Polyester

Polyester is a synthetic fibre produced from polymers, most commonly polyethylene terephthalate, or PET. It is widely used in clothing, home textiles, packaging and industrial materials because it is durable, lightweight, quick-drying and resistant to shrinking, stretching and wrinkles. Polyester can be manufactured from virgin fossil-based raw materials or from recycled PET products, including plastic bottles and textile waste. Although it can be mechanically or chemically recycled, blended fabrics, dyes, coatings and contamination often complicate recovery. Polyester can also release microfibres during washing and generally breaks down very slowly in the environment.