What is Recycled Polyester?

Ever wonder how your favorite fleece jacket or cozy blanket came to be? If you’ve purchased any clothing within the past decade, it’s likely that you’ve stumbled upon at least one garment made from recycled polyester. What is recycled polyester, you ask? This high-achiever material keeps you warm and stylish and gives those tossed plastic bottles a second life. 

Join us as we explore the beauties of recycled polyester, from its intriguing history to its transformative power and eco-friendly allure.

What is Polyester?

We know it as the unsung hero of our wardrobes, but what is polyester made from? Polyester is a synthetic fiber sourced from petroleum, a by-product of crude oil refining. 

Unlike natural fibers like cotton or linen, polyester boasts remarkable durability and wrinkle resistance. This unique blend of strength and flexibility makes recycled polyester a staple in a vast range of products, from athletic wear engineered for high performance to cozy home furnishings designed for enduring comfort. Its versatility knows no bounds. 

Polyester fibers are crafted through a process called polymerization. Polymerization transforms recycled plastic bottles into new polyester fabric by breaking them down into smaller molecules, then linking them together and spinning them into durable, eco-friendly threads that weave their way into our daily lives.

The History of Polyester

The story of polyester is a tale woven with innovation and practicality. It begins in a world where your favorite hoodie or trusty backpack didn’t exist–a bleak reality before polyester burst onto the scene. 

Back in the 20th century, when people were dreaming of space travel and disco balls, scientists were hard at work concocting something revolutionary. First introduced to the world in the 1940s, polyester emerged as a response to the scarcity of natural fibers during World War II.

By the 1950s, polyester became a mass-produced material, revolutionizing the textile industry and paving the way for a new era of fabric innovation and style. 

As the decades rolled on, polyester evolved from a mere fashion fad into a superstar. With the dawn of environmental awareness, the fashion industry began looking for ways to lighten its footprint, and recycled polyester emerged as a beacon of hope. 

Now, your favorite hoodie or fluffiest blanket isn’t just a cozy companion; it’s an opportunity to give back. 

Today’s world produces polyester in huge volumes in today’s world, and much of that fabric ends up in landfills. But recycled polyester is a great alternative, one that’s quickly gaining steam as a new option for manufacturers and consumers alike. 

What is Recycled Polyester?

So, what is the difference between polyester and recycled polyester? Simply put, recycled polyester is, well, recycled! These brands craft it from post-consumer plastic bottles. 

Unlike virgin polyester, which relies solely on petroleum, its recycled counterpart reduces dependence on fossil fuels, minimizes environmental impact, and diverts waste from oceans and landfills. Though there are chemicals in the recycling process, using recycled polyester poses no significant health risks. By opting for recycled polyester, you’re dressing and decorating sustainably and promoting a healthier planet and future. 

How to Care for Recycled Polyester

Keeping your recycled polyester items looking fresh and fabulous is a breeze. Here are some tips to help you keep your goodies looking great for as long as possible:

• Toss them into a gentle wash cycle with similar colors to prolong their lifespan. 
• When it’s time to dry, opt for low heat or line drying to preserve their vibrant colors and softness. 
• Iron items from this material at a low temperature to maintain their shape. 
• Consider using a laundry bag to prevent microfiber shedding. 
• As always, avoid harsh chemicals or bleach.

Whether you’re hitting the gym, strolling through the city streets, or lounging at home, taking care of your favorite recycled polyester threads is the secret to keeping them looking and feeling as good as new. 

With a little TLC, your favorite items of this material will stay vibrant and fabulous for years to come.

Our Take on Recycled Polyester

Here at DGHQ, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword–it’s our way of life. We have a commitment to crafting a better, greener future for all. 

We see recycled polyester as a great way to reduce our carbon footprint. Making the simple switch to this material over standard polyester is one thing you can do to move toward conscious consumption and environmental stewardship. 

At the end of the day, polyester is still polyester. It’s not the most sustainable material in the world, but that’s okay. We believe that doing good doesn’t mean being perfect; it’s about making intentional choices about how we live. 

So, if you’re a conscious shopper looking for sustainable and eco-friendly materials, don’t be afraid of recycled polyester. Even a single item might be enough to help you save the planet from dozens or hundreds of plastic bottles. And, especially since it’s easy to care for and get your hands on, recycled polyester is a fine choice for most circumstances. 

By opting for products crafted from recycled polyester, we ensure that fashion meets function while treading lightly on the planet. Join us in making a difference, one item item at a time.

Photo by Brian Yurasits on Unsplash