Polyester news and archive

Video: Fashion's toxic threads

Learn about the problems with using polyester and the invisible threat of microplastic fibers with The Economist. Source: Youtube, The Economist

Fashion |IN DEPTH Featured

How sustainable is recycled polyester?

About 49 percent of the world’s clothing is made of polyester and Greenpeace forecasts this percentage to nearly double by 2030, since the athleisure trend has led a growing number of consumers to be interested in stretchier, more resistant garments. But polyester is not a sustainable textile option, as it is made from polyethylene terephthalate...

Business

Epson launches direct-to-garment printer for polyester

Polyester is one of the most challenging fabrics to print on, but Japanese electronics company Epson is launching a direct-to-garment printer for companies working with 100 percent polyester apparel, such as activewear and faux leather. “To date, the direct-to-garment industry has been limited to printing on 100 percent cotton or...

Business

H&M Foundation and HKRITA to open textile recycling facilities in Hong Kong

The H&M Foundation and The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) have announced the opening of two textile recycling facilities which will put HKRITA’s hydrothermal method for recycling cotton and polyester blends to use. Blends are the most used type of textile in the world -- yet, they are still unrecyclable. “This is a...

BusinessFeatured

Greenpeace expedition finds microplastics in remote Antarctic waters

Water and snow samples collected in a recent Greenpeace expedition to the Antarctic have revealed the presence of microplastics and persistent chemicals. Their findings confirm that plastic can be found even in the most remote areas of the planet. The extensive use of polyester in the fashion industry is partially to blame for the problem:...

Fashion |INTERVIEW Featured

Blend Re:wind: A new recycling technique for cotton & polyester separation

London - A new recycling technique developed by Mistra Future Fashion could change the future of the fashion industry. Named Blend Re:wind, the chemical method separates both cotton and polyester from cotton/polyester blends which can be used again in new, high-quality products. Cotton and polyester fibres in the blended textile are separated...

Fashion Featured

G-Star Raw x Plastic Soup Foundation: 'Stop the microfiber!'

London - The fashion industry remains one of the most polluting industries on earth. However most of the damage done to the environment is linked to the manufacturing and shipping of clothing, rather than what we consumers own. But what many consumers are not aware of is the continual damage the machine washing of synthetic clothing has on our...