Polyester is the world’s most common synthetic fiber, which, along with cotton, accounts for the majority of the worldwide fiber market.(1,4) Its production relies heavily on non-renewable resources such as petroleum and carbon-based fossil fuels, and it is linked with high CO2 and other greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The production process is also highly energy intensive; meaning that polyester requires considerably more energy use than cotton. On the other hand, it generally takes only a fraction of the water use required by cotton. Like other synthetic fibers, polyester is increasingly associated with microfiber pollution, specifically microplastics, that endanger marine wildlife and pose serious risks to human and environmental health.(1-5) Alternatives now include recycled polyester or bio-based polyester; however, both currently cover only a fraction of the polyester market. In addition, like conventional polyester, polyester alternatives still contribute to microfiber pollution.
POLYESTER
