The fashion industry is known for its fast trends and seasonal collections, which often result in high consumption of resources and emissions. However, in recent years, the industry has seen a growing trend towards sustainability. One way to achieve this is to use recycled polyester as an alternative to virgin polyester.
Polyester is one of the most used materials in the fashion industry because it is durable, easy to care for and inexpensive. It is often used in garments such as jackets, pants, t-shirts, and shirts. However, producing virgin polyester requires a significant amount of energy and raw materials, resulting in a high carbon footprint.
Recycled polyester is made from post-consumer plastics such as PET bottles, old clothing and industrial waste. The process of recycling reduces the need for new raw materials and significantly lowers the carbon footprint. In addition, it reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills or in the environment.
Recycled polyester has properties similar to virgin polyester and can be used in a wide range of clothing and accessories. It's also easy to dye and print, making it a versatile option for designers and manufacturers.
Another benefit of recycled polyester is that it creates a closed loop. By converting already used plastics into new products, the lifespan of these materials is extended and the need to create new materials is reduced.
However, there are also some challenges with using recycled polyester in the fashion industry. Some critics argue that it's still a synthetic material and thus releases microplastics into the environment when washed. In addition, the recycling process requires a significant amount of energy and resources to sort, clean and reuse the material.
Despite these challenges, recycled polyester is increasingly being used in the fashion industry and is being valued by consumers looking for more sustainable fashion options. Many brands have started incorporating recycled polyester into their collections to reduce the carbon footprint of their products and lower their environmental impact. At Matakune you will only find garments made from organically grown cotton and/or recycled polyester.
Overall, recycled polyester can be seen as a more sustainable alternative to virgin polyester in the fashion industry. While there are still challenges, it is a step in the right direction and a way to reduce resource consumption and emissions.
Foto von Polina Tankilevitch: https://www.pexels.com/de-de/foto/plastikflaschen-3735215/