Polyester and other petroleum-based fibres have revolutionised fashion, but their production and use carry significant hidden impacts on both the planet and the laborers working in poor conditions.

polyester yarn

 

The convenience and low cost of man-made fibers, particularly polyester, have made them mainstays in our closets. Yet, the environmental and human costs of these synthetic materials are often overlooked. In this story, we’ll explore five key truths about man-made fibers and five ways they unexpectedly harm the environment and workers. 

 

 

1. The Origins: Polyester and Other Synthetic Fibers Are Made from Petroleum


Man-made fibers such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic are derived from petroleum, a non-renewable fossil fuel. The process involves extracting crude oil, refining it, and then chemically transforming it into various synthetic fibers. Polyester, the most widely used man-made fiber, is created through a process known as polymerization, where ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid, both derived from petroleum, are combined to form polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the primary component of polyester. This heavy reliance on fossil fuels not only depletes finite natural resources but also ties the fashion industry to significant environmental impacts associated with oil extraction and processing.

 

 

 

2. Polyester Production Is Energy-Intensive

Producing polyester is highly energy-intensive, contributing to a large carbon footprint. Unlike natural fibers like cotton or wool, polyester requires significant energy at every stage—from extracting and refining petroleum to polymerization and fiber production. This process results in substantial greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change. With the textile industry responsible for about 10% of global carbon emissions, polyester's environmental cost highlights the urgent need for more sustainable fashion practices.

3. Polyester Is Non-Biodegradable

A major issue with polyester is its non-biodegradable nature. Unlike natural fibers, polyester can persist in the environment for hundreds of years. When discarded, polyester textiles contribute to plastic waste in landfills, and as they degrade slowly, they release microplastics into the environment. These microplastics can infiltrate water sources and the food chain, posing risks to wildlife and human health. This pollution challenges ethical fashion principles, as it contradicts the goals of sustainability and responsible clothing production.

4. The Fashion Industry’s Dependence on Polyester

Polyester dominates the fashion industry, making up over 60% of all textile fibers due to its affordability, durability, and versatility. However, this widespread use has led to overproduction, worsening its environmental impact. The fast fashion model, which drives quick clothing turnover, further increases polyester demand, resulting in more waste and environmental harm. Reducing dependence on polyester and supporting ethically made clothing are vital steps towards sustainable fashion.

5. Recycling Polyester Is Not a Perfect Solution

Recycling polyester is often seen as a solution to its environmental impact, but it has limitations. Mechanical recycling, which involves melting and re-spinning used polyester, can only be done a few times before the fiber quality degrades. While recycling uses less energy than producing new polyester, it still requires significant energy. Moreover, recycled polyester still releases microplastics during washing, contributing to ocean pollution. This underscores the need for broader sustainability strategies in fashion beyond just recycling.

 

 

Five Environmental Impacts of Polyester You Didn't Expect;


Polyester, a widely used synthetic fibre, has significant environmental consequences that often go unnoticed. Here are five critical ways polyester affects the environment, with a focus on microplastic pollution, marine ecosystems, soil contamination, greenhouse gas emissions, and toxic chemicals.

 

1. Microplastic Pollution in Oceans

Polyester garments shed tiny plastic fibres, or microfibres, each time they are washed. These microfibres are too small to be filtered out by wastewater treatment plants and eventually end up in rivers, lakes, and oceans. Marine organisms ingest these microplastics, which then enter the food chain, potentially impacting human health. Microplastics have been detected in seafood and even table salt .

2. Disruption of Marine Ecosystems

The microfibres released from polyester textiles pose a serious threat to marine ecosystems. These particles are often mistaken for food by small marine creatures, leading to ingestion and accumulation in larger animals up the food chain. This disrupts reproductive and growth rates in marine species, causing population declines and ecosystem imbalances .

 

 

3. Soil Contamination

Polyester’s environmental impact extends to soil contamination. When synthetic textiles are discarded in landfills, they release harmful chemicals and microplastics as they degrade. These contaminants can leach into groundwater, affecting plant life and entering the food chain through agriculture. Additionally, plastic waste accumulation in soil can reduce its fertility, impacting plant growth and ecosystem health .

4. Greenhouse Gas Emissions During Production

The production of polyester is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change. Extracting petroleum, refining it, and converting it into polyester is energy-intensive, primarily relying on fossil fuels. This process releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Moreover, polyester production can emit nitrous oxide, a gas with a much greater warming potential than CO2 .

5. Toxic Chemicals Released During Production and Use

Polyester production involves toxic chemicals, including antimony, a heavy metal used in polymerisation. These chemicals can contaminate air, water, and soil during manufacturing. Additionally, polyester fabrics are often treated with chemical finishes like flame retardants and water repellents, which can leach into the environment over time. These substances not only harm ecosystems but also pose health risks to humans through skin contact and inhalation .

 

Do we use Polyester in Lora Gene's collection?

Less than 1% of our clothing is made from polyester, and there's a good reason for it. We cannot pleat any natural fibre as it either burns or doesn't hold the pleat. With the industrial revolution, pleating processes were replaced by machinery that uses heating plates, which require synthetic fibres. However, we believe that pleated skirts are something you would wear for a good decade, so the design approach justifies the use of polyester. Additionally, pleated skirts are washed by hand or at very low temperatures without spin or tumble dry, so the chances of releasing microplastics are nearly eliminated.

You can browse our pleated skirts here 

 

 

Wrapping It Up: Time to Rethink Polyester


Polyester and other synthetic fibres might be everywhere, but their environmental impact is bigger than we often realise. From the energy needed to produce them to the ongoing pollution from microplastics, the real cost of these materials is much higher than the price tag on your clothesis it important to think about these effects and explore more sustainable options? Definitely yes- while the fashion industry works on these issues, our individual choices can massively reduce the demand for harmful textiles.

 

If you want to buuy less, you need to start buying better.