Recycled polyester is also known as RPET, with the “R” standing for recycled and the ”PET” for polyethylene terephthalate. It is made of recycled plastic water bottles, textile waste, and even old fishing nets.

Recycled polyester offers many advantages compared to virgin polyester fibers manufactured from the raw material. The most significant benefit is its lower environmental impact.

The innovative polyester fiber reduces greenhouse gas emissions, water, and energy consumption. It diverts plastic waste from landfills to create durable, sustainable fibers that can be used in textile fabrics. Recycled polyester gives a second life to a material that’s not biodegradable and would otherwise end up in landfill or the ocean. 8 million metric tons of plastics enter the ocean every year, on top of the estimated 150 million metric tons that currently circulate in marine environments. If we keep this pace, by 2050 there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish.

For each kilogram of recycled polyester fabric produced, up to 62% less energy and 99% less water are used compared to virgin polyester. It also reduces carbon dioxide emissions by up to 20%.

To create polyester from crude oil, the oil needs to be refined first. Then, it undergoes chemical extraction. Plastic polymers are created through polymerization. They are extruded into fibers through spinning before being spun into yarn. The virgin polyester manufacturing process consumes a lot of energy, water, and chemicals. It also releases pollutants and greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

On the other hand, recycled polyester removes the need for crude oil, refinery, and chemical extraction.

Unfortunately recycled polyester isn't biodegradable, but it can be recycled, recreated, remolded, and become brand new again to create new products, without having to use new resources.