning waste into new fabric.

2. Pollution During Production

* Regular Polyester: High electricity consumption and large emissions during factory production.
* Wastewater may contain chemicals, polluting rivers.
* Recycled Polyester: Skips the oil extraction step, resulting in lower electricity consumption in factories.
* However, washing plastic bottles requires strong detergents, which may leave trace amounts of toxins.

3. Usage Issues

* Both have disadvantages: Washing clothes may leave "plastic shavings" (microplastics), which can enter rivers and seas, potentially ending up on the dinner table.
* They are prone to pilling and deformation after prolonged wear.
* Special Reminder: Recycled polyester is more susceptible to heat damage; ironing can cause it to shrink and harden.

4. The Fate of Disposal

*Regular Polyester: Buried in the ground, it won't decompose for 200 years; burning it will cause it to rot and emit toxic fumes.
*Recycled Polyester: Although originally made from waste, it's harder to recycle after being made into clothing, and most of it ends up in landfills.
*Which is more environmentally friendly?
*In the short term: Recycled polyester is better (less oil extraction, less burden on landfills).
*In the long term: Neither is truly environmentally friendly; the fundamental problem remains unsolved.